Top Universities in US Expand Free Tuition for Middle-Income Families Earning Below $200K
Top universities now waive tuition for families earning up to $200,000.
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US colleges and universities are opening up the opportunity for more students to study with a tuition-free education for middle-income families. It has emerged following the cost of college that has reached alarming levels with student debt, and there is a pressing need for making higher education affordable.
Particularly, the focus has been on the availability of affordability to middle-class households that have incomes of between $75,000 and $200,000 a year in the United States.
This approach now can be seen from examples with great universities like MIT and Pennsylvania University, offering free tuition to families making up to $200,000 yearly.
Similarly, The Washington Post reported that other universities like Brandeis and the University of Illinois have covered full tuition for some students from families that are making less than $75,000. Public universities, including the University of Texas System and the University of Massachusetts, have also introduced tuition waivers for families with specific income thresholds.
These programs are not only student-centered but also increase college enrollment in a declining application trend, which has now reached 6%, per University Herald. The increased financial aid is being covered through endowment funds and donations. Smaller private colleges, especially in New England, are using these programs to make themselves stand out in an increasingly competitive market. With more middle-income students coming into these colleges, the hope is that they can maintain their relevance and reputation.
For most schools, financial aid has more than tripled during the past decade. Schools also streamline the process of applying for aid to help families know what they qualify for. This clarity will help reduce stress when dealing with college costs.
Families who previously felt stuck in the middle—too wealthy to qualify for aid but unable to afford tuition—are now benefiting under these changes. Experts nevertheless emphasize that these programs do not overshadow the continued need of supporting lower-income students and that by balancing resources schools are making strides toward an achievable dream of college becoming a reality for more families.
