The University of Chicago announced it will guarantee free undergraduate tuition starting in autumn 2027 for students from families earning less than $250,000 annually with typical assets, sharply expanding aid for middle-income households.
Families earning under $125,000 will also receive free housing, meals, and mandatory fees. The prior policy covered tuition only for households below $125,000 and full cost of attendance below $60,000. University officials said the initiative aims to simplify financial aid and improve predictability for applicants.
UChicago spends more than $225 million annually on undergraduate aid, with average packages exceeding $75,000. The announcement follows similar moves by Harvard, Yale, Johns Hopkins, MIT, Columbia, and Northwestern, which offers free tuition to most families earning under $150,000.
James Nondorf, vice president for enrollment, said the program responds to families uncertain about college costs. Applications for autumn 2027 admissions open later this year, with the new policy applying to incoming students that term.
The university said its commitment to meet full demonstrated financial need with loan-free aid continues for all admitted students. Typical assets under the policy can include modest savings and a primary residence. Peer institutions have raised free-tuition thresholds in recent years as competition for high-achieving applicants intensifies. The announcement was made May 13, 2026, with coverage in national education media.
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Sources:
https://dailycuratednews.substack.com/p/news-headlines-may-22-2026