Harvard College announced a major expansion of its financial aid policy starting in the 2025-26 school year. This new initiative makes tuition free for students whose families make up to $200,000 per year. Families that earn under $100,000 will have all costs covered, including tuition, housing, food, and health insurance.
Nearly 90% of families in the U.S. will now qualify for some kind of financial aid at Harvard. Right now, tuition alone is $56,500 per year, but when adding other expenses, the total cost of attendance reaches nearly $83,000. For many students, that price tag has made an Ivy League education feel unattainable.
TikTok user @hannahmattos3 says, “This is a step in the right direction.”
“It’s hard to be accepted in at any rate, but there are brilliant lower-income individuals who can change the world.”
Harvard has been expanding their financial aid for years, but this is one of their biggest changes ever. The school first launched its aid initiative in 2004, covering tuition for students from families making $40,000 or less. Since then, the income threshold has been raised multiple times. In 2007, Harvard also eliminated loans, replacing them with grants that don’t need to be repaid.
The announcement comes as more students and families question whether or not college is worth the price. With tuition costs rising across the country, elite schools like Harvard are under pressure to prove that they are accessible to more than just the wealthiest students. Of course, with its massive endowment, Harvard can afford to do this without much financial strain.
TikTok user @kirk_alt says, “I think they should factor in the state or city because a $200,000 income is so different based on location.”
This policy could change everything for students who always thought that Harvard was out of reach. Although getting accepted is still extremely competitive, paying for it might not be an unachievable dream for many families anymore. Harvard’s decision to expand their financial aid opens doors to a wider range of students and ensures that cost is no longer a deciding factor in their education.
