Harvard to raise tuition 3.5 percent, same as '08

Harvard University plans to increase tuition by 3.5 percent to $33,696 next school year, bringing the cost of a Harvard education, including room and board, to $48,868 a year.

Harvard increased tuition by the same amount last year, ranking the 3.5 percent rise among its smallest tuition bumps in the last decade. At the same time, the university will increase need-based scholarships by 18 percent.

"Despite unprecedented economic challenges, we remain fully committed to ensuring that Harvard remains open to talented students from across the economic spectrum," Michael D. Smith, dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, said in a written statement.

The increase fits in the range of Harvard's peer institutions, which also kept tuition raises modest in light of tough economic times, Harvard president Drew Faust said yesterday. Stanford raised tuition by 3.5 percent; Princeton will go up 2.9 percent.

Faust, expecting to see more aid requests as parents lose their jobs and college investments, said Harvard will continue its 2007 financial aid initiative to help students from low- to upper-middle-income families. Families making below $60,000 pay nothing for a Harvard education. Those with incomes below $180,000 pay up to 10 percent of their income.

Harvard's estimated average financial aid package is about $41,000 for the upcoming year, reducing the average cost of a Harvard education to $11,500 for students on financial aid.

TRACY JAN