MIT, a prestigious university based in Cambridge, has announced a groundbreaking initiative to provide tuition-free education to the majority of its incoming undergraduate students. Starting in the 2025–2026 academic year, undergraduates from families earning less than $200,000 annually with typical assets will be eligible for this program.
The university’s expanded financial aid program aims to increase accessibility for a wider range of students by raising current aid eligibility thresholds. Families with total incomes below $100,000 with typical assets will not be required to contribute towards their student’s MIT education, covering expenses such as tuition, housing, dining, fees, and allowances for books and personal expenses.
MIT President Sally Kornbluth emphasized the importance of making education affordable and accessible to talented students regardless of their financial circumstances. The university does not require students on financial aid to take out loans and does not offer preferential treatment to children of alumni or donors.
This move aligns with recent initiatives by other prestigious American universities, such as Cooper Union and Johns Hopkins University, that have introduced programs to reduce or eliminate tuition costs for a significant portion of their undergraduate students.
Overall, MIT’s decision to provide tuition-free education for a large percentage of incoming undergraduates reflects a commitment to making its rigorous science and engineering-focused education accessible to a diverse student body. This initiative will have a positive impact on students’ ability to pursue higher education without financial barriers.
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