- By Sarju Saran Tiwari
- Wed, 19 Mar 2025 11:01 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Harvard University Free Tuition: Harvard University will offer free tuition to every family making under $200,000 per year at the beginning of the academic year 2025-26. This move is meant to ease the financial burden on middle-income families and encourage more open access to an elite educational experience.
Harvard’s Financial Aid Expansion: Who Qualifies?
Harvard’s new policy targets U.S. families across different income levels:
Families earning $100,000 or less: Full coverage of tuition, housing, food, fees, health insurance, and travel. Additionally, students receive a $2,000 grant in their first year and another $2,000 in their junior year.
Families earning between $100,000 and $200,000: Tuition is fully covered; additional aid for housing and other costs depends on financial circumstances.
Families earning above $200,000: Financial aid may still be available but is not guaranteed.
However, this policy applies exclusively to U.S. citizens and residents. International students, including Indian applicants, remain eligible for need-based financial aid under Harvard’s standard policies but are excluded from this specific tuition-free initiative.
Harvard's Financial Aid Evolution: Historical Context
Harvard has consistently expanded its financial aid thresholds over the years:
| Year | Income Threshold (Full Coverage) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | $40,000 | Launched Harvard Financial Aid Initiative (HFAI) |
| 2012 | $65,000 | Increased accessibility for middle-income families |
| 2023 | $85,000 | Full coverage for low-income families; added grants |
| 2025 | $200,000 | Tuition-free for most U.S. families |
This expansion aligns with Harvard’s mission to make education accessible regardless of socioeconomic background.
Harvard University Free Tuition: Steps to Check Your Eligibility and Apply
For students wondering about their eligibility or seeking financial aid at Harvard:
Visit the Official Website: Go to college.harvard.edu or use Harvard’s Net Price Calculator.
Determine Need: Submit your family’s income details and other financial information.
Apply for Aid: International students can apply through standard need-based processes.
Review Aid Package: Harvard will evaluate your demonstrated need and provide customized support.
While Indian families may not qualify for the tuition-free policy under the new U.S.-specific guidelines, they can still benefit from Harvard’s robust need-based aid system designed to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need
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