Tuition-Free Program FAQ

Family income is determined through Middlebury’s financial aid application process, which includes the CSS Profile, FAFSA (when applicable), and supporting tax and income documentation.

For dependent students, family income includes parent and student income. In cases of divorce, separation, or non-custodial parent situations, income from both parents will be considered according to Middlebury’s institutional methodology.

When evaluating eligibility, Middlebury reviews both taxable and untaxed income, including but not limited to:

• Wages and salaries
• Business income
• Rental income
• Child support received
• Tax-exempt interest income
• Untaxed pension contributions
• Contributions to tax-deferred retirement plans
• Certain non-taxable benefits and allowances

Students whose family income is below $175,000 and whose assets fall within a normal range for that income level may qualify for tuition-free attendance.

Assets considered in the financial aid review may include:

• Cash, checking, and savings accounts
• Investments
• College savings plans
• Equity in real estate
• Business or farm equity
• Trust assets
• Other investments or financial holdings

Middlebury generally does not consider qualified retirement assets, such as:

• 401(k) plans
• 403(b) plans
• Traditional and Roth IRAs
• Keogh plans
• Qualified pension funds

Families with assets that are significantly higher than what is typically associated with their income level may not qualify for the tuition-free benefit, even if annual income falls below $175,000.

Students may qualify if they are:

• Admitted undergraduate students at Middlebury College
• Enrolled full-time in a degree-seeking program
• Demonstrate financial need through the financial aid application process
• Have a family income below $175,000
• Have assets within Middlebury’s typical asset guidelines
• Submit all required financial aid documents by published deadlines

Eligibility is reviewed annually.

No, there is no separate application.

Students who apply for financial aid and submit all required documents will automatically be considered for the Tuition-Free Program.

Required documents generally include:

• CSS Profile
• FAFSA (for U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens)
• Parent and student tax documents
• Any additional requested documentation

No. Starting with the Class of 2031, Middlebury will introduce this new tuition-free program for incoming classes over the next four years at which time all undergraduates will have access to this initiative.

Current students will continue to receive their existing need-based financial aid awards, which already meet 100% of calculated need.

Yes. Middlebury remains committed to making a Middlebury education affordable for talented students from around the world.

International applicants who apply for financial aid will continue to be considered for Middlebury’s need-based financial aid programs. Eligibility for the Tuition-Free Program will be determined according to Middlebury’s published financial aid policies.

Students who do not apply for and receive financial assistance will not be eligible in future years.

The Tuition-Free Program may include funding from multiple sources, including:

• Middlebury institutional grant aid
• Federal Pell Grants
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)
• State grant assistance
• Outside scholarships
• Tuition benefits from employers or organizations
• Veterans’ educational benefits applied toward tuition

These sources will combine to ensure that tuition charges are fully covered for eligible students.

No. The Tuition-Free Program specifically covers tuition charges.

Housing, meals, student activity fee, transportation, and personal expenses remain part of the overall cost of attendance and are considered through Middlebury’s regular need-based financial aid process.

Many students who qualify for tuition-free attendance may also receive additional grant assistance to help cover these costs based on demonstrated financial need.

For students who receive need-based financial assistance from the College, all required books and course materials are funded by Middlebury and are obtained through the College’s bookstore at no cost to the student.

Yes. Tuition charges will continue to appear on the student account. Eligible students will see financial aid grants and scholarships applied to offset those charges, resulting in no tuition balance owed.

The program is renewable each year but is not an automatic four-year guarantee.

Eligibility is reviewed annually based on:

• Updated financial aid applications
• Continued financial need
• Family income and assets
• Full-time enrollment
• Satisfactory academic progress

Students who continue to meet the program’s requirements can expect the tuition-free benefit to continue each year, even as Middlebury tuition increases from year-to-year.

Prospective students and families are encouraged to use Middlebury’s Net Price Calculator to estimate their potential financial aid eligibility and expected family contribution before applying.

The calculator provides an estimate only; final eligibility is determined after a full review of financial aid application materials.

Yes. The Tuition-Free Program enhances, rather than replaces, Middlebury’s commitment to meeting 100% of calculated financial need with grants, loans, and work-study for enrolled students. Students who do not qualify for tuition-free attendance will continue to be considered for the full range of Middlebury need-based financial aid programs.

Middlebury reserves the right to make the final determination regarding eligibility based on the family’s overall financial circumstances and ability to contribute toward educational expenses.