Harvard University announced Monday it will be expanding free tuition to more students, a move adopted by other schools since the Supreme Court ruled affirmative action could no longer be used in college admissions.
Harvard said students from families making less than $200,000 a year will not be charged for tuition, expanding on a previous decision to make the school completely free, covering tuition, housing and other costs, for those coming from families making less than $100,000 a year.
“Harvard has long sought to open our doors to the most talented students, no matter their financial circumstances,” said Faculty of Arts and Sciences Dean Hoekstra.
“This investment in financial aid aims to make a Harvard College education possible for every admitted student, so they can pursue their academic passions and positively impact our future,” he added.
The policy will begin at the start of the 2025-2026 academic year.
Those from families that make more than $200,000 a year can still qualify for tailored finanical aid.
Other elite schools including the University of Pennsylvania and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have also sought to expand their financial aid offerings as a way to maintain or increase diversity in the wake of the Supreme Court’s affirmative action ruling.
“We know the most talented students come from different socioeconomic backgrounds and experiences, from every state and around the globe,” said William Fitzsimmons, Harvard College’s dean of admissions and financial aid. “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.”
