Wellesley College will begin covering tuition for students from families earning under $200,000 a year starting in fall 2027, using grants through its new Tuition Promise program. The policy is designed to expand access for low- and middle-income families and follows a broader trend of colleges raising income thresholds for tuition-free programs. However, eligible students may still face up to about $26,000 in housing, food and student activity costs, meaning “free tuition” d

Maine’s public universities will begin awarding college credit for career-readiness microcredentials students earn while still in high school. Students can receive up to eight credits by demonstrating skills including financial literacy, digital literacy, entrepreneurship and leadership development. The initiative particularly targets students who may not traditionally see college as an option, allowing skills they have already mastered to become tangible progress toward high