Tuition-Free Education For Families With Incomes Up to 0K Set to Start in Fall 2026

Emory University Launches Emory Advantage Plus Program for Tuition-Free Education

In a notable advancement toward increasing accessibility in higher education, Emory University, located in Atlanta, is set to launch the Emory Advantage Plus program beginning in the fall of 2026. The new initiative will provide free tuition to students from families with an annual income of 0,000 or less. This program underscores the university’s commitment to making education accessible and alleviating financial barriers for prospective students.

Interim President Leah Ward Sears detailed the initiative in a press release on September 17, 2025. Under the new program, both new and returning students will be automatically considered for need-based financial aid, ensuring that the financial demands of attending college will not deter qualified candidates from pursuing an education at Emory.

“Offering free tuition to every student whose family income is 0,000 or less is about leadership,” stated Sears. She emphasized the desire for talented students to attend Emory without the looming burden of overwhelming debt. The institution aims to provide a fulfilling educational experience that is financially feasible for all eligible students.

Historically, Emory has demonstrated a commitment to financial aid through the original Emory Advantage program, initiated in 2007, which focused on supporting students from lower-income families. In 2022, the program evolved to remove need-based loans from financial aid packages, substituting them with institutional grants and scholarships. This latest expansion, introducing Emory Advantage Plus, is projected to exceed billion in aid over the next four years.

Current statistics reveal that nearly 1,050 undergraduates at Emory are residents of Georgia, while approximately 40% of the undergraduate population benefits from support through existing financial aid programs. Presently, 60% of students receive scholarships that cover or surpass tuition costs, a figure anticipated to rise to 80% with the incorporation of Emory Advantage Plus.

Sears remarked, “When students sit at the kitchen table with their parents to discuss college, I don’t want finances to be a consideration. If they qualify to come to Emory and they want to come to Emory, we will make sure they can afford Emory.” To be eligible for the Emory Advantage Plus program, undergraduate students and their families must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the College Scholarship Service Profile.

A Shift in Higher Education Financial Aid Philosophies

The launch of the Emory Advantage Plus program positions Emory University alongside prestigious institutions like Harvard University, which announced its own tuition-free program for students from families earning 0,000 or less earlier this year. Beginning with the 2025-2026 academic year, Harvard will cover not only tuition but also housing, meals, health insurance, and travel for eligible students.

As outlined by William R. Fitzsimmons, Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid at Harvard, the aim is to ensure that talented students from various socioeconomic backgrounds can fully participate in a vibrant academic community.

As institutions continue to explore innovative financial aid solutions, Emory’s ambitious initiative represents a significant shift toward inclusivity in higher education, promising a transformative impact on the lives of many students and their families.