In March 2025, Harvard University announced the biggest expansion of its financial aid in years. Starting with the 2025–26 school year, Harvard College became tuition-free for students from families earning $200,000 a year or less, and free of nearly all costs for students from families earning $100,000 or less (ABC News).

The short answer

  • Family income $100,000 or less: Harvard covers all billed costs — tuition, housing, food, health insurance and travel. Students also receive a $2,000 grant in their first year to help with start-up costs, and another $2,000 in their junior year to help with the transition after college.
  • Family income up to $200,000: Tuition is free. Families may still pay toward housing and food, depending on their finances.
  • Above $200,000: Many families still qualify for need-based aid. Harvard says about 86% of U.S. families are eligible for some financial assistance.

Previously, Harvard's full-cost-free threshold was $85,000.

Why Harvard did it

Harvard said the change was meant to make clear that cost should not stop talented students from applying. "Putting Harvard within financial reach for more individuals widens the range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives that all of our students encounter," Harvard President Alan Garber said. Several other wealthy universities, including MIT, have adopted similar thresholds.

What happened next

Weeks after the announcement, Harvard became the main target of the Trump administration's campaign against elite universities. The administration froze or canceled more than $2 billion in federal research funding after Harvard rejected demands over its governance, admissions and campus speech. In September 2025, a federal judge ruled that the cuts violated Harvard's First Amendment rights; the administration said it would appeal. Talks on a settlement, including a reported payment of about $500 million toward workforce training programs, stalled (Boston Globe; Fox News).

The financial aid policy itself remained in place for students entering in 2026. Families should check Harvard's financial aid office for current figures, since costs and thresholds can change from year to year.

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