Harvard Announces Free Tuition and Housing for Families Earning Under $100K

Expanded Financial Aid Tiers for 2025-2026

University President Alan Garber stated in a release that the initiative aims to widen the array of backgrounds and perspectives on campus by making a degree financially reachable for more individuals.

Under the new policy, families earning $100,000 or less will pay nothing toward billed expenses. Financial aid will cover tuition, mandatory fees, housing, and food, alongside additional support including a $2,000 start-up grant for first-year students, health insurance coverage if needed, travel costs between campus and home, winter gear, and a $2,000 launch grant in junior year to help prepare for post-graduation life. For families with annual incomes between $100,000 and $200,000, students will receive free tuition, with additional financial aid covering housing, food, and fees based on individual circumstances. Families earning above $200,000 will continue to qualify for tailored financial aid depending on their specific financial situations.

Rising Costs and Industry-Wide Shifts

Harvard’s policy adjustment arrives during an unprecedented period of soaring expenses in higher education, with several private New England colleges approaching the $90,000 annual mark for tuition, room, and board. Faculty of Arts and Sciences Dean Hoekstra noted that the investment seeks to ensure every admitted student can pursue their academic passions regardless of financial background.

Harvard’s announcement follows similar tuition-relief measures enacted by peer institutions in the region. In November, MIT announced that undergraduates from families with incomes below $200,000 can attend tuition-free starting in the fall, while those with incomes under $100,000 pay nothing toward the full cost of education, including housing, dining, books, and personal expenses. Similarly, Saint Anselm College introduced a program allowing New Hampshire students with a family income of $100,000 or less and a GPA of 3.25 or higher to attend tuition-free.

Eligibility Reach and Institutional Commitment

With these adjustments, Harvard officials estimate that approximately 86 percent of families in the United States will now qualify for financial aid at the university. The program is designed to extend the institution’s commitment to providing admitted undergraduates with the resources required to enroll, persist, and graduate. Financial aid staff will continue to work individually with families above the $200,000 threshold to determine tailored aid packages based on unique financial needs.