@@ Harvard College Need-Based Financial Aid

Need Based

Grant

United States of America

Provided by Harvard University

Admitted to Harvard College (need-blind admission for all applicants, including international) :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Demonstrated financial need determined via CSS Profile and FAFSA (U.S. citizens/permanent residents) :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
International students complete CSS Profile and alternate financial statement :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Families with income below $100,000–$200,000 typically pay $0–$3,500 personal expenses :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Term-time work expectation: ~10–12 hours/week earning ~$2,700–$3,500 per academic year :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Apply and be admitted through regular or early decision (need-blind policy) :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Submit financial aid forms:
- Domestic students: CSS Profile + FAFSA
- International students: CSS Profile + alternate financial statement
 :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Within ~10 days of FAFSA submission, receive Student Aid Report (SAR) indicating Pell/SEOG eligibility :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Harvard calculates parental contribution, applies student employment and outside awards, then covers remaining need with grants :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Reporting outside awards: Submit via My.Harvard portal’s Outside Awards Reporting System; outside awards reduce work expectation first, then scholarship :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
Loans (optional): Submit Student Loan Request Form; parent loans available from June 1 to August 1 :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

Documents Required:

Funding Coverage:
- 100% of demonstrated financial need (tuition, fees, room, board, health insurance, travel, winter gear, personal expenses, event fees)
- Federal Pell Grants, SEOG, state grants (e.g., Massachusetts Gilbert Grant)

Student Employment:
- Work-study jobs ~10–12 h/week, wages paid directly to students for spending

Additional Funding Opportunities:
- Research, travel, public service, study-abroad funds via Office of Undergraduate Research & Fellowships (~$6 million per year)

Loan Flexibility:
- Institutional loans available (need-based)
- Parent loans with credit check; prepay without penalty

Grants for Start-up Costs:
- $2,000 first-year start-up grant (move‑in, tech, winter gear)
- $2,000 junior year launch grant for career prep

Debt-Free Graduation:
- Majority of students graduate debt-free; Harvard meets full need so loans are optional

Contact Information:
- Griffin Financial Aid Office, Harvard College via My.Harvard portal
Re-evaluation:
- Families can request review for special or unusual circumstances annually (e.g., income change, job loss)
Study Abroad:
- Aid applies toward study-abroad costs

Apply Now

Fields of Study

Open to all

Coverage

Full Tuition / Part Tuition Waiver

Deadline

Open all year

TypeNeed Based

FundingGrant

Country United States of America

Harvard University