Harvard announced a major expansion of its financial aid program, offering free tuition to students from families earning $200,000 or less annually, starting in the 2025-26 academic year.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Full tuition coverage for families earning $200,000 or less annually
• Complete financial support (tuition, housing, books, and expenses) for families earning under $100,000
• $2,000 start-up grant in first year
• Additional $2,000 grant in junior year for transition support

This expansion significantly increases the previous aid threshold of $85,000, making Harvard's $53 billion endowment work harder to ensure talented students aren't limited by financial constraints.

Remaining Costs:

• Housing and food (~$26,000/year) for families earning over $100,000
• Books and personal expenses
• Travel costs for non-local students

Comparison with Other Ivy League Schools:

• Princeton: Free tuition for families under $100,000
• Yale: Full-need aid without loans
• Stanford: Covers tuition for families up to $150,000

Impact for Prospective Students:

• Increased accessibility for middle-income families
• No student loans (replaced with grants since 2007)
• Greater economic diversity in student body

This initiative represents a significant step toward making elite education more accessible, potentially eliminating the burden of tuition costs for thousands of qualified students. For families concerned about college affordability, Harvard's expanded financial aid program offers a path to world-class education without substantial debt.

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