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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
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 do not include equity in the family home or retirement assets. They are based on a typical U.S. cost of living and typical taxes. Students are expected to cover $3,500 in personal expenses per academic year, typically through work-study hours.
Applying for Financial Aid - Prospective and Current Students
Apply for Financial Aid
How Financial Aid Works
How Financial Aid Works
By The Numbers
Statistics
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25 % of Harvard families pay nothing
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55 % receive Harvard scholarship aid
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$ 13 K average parent contribution
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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"
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Four students talk about their experiences receiving financial aid from Harvard
Additional Funding & Procedures
Additional Funding & Procedures
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.
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.
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.