By Editorial Team 
Harvard University has announced a major expansion of its financial aid program, making tuition free for families earning less than $200,000 (£154,000) per year. The new policy, set to begin in the 2025–2026 academic year, is aimed at increasing access to higher education for middle-income families.
For families earning less than $100,000 annually, Harvard will also cover additional expenses such as housing and health insurance, ensuring that financial barriers don’t stand in the way of a world-class education.
Harvard President Alan Garber highlighted the importance of expanding financial aid to create a more diverse and enriched learning environment.
“Putting Harvard within financial reach for more individuals widens the array of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives that all of our students encounter, fostering their intellectual and personal growth,” Garber said.
Garber added that the initiative will “make a Harvard College education possible for every admitted student.” The Ivy League school estimates that approximately 86% of American families will now qualify for some form of financial aid under the new plan.
The median household income in the United States was approximately $80,000 in 2023, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. With the average cost of attending a private university in the U.S. sitting at $58,000 per academic year (including living expenses), Harvard’s new policy is expected to provide significant relief to middle-income families.
Harvard joins other elite universities such as the University of Pennsylvania and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in offering free tuition to families earning under $200,000. Harvard had previously waived tuition, housing, and medical costs for families earning under $85,000.
The announcement comes at a time when the Trump administration is increasing pressure on universities over diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. Trump’s Department of Education has launched investigations into 52 universities, alleging racial bias in their educational programs and practices.
Recently, the Trump administration pulled $400 million in grants and contracts from Columbia University, citing a failure to prevent antisemitism on campus amid protests over Israel’s conflict with Gaza.
The financial aid expansion also follows the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2023 decision to overturn affirmative action policies, which aimed to increase diversity among student bodies. Since the ruling, many universities have reported a noticeable decline in racial diversity on campus.
Harvard’s decision to broaden financial support signals a commitment to making elite education more inclusive and accessible, despite ongoing political and legal challenges to DEI efforts.