Attention Upperclassmen
If Harvard is a college you are considering, then you would be happy to hear that an announcement made Monday informed us that families who make less than $200,000 will not have to pay tuition. Students whose families make up to $100,000 will get all expenses covered, including food and housing. This makes things a lot easier for the middle and lower class population that dream of attending Harvard.
More On The Expansion
In past school years, Harvard only offered financial aid to families who made $86,000 or less, now there is a major shift. The expansion will enable approximately 86% of US families to qualify for Harvard College’s financial aid. As claimed by the Harvard website, tuition is $59,076. After housing, food, and books, it is around $86,705. This amount of money could leave most indigent people with a big burden, hence the expansion of financial aid will assist many. This plan will take effect in the 2025-2026 academic year, the move is said to make the 388-year-old school affordable to more students than ever. Alan M Garber stated, “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.” This displays that Harvard Officials genuinely care about their students and their experiences, which is a great characteristic in a college.
Political Stance
In the announcement Harvard put out, they did not mention President Donald Trump’s role in this expansion, yet the White House has issued repeated attacks on advanced education, including funding cuts. The Republican Party has shown a lack of trust toward intellectualism, and Newest opinion polls show a growing number of Americans lack confidence in higher education. It is affirmative that this expansion was influenced by political considerations, it was based on the Supreme Court’s ruling on affirmative action, and the university’s desire to attract a diverse student body.
Statistics & Data
According to Harvard Statistics,
- 25% of Harvard families pay nothing
- 55% receive Harvard scholarship aid
These are said to have increased now that there has been a financial expansion.
Personal Statistics/Interviews
As a student at Gloucester High, I wanted to get thoughts from my peers as well. Out of the 7 people interviewed, 3 said they are thinking about Harvard, yet all of them believe this new policy is helpful. Evaliese Enriquez and Cage Bryant had similar responses to my question ‘Do you believe this new expansion is helpful.’ Which they basically both stated, “this opens a lot of opportunities for families who are less privileged.”
My Opinions: A Positive Outlook
This topic felt personal to me. As a person in the lower/middle class range, I have always dreamed of getting an education as good as Harvard. Yet my dreams have never lasted long due to the financial barrier, but this gives me hope. Now I am not saying I’m going to Harvard, but their decision to expand financial aid might influence other big colleges as well.
