The Future of Free and Discounted Tuition Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act

By Krystyl Jenkins, ACP, PHR, CFM

The cost of education has always been a concern for those who come from lower-income families. There are many who have not been able to further their education due to prohibitively high costs. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act has already had a dramatic effect on the cost of education, even though it does not fully take effect until July. It makes higher education more affordable for low-income families. Many colleges are now offering free or lower-cost tuition to those whose families meet certain requirements.

The requirements vary depending on the college, but the income scope tends to be between $60,000 and $200,000 a year. If a student’s family has an annual income within that range, they may qualify for free or reduced tuition. Some colleges include room, board, and other fees in their program discounts, while others only apply them to tuition. A few colleges restrict their programs to in-state students only.

Harvard began their program with the 2025-2026 academic year. They offer free tuition for families earning less than $200,000. Those earning less than $100,000 may have all of their expenses—including tuition, housing, and food—covered for free. MIT’s program is similar. Princeton’s program covers tuition, living expenses, housing, books, and board for students whose families earn up to $150,000. Beyond income, there are general requirements to qualify for the program. Students generally need to submit a FAFSA and meet residency, asset, and academic conditions.

Several other universities are offering similar programs: Stanford University, Yale University, University of Pennsylvania, Dartmouth College, Brown University, University of California system, University of Virginia, University of Texas System, Carnegie Mellon University, Rice University, Duke University, Brandeis University, State University of New York, and City University of New York.

These programs come on the heels of the complications and unfavorable attitudes associated with the current student loan repayment landscape. Ultimately, they increase access to education, reduce student debt, and help diversify college populations. These programs may not be sustainable due to limited funding, but for now, they offer new opportunities for those who would not normally consider attending college simply because of the cost.

Krystyl Jenkins, ACP, PHR, CFM, has been a paralegal for the last 15 years and a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) through HRCI for the last five years. She is also a Certified Family Mediator (CFM), mediating cases for the New Hampshire Commission on Human Rights, and a NALA Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP®). Krystyl holds a BS in equine science and a BS in paralegal studies.

 

 

RESOURCES

icon Categories