Financial Aid
Source: https://college.harvard.edu/financial-aid Parent: https://college.harvard.edu/admissions/apply
Alert: Forms Maintenance Friday Morning
Most online financial aid forms will be unavailable the morning of Friday, March 20, while we perform system maintenance. If you are unable to log in to a financial aid form or page during this period, please check back later.
Last Updated: March 18, 4:05pm
Close Alert
Open Alert: Forms Maintenance Friday Morning
Video description:
Widener interior, student reads book in library
Financial Aid
Overview
The Griffin Financial Aid Office provides need-based aid that allows us to bring the best students to Harvard, regardless of their ability to pay. Thanks in large part to Ken Griffin’s transformative generosity, along with that of many other donors who support our groundbreaking financial aid program, twenty-four percent of students pay nothing to attend, and more than half receive need-based scholarships. So, yes—you can afford Harvard.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
How do I apply for aid?
-
Is there financial aid available for foreign students?
-
What happens if I miss the financial aid deadline?
-
How can I see what is missing/received and when?
What Does Harvard Cost?
Harvard costs what your family can afford. We make sure of that.
$100,000 family income and below, with typical assets: Free
Financial aid covers all billed expenses, including tuition, fees, food, housing, and more, including a $2,000 start-up grant (first year), health insurance (if needed), travel costs between campus and home, winter gear, event fees, and other activities, and a $2,000 launch grant (junior year) to help students prepare for post-Harvard life.
$200,000 family income and below, with typical assets: Free Tuition Plus
Financial aid covers the full cost of tuition, plus. In addition to tuition, students qualify for financial aid to cover additional costs, such as fees, food, and housing, based on their individual financial circumstances.
Family income above $200,000 with typical assets: Tailored Financial Aid
Financial aid will be available to many students from families with incomes above $200,000, depending on individual circumstances.Harvard College’s financial aid staff work personally and individually with students and families to provide financial aid that matches each family’s specific financial situation.
These thresholds assume typical assets and typically do not include equity in the family home or retirement assets. They are based on an average U.S. cost of living and taxes paid. Students are expected to cover $3,500 in personal expenses per academic year, usually through work-study hours.
Applying for Financial Aid - Prospective and Current Students
Apply for Financial Aid
From generous need-based aid to supplemental funding, you have access to a wide range of options to help you take advantage of everything Harvard has to offer.
[### Traveling on Harvard Funding: My Spring Break Trip to Cairo, Egypt!
Author: Farah Class of '22 Alumni](https://college.harvard.edu/student-life/student-stories/traveling-harvard-funding-my-spring-break-trip-cairo-egypt)
How Financial Aid Works
How Financial Aid Works
We make a promise to every admitted student: your financial circumstances will not keep you from Harvard. With our generous financial aid program, a commitment to economic diversity, and a breadth of tools and resources, our office helps make sure nothing stands in the way of your Harvard education.
By The Numbers
Statistics
- 25 %
of Harvard families pay nothing - 55 %
receive Harvard scholarship aid - $ 13 K
average parent contribution - 100 %
of students can graduate debt-free
Net Price Calculator
How affordable will Harvard be for your family? See for yourself.
Watch "Financial Aid Student Stories"
This preview video does not contain audio.
Video description:
Four students talk about their experiences receiving financial aid from Harvard
Watch "Students Share Financial Aid Stories" ℹ︎
Additional Funding & Procedures
Additional Funding & Procedures
Our dedicated and caring team of financial aid officers works with your family to make sure your education is affordable.
Supplemental funding for research, service, and more
Did You Know?
In addition to aid for tuition, Harvard offers millions of dollars in student funding for public service, research and learning, international travel, and career opportunities.
View our guide to finding funding
History of Financial Aid
From the first bequest to aid students in 1643 to Ken Griffin's landmark gift of $125 million in 2014 - and beyond, we've maintained a strong commitment to affordability and access.
Read more about our history of financial aid
Federal Disclosures
As required by the Department of Education, we are providing information on the federal Consumer Information disclosures. These disclosures entail: basic financial aid information, descriptions of Harvard’s academic programs, procedures, and costs, as well as Harvard’s policies and required reporting. In this notice we provide a brief description of the various disclosures and how to obtain the full disclosures.
Learn More About Harvard
Join our email list to download our brochure and stay in touch.
Contacting the Griffin Financial Aid Office
At this time, the Griffin Financial Aid Office will be conducting business in a hybrid remote and on-campus model. We are dedicated to answering your questions and will be available by email to assist. If you are a current student, please email faoinfo@fas.harvard.edu. For prospective students, please email faoweb@fas.harvard.edu. If you need to contact the Student Employment Office, please email seoweb@fas.harvard.edu.
Related Topics
[### Apply For Financial Aid
We strive to make our financial aid application as streamlined as possible.](https://college.harvard.edu/financial-aid/apply-financial-aid)
[### How to complete the FAFSA
Tips on how to complete the FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.](https://college.harvard.edu/guides/how-complete-fafsa)
[### How Aid Works
Harvard offers generous need-based financial aid for all students, regardless of nationality or citizenship.](https://college.harvard.edu/financial-aid/how-aid-works)