Four prominent universities announced new or expanded tuition-free programs for low- and middle-income students this week. These programs, designed to increase accessibility and affordability, extend the reach of financial aid and reflect broader efforts to address the rising cost of higher education.
Brandeis University introduced The Brandeis Commitment, starting in fall 2025, which will fully cover tuition for students from families earning less than $75,000 and cover half the tuition costs for those earning up to $200,000. Despite financial challenges, the program underscores the university’s focus on providing accessible education to talented students from diverse economic backgrounds.
Carnegie Mellon University plans to launch the CMU Pathway Program in the 2025-26 academic year. The initiative will cover tuition for students from families earning under $75,000 and eliminate the need for federal student loans for those with incomes below $100,000. Designed to benefit both incoming and returning students, the program reflects the university’s goal of fostering an inclusive environment where financial barriers do not impede academic success.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) announced that undergraduates from families earning less than $200,000 annually will qualify for tuition-free education starting in fall 2025. Families with incomes under $100,000 will also see housing, dining, and other expenses fully covered. This marks a substantial increase from the current $140,000 tuition-free threshold. The university emphasized its commitment to making its rigorous education accessible to a broader range of students while enhancing financial support to meet growing needs.
The University of Texas System will extend free tuition and fees to undergraduates from Texas families earning $100,000 or less, starting next fall. Eligible students must be Texas residents enrolled full-time and must apply for state and federal financial aid. The program builds on a prior initiative launched in 2019, which provided similar support for families earning up to $65,000. The new expansion is backed by $35 million in funding and is part of a long-term strategy to improve affordability while maintaining low levels of student debt.
Collectively, these initiatives represent a significant step toward reducing financial barriers in higher education and reflect a broader movement among institutions to prioritize accessibility and equity.
