The Daily Populous Thursday May 14th, 2026 morning edition
Authored by news.uchicago.edu and submitted by Unusual-State1827

Reinforcing the University of Chicago’s commitment to providing an education that is transformative and affordable, UChicago is launching an initiative that will guarantee free tuition starting in Autumn Quarter 2027 for undergraduate students from families that have annual income less than $250,000, with typical assets. The College will also provide free housing and meals and other fees for students from families with income less than $125,000, with typical assets.

The announcement is an affirmation of the University’s core belief that costs should not prevent a student from joining UChicago’s community of extraordinary scholars.

Since its founding in 1890, UChicago has been defined by distinctive principles, including a commitment to free expression and rigorous inquiry, the power of education to improve lives, and the importance of bringing together students with a cross-section of life perspectives. Defined by the influential Core curriculum, a UChicago education teaches students how to think, not what to think. The breadth of the student experience at UChicago includes wide-ranging study abroad programs, hundreds of recognized student organizations, research opportunities with world-class faculty, and a campus culture that fosters fearless questioning and discussion across differences. UChicago is continuing to build on these strengths and expand opportunities and financial support for middle-income families, first-generation students, families in rural communities, and those committed to public service, preparing all students to become leaders, thinkers, and innovators in the fields of their choice.

UChicago is a national leader in preparing College students for success after graduation, showing the deep value of a UChicago education. The College connects undergraduates with more than 5,000 paid internships annually—far more than most peers—and 99% of students complete a substantive internship or research experience during their time in the College. Among Class of 2025 students, 98% received offers for employment, graduate school, and other post-college opportunities.

“The University of Chicago is proud to sponsor a learning environment characterized by intellectual curiosity, ambition, and rigor, to shape the next generation of great thinkers whose ideas will benefit the American people and the broader world,” said President Paul Alivisatos. “By deepening our commitment to affordability, we are helping to ensure that the brightest minds can join us.”

Lonely_Noyaaa on May 13rd, 2026 at 23:21 UTC »

> The average financial aid package for undergraduate students at UChicago is more than $75,000.

That's more than some families make in a year. Pair that with paid internships for 99% of students and you're looking at a real path out of poverty and not just a sticker price discount.

MightyIrish on May 13rd, 2026 at 21:12 UTC »

Nearby Notre Dame also announced free under $150,000 income

https://news.nd.edu/news/notre-dame-announces-that-families-with-incomes-under-150-000-will-pay-zero-tuition/

gordonpamsey on May 13rd, 2026 at 20:56 UTC »

I know a lot of University were going this direction before but it's interesting as a byproduct of Trump's literal insanity, that it has seemingly speed up the adoption of these policies from universities with large endowments.