# How Aid Works

**Source**: https://college.harvard.edu/financial-aid/how-aid-works

## Overview

### By The Numbers

#### Statistics

- $
  13
  13
  K

  Average Parent Contribution
- 25
  25
  %

  Of Harvard Families Pay Nothing
- 100
  100
  %

  Of Demonstrated Financial Need is Met

## Our Principles

### You Can Afford Harvard

We know that paying for college is a big concern for many families, and we’re committed to making a Harvard education – and the opportunities that come with it – possible for more students than ever. International students are eligible for exactly the same aid as American students.  

Because we want to bring the best people to Harvard regardless of their financial circumstances, we follow two important principles:

1. **Need-blind admissions.** Your financial need and your aid application will never affect your chance of being admitted to Harvard.
2. **100% need-based aid.**We base aid awards on need, not on merit. This means that financial aid supports the students who will benefit from it the most. Furthermore, we meet 100 percent of our students' demonstrated financial need.

We will work with you and your family one-on-one to help you navigate the options and make sure Harvard is an affordable option for your education.

## Revolutionary Financial Aid

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Lucerito and her parents in their California home

Watch "Revolutionary Financial Aid"
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## Determining Need

Our financial aid officers will work closely with you and your family to determine your demonstrated need and your family’s expected contribution. We look at information about your family income, assets, expenses, and other financial circumstances. Every family's circumstances are unique, and we aim to take into account factors beyond just your family income that affect your family's ability to pay for college. The simplest way to put it is this: We want to make Harvard accessible and affordable for everyone who gets in—no matter what.

Use our [Net Price Calculator](/financial-aid/net-price-calculator "Net Price Calculator")to quickly estimate your aid package and expected family contribution.

### FAQs about determining need

- #### Parent Contribution

  We determine parent contribution through a careful review of your family's income, assets, and overall financial circumstances.

  For families with annual incomes below $100,000, the expected parent contribution is zero. For families with incomes up to $200,000, financial aid will cover at least the full cost of tuition. Financial aid will be available to students from families with incomes above $200,000, depending on individual circumstances.

  Families who have significant assets will be asked to pay more, but typically home equity and retirement assets are not considered in our assessment of financial need.

  Parents may provide their contribution from savings, current income, future income (through borrowing), or a combination of these methods.

  You can use our [net price calculator](/node/86) to estimate your expected family contribution.
- #### Student Contribution

  As the primary beneficiary of a Harvard education, all students are expected to contribute to their college expenses. Your financial aid award will include a standard expected contribution from your own earnings.

  In the past, students were expected to contribute from both term-time and summer earnings; however, [we have recently expanded our financial aid program](https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2020/03/applications-to-harvard-college-class-of-24-reach-40246/) by eliminating the summer work expectation for all students beginning in the 2020-21 academic year. Students are still expected to contribute a standard amount through term-time work to meet their estimated personal expenses.

  If you have savings or other assets, you will also be expected to contribute a small portion toward college expenses. This determination will be included with your financial aid award.

  Most students work to meet their student contribution, and jobs on campus are plentiful and varied. Visit our [Guide to Student Employment](/guides/student-employment) for more information. Some students use outside awards or loans to replace their expected contribution. If you can't save up enough for your student contribution, the Harvard Loan program may be able to help.
- #### Unusual Family Circumstances

  We know that every family is different. Your financial circumstances are also unique. We are happy to work with you on an individual basis if you have complex, uncommon, or challenging financial circumstances that are not easily described in the standard aid application.

  We hope families discuss the cost of going to college and agree that paying for education is a priority, but we can't provide extra aid for students whose parents withdraw financial support. Similarly, we can't provide additional aid for families that have incurred large consumer debts.\
  \
  Please know that we will work with you and your family to make Harvard as affordable as possible.  to learn more.

## Net Price Calculator

How affordable is Harvard? Use our Net Price Calculator and see for yourself.

[Net Price Calculator](/financial-aid/net-price-calculator)

## Cost of Attendance

We know that paying for a private college education is a significant undertaking. Our goal is to make sure it remains manageable for you and your family.

These values represent the full cost of a Harvard education before taking into account financial aid or scholarships, so the amount that your family will pay will likely be significantly lower. If you are eligible for aid, you may also receive an additional allowance for travel and personal expenses. You can use our [Net Price Calculator](/financial-aid/net-price-calculator "Net Price Calculator") to gain a better estimate of your personal cost of attendance.

### Tuition & Estimated Expenses

- #### 2025-2026

  2025-2026 Cost of Attendance

  |  |  |
  | --- | --- |
  | Tuition | $59,320 |
  | Fees | $5,476 |
  | Housing | $13,532 |
  | Food | $8,598 |
  | **Subtotal - billed costs** | **$86,926** |
  | Estimated personal expenses | $2,500 |
  | Estimated books | $1,000 |
  | Estimated transportation costs | $0-$5,000 |
  | **Total billed and unbilled costs** | **$90,426-$95,426** |

  In addition, health insurance is required at a cost of $4,308 (for 2025-26) unless you are covered under your family’s health plan.
- #### 2024-2025

  2024-2025 Cost of Attendance

  |  |  |
  | --- | --- |
  | Tuition | $56,550 |
  | Fees | $5,126 |
  | Housing | $12,922 |
  | Food | $8,268 |
  | **Subtotal - billed costs** | **$82,866** |
  | Estimated personal expenses | $2,500 |
  | Estimated books | $1,000 |
  | Estimated transportation costs | $0-$4,800 |
  | **Total billed and unbilled costs** | **$86,366-$91,166** |

  In addition, health insurance is required at a cost of $4,202 (for 2024-25) unless you are covered under your family’s health plan.
- #### 2023-2024

  2023-2024 Cost of Attendance

  |  |  |
  | --- | --- |
  | Tuition | $54,269 |
  | Fees | $4,807 |
  | Housing | $12,424 |
  | Food | $7,950 |
  | **Subtotal - billed costs** | **$79,450** |
  | Estimated personal expenses | $2,500 |
  | Estimated books | $1,000 |
  | Estimated transportation costs | $0-$4,500 |
  | **Total billed and unbilled costs** | **$82,950-$87,450** |

  In addition, health insurance is required at a cost of $4,120 (for 2023-24) unless you are covered under your family’s health plan.

## History of Financial Aid

Harvard’s long tradition of opportunity and access continues to be strengthened by the partnership and generosity of our amazing alumni and donor community.

[History of Financial Aid](/about/mission-vision-history/history-financial-aid)

## Types of Aid

Financial aid is completely need-based and considers many factors, such as your family’s income, assets, size, and unusual expenses. There are no merit-based awards, and we have no preferential policies that give some students more attractive awards than others.

When you qualify for financial aid from Harvard, we create an individualized aid package to meet all of your demonstrated need. This may include scholarship funds and student employment, as well as any scholarships you’ve earned from outside sources. Parent and student loans are also available for interested families, although we will never require you to take out loans.

[Learn more about types of aid](/financial-aid/how-aid-works/types-aid)

## Bills & Payments

Your attention should be on your education, not your bill. We strive to make our billing and payment process as streamlined as possible. Learn more about bills and payments.

[Learn more about bills and payments](/financial-aid/how-aid-works/bills-payments)