Harvard University remains one of the top global destinations for students seeking world-class education. Despite its prestige, Harvard is deeply committed to affordability: almost 55% of undergraduates receive need‑based aid, and about 25% pay nothing at all based on income and family situation.
What Kind of Financial Aid Does Harvard Offer?
Harvard provides various forms of support:
- Need‑based scholarships (grants) that never need to be repaid and can fully cover tuition, room, and board depending on financial need.
- Student employment opportunities through work-study programs—typically about 10–12 hours/week.
- Loans are optional; packages are designed so most students graduate debt‑free.
Harvard does not offer merit‑based or athletic scholarships. All aid is based on financial need, evaluated carefully through your family’s income, assets, and expenses.
Who Is Eligible (and How Much Can You Get)?
- U.S. and international students are both eligible for need-based aid.
- Families with annual income below ~$85,000 often qualify for full coverage with no parent contribution.
- Those earning up to ~$150,000 may contribute between 0% and 10% on a sliding scale.
Undergraduate awards typically encompass tuition, fees, and basic living costs. Additional outside scholarships or grants are integrated into your total aid package.
How It Works: The Aid Process at a Glance
- Submit your college application via the Common App or Coalition App.
- Complete the CSS Profile and, if you’re a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, the FAFSA.
- Harvard calculates your aid package based on demonstrated need—no separate financial aid application is needed in most cases.
Your aid mix may include grants, student jobs, and possibly loans if requested—though loans are never required.
Aid Types Explained
| Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Harvard Grant (Scholarship) | Covers 100% of demonstrated need; funds from endowment and alumni gifts |
| Federal Grants | U.S. students may get Pell Grants or SEOG based on FAFSA results |
| Student Employment | Work-study subsidized jobs around campus, about 10–12 hours/week |
| Harvard Loan (Optional) | Need-based loan at low fixed interest (~4%), repaid over 10 years—deferred until after graduation |
Planning Early: Tips Before College
- Consider part-time jobs in high school—whether tutoring, babysitting, or retail. Not only do they earn you money, but they also demonstrate initiative and responsibility.
- Apply for local or regional scholarships, even small ones ($100–$500). They accumulate and often strengthen your application profile.
- Request application fee waivers—Harvard and other schools accept fee waiver letters or SAT/ACT fee waiver documentation without penalizing your application.
Why It Matters: Beyond Money
Scholarships and financial aid aren’t just about covering costs. Many include:
- Networking events
- Professional development workshops
- Community-building opportunities
These can be transformative: experiences like leadership forums, service trips, or exclusive scholarship cohorts enhance your personal and academic growth—and often last a lifetime.
Harvard Scholarships for Non‑U.S. Applicants & External Awards
- International students are automatically considered for Harvard aid via financial documentation at admission.
- Additionally, students can pursue external scholarships—such as the Kennedy Scholarships if you’re from the UK—which cover tuition at Harvard or MIT and living costs, with applications opening each year around August.
- Other third-party awards like the Fulbright Program, Aga Khan Scholars, or Quad Fellowships may also be applicable depending on your background.
Timeline: What Happens and When
- Freshman/Sophomore (High School): Begin saving money, applying for local scholarships, and building extracurriculars.
- Junior Year: Aim for part-time work, SAT/ACT prep, and searching external scholarships.
- Senior Fall: Complete college and aid applications. Harvard typically reviews both together.
- Admitted Students: Receive your aid award letter detailing grants, work expectations, and any optional loans.
Final Thoughts
Harvard’s financial aid model is designed so that need—not wealth—determines affordability. Families earning modest to moderate incomes may attend for little to no out-of-pocket cost. The process is holistic and inclusive, offering not only financial support but also rich community engagement and leadership opportunities.