Harvard University

Harvard University, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is considered one of the most prestigious in the United States.

History

2025

Trump canceled $2.2 billion in state grants for Harvard University

On April 14, 2025, the US authorities announced the freezing of more than $2.2 billion in federal funding for Harvard University. This decision is connected with the refusal of the university to fulfill the requirements of the administration of American President Donald Trump.

In a letter dated April 11, 2025, the Trump administration called on Harvard University to reform governance and leadership, as well as to change admission policies. In addition, the authorities demanded an audit of the educational corps and faculty for their views on diversity.

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Фото: Unsplash

The Department's Anti-Semitism Task Force formations USA accused the institution of having "the disturbing mindset that is common to the nation's most prestigious universities and colleges - that federal investment is not accompanied by a responsibility to enforce civil rights laws." In connection with the refusal of Harvard University to comply with President Trump's instructions, more than $2.2 billion in grants and $60 million in contracts were frozen.

At the same time, Harvard President Alan Garber said that the university would not obey government requirements. According to him, the university has already carried out extensive reforms to combat anti-Semitism. Garber argues that many of the government's demands are not about anti-Semitism, but an attempt to regulate "intellectual conditions."

The university will not relinquish its independence or its constitutional rights. No government - no matter which party is in power - should dictate what private universities can teach, who they can accept and hire, and what areas of science and research they can specialize in, said Garber, quoted by Assosiated Press.[1]

Harvard tuition will be free for families with incomes up to $200,000

The new program starts in the 2025-2026 school year and will help approximately 86% of U.S. families qualify for Harvard College financial aid.

At this time, university tuition is free for families with incomes up to $85,000 per year.

Harvard costs about $57,000 a year, with more than half of students receiving financial aid.

2013: Withdrawal of 60 students due to write-off

On February 2, 2013, it became known that about 60 students were expelled from Harvard University after a scandal related to mass write-offs during exams. It is reported by AFP. Another approximately the same number of students suffered "other punishments" (which ones are not reported)^[2].

The scandal became public in August 2012 when it was revealed that 125 students had assisted each other in their last exam. The university reported that students "could improperly prepare answers together or use the preparations of their comrades."

Harvard President Drew Faust said then that such behavior is "an absolutely unacceptable practice that violates the traditions of intellectual search for which the university is famous."

The write-off took place on the exam following the results of listening to the course "Fundamentals of the Work of Congress." This course is considered one of the easiest at the university, and a significant number of students tend to receive higher grades for it. The course teachers did not even oblige them to attend lectures and seminars on the subject.

On average, in 2013, students paid about 63 thousand dollars per year of study at the university.

1988

Future U.S. President Barack Obama while attending Harvard University, 1988

Notes