Emory University in Atlanta has announced a major expansion of its financial aid offerings. Beginning in the fall of 2026, the university will provide free tuition for undergraduate students whose families have an annual income of $200,000 or less.
The new initiative, named the Emory Advantage Plus program, will apply to both new and current students who meet the income criteria. This move aims to reduce the financial burden on middle-income families and make the university more accessible.
Key Takeaways
- Program Name: The initiative is called the Emory Advantage Plus program.
- Eligibility: It covers undergraduate students from families with annual incomes of $200,000 or less.
- Start Date: The program will officially launch in the fall of 2026.
- Affected Students: Both incoming and returning undergraduate students are eligible.
- Goal: To eliminate financial barriers and reduce student debt for a significant portion of the student body.
Details of the Emory Advantage Plus Initiative
Interim Emory University President Leah Ward Sears announced the significant policy change on Wednesday. The program represents a substantial investment in student affordability and is designed to attract talented students regardless of their financial background.
"Offering free tuition to every student whose family income is $200,000 or less is about leadership," Sears stated. She emphasized the university's commitment to ensuring that cost is not a prohibitive factor for qualified applicants.
"We want great students to come here without regard to the cost. And we will do everything in our power to give them a great education without the burden of crushing debt."
The plan is structured to cover the full cost of tuition, which is a major component of the overall cost of attendance. This allows students to focus on their studies without the immediate pressure of tuition fees.
Financial Impact for Students
The financial relief offered by the Emory Advantage Plus program is substantial. For the 2025-2026 academic year, the university's estimated undergraduate tuition is $67,080 annually, or $33,540 per semester. For eligible families, this entire amount will be covered by the university.
By the Numbers
- $200,000: The annual family income threshold for eligibility.
- $67,080: The estimated annual tuition for the 2025-26 school year.
- Fall 2026: The official start semester for the program.
- $1 Billion: The university's projected undergraduate financial aid commitment over the next four years.
Current students, like junior Nick Wandrick, see the immediate benefits. Wandrick, who currently relies on a music scholarship and loans, explained how the program would change his financial situation.
"I could allocate some of the scholarship money that I have towards different things like my housing, or towards a meal plan," Wandrick said. He also noted the long-term benefit, adding, "obviously, it would mean less debt for me in the future."
Building on a History of Aid
The Emory Advantage Plus program is not a new concept but rather an expansion of a long-standing commitment to financial aid. The original Emory Advantage program was established in 2007 to support students from lower-income families.
Evolution of Emory Advantage
The university's financial aid program has evolved over nearly two decades. In 2022, Emory expanded the program by replacing all need-based loans with institutional grants and scholarships in undergraduate financial aid packages. This move was a significant step toward a no-loan policy for students with demonstrated financial need. The new $200,000 income threshold is the next major phase of this initiative.
According to the university, approximately 3,100 students currently benefit from the existing Emory Advantage program. The new expansion is expected to significantly increase the number of students receiving substantial financial support.
Expanding Opportunity and Future Outlook
University leadership views this initiative as more than just a financial aid policy. They see it as a strategic move to broaden the pool of applicants and create a more diverse and inclusive student body.
"When students sit at the kitchen table with their parents to discuss college, I don’t want finances to be a consideration," Sears explained. "If they qualify to come to Emory and they want to come to Emory, we will make sure they can afford Emory."
This commitment is backed by a significant financial investment. The university projects its total undergraduate financial aid will exceed $1 billion over the next four years, demonstrating a deep institutional priority for accessibility.
Sears concluded her announcement with a forward-looking statement. "Emory Advantage Plus is more than just an expansion of a financial aid plan — it’s an expansion of opportunity, of dreams, and what’s possible at Emory," she said. "The future has never looked brighter, and this is only just the beginning."