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Do most Harvard students get scholarships?

I'm considering applying to Harvard and wondering if it's common for students there to receive scholarships. Does financial aid cover most expenses, or is it primarily loans? Any insights would be helpful as I'm worried about the cost.

8 months ago

Harvard University has a robust financial aid program, and approximately 55% of undergraduate students receive some form of need-based scholarships. The university is committed to making education accessible and affordable for all admitted students, regardless of their financial situations.

Harvard uses a need-based financial aid model, which means they calculate aid based on what a family can afford, not academic or athletic merit. Each family's situation is evaluated individually, and a financial aid package is created to cover tuition, room, board, and other expenses.

A key feature of Harvard's financial aid program is that it is loan-free. This means that the financial aid package you receive will not include loans; it is comprised entirely of grants and scholarships which do not have to be repaid.

For families with an annual income of less than $85,000, the parents are typically expected to contribute nothing towards the cost of attendance. Moreover, for families making between $85,000 and $150,000, the parent contribution is between 0-10% of their income.

Remember, Harvard commits to meeting 100% of a student's demonstrated financial need, so the goal is for students to graduate debt-free. You will still need to confirm your financial situation through accurate completion of the CSS Profile and FAFSA application, but Harvard's financial aid package typically makes it very possible for students to attend regardless of their financial background.

8 months ago

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