CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Harvard University announced Monday, March 17, that Harvard College will be free for students from families earning $100,000 or less and tuition-free for those from families earning $200,000 or less. The expansion, starting in the 2025-26 academic year, aims to make Harvard more accessible to middle-income families, including those in Southern Maryland who may have previously thought an Ivy League education was out of reach.
Key highlights:
- Full coverage: Students from families earning $100,000 or less will have all billed expenses covered, including tuition, food, housing, health insurance, and travel.
- Tuition-free education: Students from families earning $200,000 or less will receive free tuition and additional financial aid based on need.
- Financial aid expansion: Approximately 86% of U.S. families will qualify for Harvard’s financial aid program.
- Additional support: Eligible students will receive a $2,000 startup grant in their first year and a $2,000 launch grant during their junior year.
“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,” said Harvard President Alan M. Garber.
The financial aid expansion builds on the Harvard Financial Aid Initiative, launched in 2004. Over the years, the income threshold for full coverage has increased from $40,000 in 2004 to $85,000 in 2023. Harvard eliminated loans in 2007, replacing them with grants.
“Our financial aid is critical to ensuring that these students know Harvard College is a place where they can be part of a vibrant learning community strengthened by their presence and participation,” said William R. Fitzsimmons, Harvard College’s dean of admissions and financial aid.
Harvard has awarded more than $3.6 billion in undergraduate financial aid since 2004. The financial aid budget for 2025-26 is $275 million, with 55% of undergraduates currently receiving aid. Families receiving financial aid paid an average of $15,700 for the 2023-24 academic year.
“Our team works closely with each student to ensure full inclusion in the Harvard experience,” said Griffin Director of Financial Aid Jake Kaufmann. “The financial aid program is designed so that Harvard students can study, train, research, create, and fully engage in the Harvard experience with minimal constraints.”
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