No, the money didn't come from taxpayers. If Harvard didn't give free tuition, it wouldn't increase the federal budget at all. Additionally, charitable giving

No, the money didn't come from taxpayers. If Harvard didn't give free tuition, it wouldn't increase the federal budget at all. Additionally, charitable giving is incredibly consistent (around 2% of GDP). [0] If people didn't donate to Harvard, they would probably donate elsewhere. I think you really have to stretch it to make this at the cost of taxpayers. [0] https://philanthropy.com/article/The-Stubborn-2-Giving-Rate/154691 https://philanthropy.com/article/The-Stubborn-2-Giving-Rate/...