Harvard University announced on Monday that it will offer free tuition to undergraduate students from families earning less than $200,000 per year. Additionally, the university will cover health insurance, housing, and other expenses for students from families earning under $100,000.
This initiative will take effect in the 2025-26 academic year, according to a statement from the university.
Previously, Harvard provided free tuition for students from families earning less than $85,000 annually, but the new offer is aimed at making the institution more accessible to a broader range of students, particularly those from middle-income families.
For the 2024-25 academic year, tuition and fees at Harvard College, including housing and food, totaled more than $82,000, according to the university’s website.
This move could help Harvard address a decline in racial diversity within its student body, which has occurred since the US Supreme Court ruled in June 2023 against using affirmative action for admitting more students of color.
Harvard University President Alan Garber stated, “Making Harvard financially accessible to more individuals expands the range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives that all our students encounter, supporting their intellectual and personal development.”
Since taking office in January, President Donald Trump has issued executive orders to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at universities, urging institutions to find new ways to retain students from diverse racial and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Harvard’s new offer, which mirrors similar actions at other prestigious universities, will allow about 86% of U.S. families to qualify for financial aid, the university said.
According to the U.S. Census, the median household income in the U.S. was $80,610 in 2023.
