Harvard, MIT, and University of Texas Offer Free Tuition for Middle-Income Families
In a major push to make higher education more accessible, top U.S. universities – Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and the University of Texas (UT) System – have announced free tuition programs for students from middle-income families.
Harvard University’s Expanded Financial Aid
Starting in the 2025-26 academic year, Harvard will waive tuition fees for students from families earning up to $200,000 annually. This marks a significant increase from its previous threshold of $85,000.
Students from families earning $100,000 or less will have all their expenses covered, including:
- Tuition fees
- Housing and meals
- Health insurance
- Travel costs
Additionally, eligible students will receive:
- A $2,000 start-up grant in their first year
- A $2,000 launch grant in their junior year to assist with post-graduation expenses
MIT’s Increased Tuition-Free Threshold
MIT has also raised its income threshold for tuition-free education. Previously set at $140,000, the new limit is now $200,000.
For families earning less than $100,000, MIT will cover:
- Tuition
- Room and board
- Books and personal expenses
University of Texas System’s Tuition Waiver
The University of Texas (UT) System offers tuition waivers for students from families earning up to $100,000 annually. This program is designed to reduce the financial burden on middle-income families and make higher education more accessible.
Impact on Middle-Income Students
These initiatives reflect a broader movement by elite universities to bridge the financial gap for middle-income families. By reducing or eliminating tuition costs, these institutions aim to:
- Improve access to top-tier education
- Reduce student debt burdens
- Encourage more students to pursue higher education without financial constraints
These programs are expected to benefit thousands of students and make prestigious universities more accessible to talented individuals, regardless of their financial background.
