Harvard Offers Free Education for Families Earning Below ₹1.73 Crore:The policy, set to take effect in the 2025-26 academic year, will allow 86% of US families to qualify for financial aid from Harvard University.
Harvard University has announced it will make tuition free for families earning less than $200,000 (Rs 1.73 crore) a year, a major expansion of its financial aid program aimed at easing the burden on middle-income families.
For those earning under $100,000 (Rs 87 lakh), Harvard will go even further, covering housing and health insurance costs as well. The policy, set to take effect in the 2025-26 academic year, will allow roughly 86 percent of US families to qualify for financial aid at the Ivy League school.
Harvard President Alan Garber framed the move as a way to expand access and diversity. “Putting Harvard within financial reach for more individuals widens the array of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives that all of our students encounter, fostering their intellectual and personal growth,” he said, as quoted by BBC.
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Currently, the university fully covers tuition, housing, and food costs for students from families earning $85,000 or less annually.
However, according to US census, real median household income was $80,610 in 2023.
The announcement comes as the Trump administration ramps up scrutiny of university funding, targeting institutions over diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
The Department of Education is investigating 52 universities for alleged “racial preferences” in education, and Trump has already pulled $400 million in grants and contracts from Columbia University over accusations it failed to curb antisemitism on campus.
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With the cost of private universities averaging $58,000 per year, according to the Education Data Initiative, Harvard’s move aligns with similar tuition-free policies at the University of Pennsylvania and MIT. It also follows last year’s Supreme Court ruling that overturned affirmative action, leading to a decline in racial diversity at universities nationwide.
What Is Harvard’s Free Tuition Program?
Harvard University has long been known for its generous financial aid program, but with this latest update, the institution is making its education even more affordable.
🔹Under this scheme, students from families earning $85,000 (₹1.73 crore) or less per year will have their tuition fees fully covered.
🔹Previously, this benefit was available only to families earning $75,000, but Harvard has now raised the income threshold to support more students.
🔹The financial aid package may also include support for housing, meals, and other expenses, depending on the student’s need.
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Who Is Eligible for Harvard’s Free Tuition?
To qualify for Harvard’s full-tuition financial aid, students must meet the following criteria:
✅ Family Income: The family’s annual income must be $85,000 (₹1.73 crore) or less.
✅ Academic Excellence: Harvard has a highly competitive admissions process, so students must have outstanding academic records and achievements.
✅ Admission to Harvard: Students must be admitted to Harvard University through the regular application process.
✅ Financial Need-Based Aid: Harvard determines aid eligibility based on family income, assets, and other financial factors.
Note: Even students from families earning above $85,000 can receive partial financial aid based on their specific circumstances!
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How to Apply for Harvard Financial Aid?
Applying for Harvard’s financial aid is a simple process:
✅ Step 1: Apply for admission to Harvard University via the official website – https://college.harvard.edu
✅ Step 2: Submit the required financial aid forms, including the FAFSA (for U.S. students) and CSS Profile (for international students).
✅ Step 3: Provide documents like family income proof, tax returns, and bank statements.
✅ Step 4: Harvard’s financial aid office will assess your application and notify you of the aid amount.
Tip: Harvard does not require students to take loans – all aid is provided as grants, meaning you don’t have to repay it!
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Why This Matters for Indian Students?
This initiative is great news for Indian students aspiring to study at Harvard. Many talented students hesitate to apply due to the high tuition fees, but this program ensures that financial constraints won’t hold them back.
✔️ Top-Quality Education – Harvard consistently ranks among the best universities in the world.
✔️ No Loan Burden – The financial aid is given as a grant, meaning no student debt.
✔️ More Inclusive Admissions – Students from middle-class and upper-middle-class families now have better access to Harvard.
✔️ Increased Global Opportunities – A Harvard degree opens doors to top jobs and research opportunities worldwide.
Final Thoughts – A Game-Changer for Higher Education!
Harvard University’s decision to expand its free tuition program is a huge step toward making world-class education accessible to more students. If you have the talent and ambition, don’t let finances stop you – start preparing your application today!
