In a major move to expand access to higher education, Harvard University announced that it will offer free tuition to students whose families earn $200,000 or less each year. The college believes that by taking this decision, more students will be able to take advantage of its prestigious education.
The Expanded Financial Aid Program
Even greater benefits will accrue to students from families earning less than $100,000 annually, including:
- Free housing
- Meal plans
- Health care services
Harvard launched this initiative under the Harvard Financial Aid Initiative (HFAI), established in 2004, to strengthen its commitment to supporting students in need. Since its inception, Harvard has awarded over $3.6 billion in undergraduate financial aid.
Harvard’s Dedication to Fair Access
The decision, according to Harvard University President Alan M. Garber, “widens the array of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives that all of our students encounter.”
This view was shared by William R. Fitzsimmons, dean of admissions and financial aid, who highlighted how Harvard’s financial assistance program makes sure that “students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds” feel supported and accepted.
Who Is Eligible for Free Tuition at Harvard?
- Tuition is free for families making $200,000 or less.
- Families making $100,000 or less are eligible for free health care, housing, food, and tuition.
- Families with incomes exceeding $200,000 may qualify for financial assistance depending on their specific situation.
At Harvard, the average annual tuition is about $56,550, plus extra expenses for housing and board, for a total of almost $83,000. Under this new initiative, 86% of American families could now qualify for Harvard free tuition.
An Appeal for More Comprehensive Change
Discussions around accessibility in higher education have also been triggered by the ruling.Senator Bernie Sanders commended the effort and urged other organizations to do the same. Citing more than 100 institutions that have implemented such schemes, he said that all public colleges and universities need to provide free tuition.
To sum up
The expansion of the financial aid program at Harvard is a significant step toward advancing fairness in higher education. With tuition free for the majority of American families, children from all backgrounds now have more opportunities to succeed academically at one of the most renowned universities in the world.
Source: Fox News