Harvard University announced on Monday that it will now offer free tuition to the undergraduate students whose families earn US or less $ $ or less per year.
In a press release, Harvard president Alan Mr. Garber said This decision “puts Harvard at hand for more people”.
Garber said that free tuition fees “widen the range of environments, experiences” that all students of the Ivy League school meet, “promoting their intellectual and personal growth”.
“By bringing together people of an exceptional promise to learn with each other, we really realize the enormous potential of the university,” added Garber.
Free tuition fees for families who qualify will start during the 2025-26 academic year in a move that Harvard said “to ensure that admitted students can afford their education at Harvard”.
“Our goal is to bring the most promising students to Harvard – the period,” said the school website.
Families who earn $ 100,000 or less per year will also qualify for free accommodation, food, health services and travel costs in addition to tuition fees.
Each student will also receive $ 2,000 Start subsidy During their first year, which will help pay daily expenses. They will also receive $ 2,000 launch grant During their junior year to help support the transition beyond Harvard, helping to pay the preparation of higher education tests or travel to job interviews.
Hopi Hoekstra, the dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, said that Harvard “had long been trying to open our doors to the most talented students, regardless of their financial situation”.
“This investment in financial aid aims to make possible an education of the Harvard College for each student admitted, so that they can continue their academic passions and have a positive impact on our future,” added Hoekstra.
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The press release indicates that the expansion of Harvard’s aid “will allow around 86% of American families to qualify for the financial assistance of the Harvard College”.
Harvard launched his Harvard Financial Aid Initiative in 2004, which fully covered tuition, food and housing for families with an annual income of $ 40,000 or less. It increased this number to $ 60,000 or less in 2006 and $ 85,000 or less in 2023.
Other schools have also expanded their financial assistance programs, Including the Texas University systemWho announced that it would expand its free tuition fee program for families earning $ 100,000 or less per year. THE The Massachusetts Institute of Technology also announced He would provide free tuition fees to undergraduate students whose families earn less than $ 200,000 per year in 2024.
Senator Bernie Sanders commented Harvard’s announcementWriting: “10 years ago, when I presented a bill to make colleges and free public universities, he was called” Radical “.”
“Not today. More than 100 colleges and universities now offer free tuition fees to working class students,” he added. “Now we have to extend this idea to all public colleges and universities.”
A screenshot of Bernie Sander’s post on X.
@Sensanders / X
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