US Universities Expand Tuition-Free Programs: Higher education in the United States is notoriously expensive, leaving many families burdened with debt or unable to afford college at all. While scholarships and grants help some students, they often cater to only a select segment of the population. Recently, a growing trend among top universities has focused on comprehensive tuition waivers aimed at making college more accessible for a broader range of students who are both deserving and in financial need.
This week, five prominent universities announced tuition-free programs designed to reduce financial barriers for undergraduates from low- and middle-income families.Spanning public and private institutions across multiple states, these initiatives underscore a nationwide push for affordability. Starting in 2025, these programs will provide significant financial relief to families, helping to ensure that cost isn’t a roadblock to higher education.
Here’s a closer look at how these programs work and what they mean for eligible students.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
MIT is expanding its already generous financial aid program. Starting next fall, students from families earning less than $200,000 annually will qualify for tuition-free education, an increase from the current threshold of $140,000.
Families earning under $100,000 will receive full financial coverage, including tuition, room and board, books, and personal expenses—essentially making MIT cost-free. Currently, 35% of MIT undergraduates pay no tuition, and this expansion is expected to benefit an even larger proportion of students.
University of Texas System
Beginning in the fall of 2025, the University of Texas (UT) System will waive tuition and mandatory fees for students from families earning $100,000 or less annually. This new policy will apply to all nine UT academic institutions, unifying the varying financial aid programs previously in place across the system.
By creating a universal income threshold, the UT System aims to provide consistent and accessible opportunities for students regardless of which campus they attend.
Carnegie Mellon University
Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is launching its CMU Pathway program in the 2025–26 academic year, offering tuition-free education to students from families earning $75,000 or less.
Additionally, families earning up to $100,000 will benefit from substantial aid, ensuring that most students within this income range can attend without taking on significant student loans. This marks CMU’s commitment to making higher education attainable for a more diverse student body.
Brandeis University
Brandeis University, a private research institution near Boston, is also stepping up its financial aid. Starting in fall 2025, undergraduates from families earning less than $75,000 will receive grants and scholarships covering their full tuition. Families earning up to $200,000 will see a 50% tuition reduction.
This initiative targets affordability while maintaining Brandeis’ commitment to fostering a supportive academic environment for students from varied economic backgrounds.
University of Massachusetts (UMass) System
The UMass System plans to enhance its existing financial aid offerings by fully covering tuition costs for high-need families earning $75,000 or less. Currently, this applies to 92% of eligible students, and the new initiative aims to close the gap for the remaining 8%.
Eligible students must be Massachusetts residents, enrolled full-time, and pursuing an on-campus undergraduate degree. The program will span all UMass campuses, including Amherst, Boston, Dartmouth, and Lowell.
Quick overview: Tuition-Free Programs at US Universities — Benefits and Eligibility
For more details, visit the official websites of the respective universities.
