Harvard Announces Major Financial Aid Expansion

Harvard University has announced a significant expansion of its financial aid program, offering free tuition for students from families with annual incomes of $200,000 or less, effective from the 2025-26 academic year. This initiative also provides full coverage for tuition, room, board, and other expenses for families earning $100,000 or less, whereas previously, only families earning under $85,000 qualified for free tuition. The move aligns with similar policies by other elite institutions like MIT and the University of Pennsylvania, aiming to enhance accessibility and diversity following a Supreme Court ruling against racial preferences in admissions. Harvard President Alan Garber emphasized that the policy widens the array of backgrounds and experiences at the university, fostering intellectual growth. The initiative positions Harvard as a leader in making higher education more affordable amidst national discussions on student debt and educational inequality.