Harvard University recently announced that it will offer free tuition to students whose families earn $200,000 or less per year. The university’s president, Alan M. Garber, believes that by making Harvard more financially accessible, a wider range of backgrounds and perspectives will be represented on campus, enhancing the intellectual and personal growth of all students. In addition to free tuition, students from families earning $100,000 or less per year will also receive free housing, food, and health services. This move is aimed at ensuring that admitted students can afford their education at Harvard, with the overall goal of attracting the most promising students to the university.
The announcement from Harvard has been met with praise from Senator Bernie Sanders, who believes that more schools should follow suit in offering free tuition to working-class students. Sanders highlighted that over 100 colleges and universities now offer free tuition, and he advocates for expanding this idea to all public colleges and universities. Harvard’s expanded financial aid program is expected to make approximately 86% of families in the United States eligible for assistance, further broadening access to a Harvard education. The university’s commitment to providing every admitted undergraduate student with the resources they need to enroll and graduate underscores its dedication to fostering a diverse and inclusive learning community.
Notably, even students from families earning more than $200,000 per year will qualify for financial aid at Harvard. The average annual tuition for a Harvard student is $56,550, but when factoring in room, board, and health services, the total cost adds up to around $83,000. William R. Fitzsimmons, Harvard College’s Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid, emphasized the importance of financial aid in attracting talented students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds and experiences. Harvard has already awarded over $3.6 billion in undergraduate financial aid since launching the Harvard Financial Aid Initiative in 2004, highlighting its ongoing commitment to making higher education more accessible to all.
This move by Harvard reflects a broader shift towards making college education more affordable and accessible, especially for students from lower-income families. By eliminating financial barriers, Harvard hopes to attract a more diverse student body and create a vibrant learning community enriched by the presence and participation of students from a variety of backgrounds. The university’s emphasis on providing comprehensive financial aid packages underscores its commitment to ensuring that all admitted students have the support they need to succeed academically and graduate. As more schools follow Harvard’s lead in offering free tuition and expanded financial aid programs, the landscape of higher education in the United States may become more inclusive and equitable for all students.
Overall, Harvard’s decision to offer free tuition to students from families earning $200,000 or less per year represents a significant step towards making higher education more affordable and accessible. By extending financial aid to a wider range of students, the university aims to attract the most promising individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic background. This move has been lauded by Senator Bernie Sanders and others who advocate for expanding free tuition programs to all public colleges and universities. With an increased focus on making education more equitable, Harvard’s initiative may serve as a model for other institutions seeking to create a more diverse and inclusive learning environment.
