- Free tuition for families earning under $200,000
- The policy, will make Harvard affordable for 86% of U.S
- Policy comes amid Trump’s push against DEI programs
Harvard University has announced that it will eliminate tuition fees for families earning less than $200,000 (£154,000) annually.
For families with incomes under $100,000, the university will also cover additional costs such as housing and health insurance. This move is designed to make Harvard more financially accessible to middle-income families, especially in light of the Trump administration’s scrutiny of university funding and its efforts to reduce diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.
Harvard President Alan Garber explained, “Making Harvard financially accessible to more individuals broadens the range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives our students encounter, enriching their intellectual and personal development.” He added that the new policy, which will take effect in the 2025-2026 academic year, will ensure that a Harvard College education is within reach for every admitted student.
Harvard’s initiative is expected to help approximately 86% of U.S. families qualify for financial aid. According to the U.S. Census, the median household income in the U.S. was $80,000 in 2023.
Several other prestigious U.S. universities, such as the University of Pennsylvania and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, have made similar moves in recent years, offering free tuition for families earning under $200,000.
Previously, Harvard had made all university expenses, including housing and healthcare, free for families earning under $85,000. According to the Education Data Initiative, the average cost of attending a private university in the U.S. for on-campus students is $58,000 per year, more than double what it was in 2001.
These expanded financial aid measures come amid the Trump administration’s efforts to reduce funding for universities involved in DEI initiatives. The Department of Education has launched investigations into 52 universities for allegedly promoting racial preferences and stereotypes in educational activities. Additionally, the administration has already withheld $400 million in grants from Columbia University, accusing the Ivy League school of failing to prevent antisemitism amid protests over the Israel-Gaza conflict.
The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision last year to overturn affirmative action, which had helped disadvantaged groups overcome discrimination in admissions, has also led to a reported decline in racial diversity at universities across the country.
