Do Ivy League schools offer scholarships?

Hey everyone, applying to college is stressful, and I'm trying to figure out my financial situation. I've been considering some Ivy League schools, and I wanted to know if they offer scholarships or if they mostly just provide financial aid based on family income? Thanks for your help!

Hello! College finances can be a concern for many students, but it's important to know that Ivy League schools are committed to making education affordable for their admitted students. Ivy League schools typically do not offer merit-based scholarships; instead, they focus on providing financial aid based on family income, which is usually need-based.

Need-based financial aid is designed to bridge the gap between what your family can contribute and the total cost of attendance of the college. Ivy League schools have some of the most generous financial aid programs in the country. In some cases, they might even cover your entire tuition and other related expenses if your family's income is within a specific range. For example, at Harvard, families with an annual income below $85,000 are not expected to contribute to their student's cost of attendance.

It's important to keep in mind that the financial aid packages vary by institution within the Ivy League, so you should research each school's specific policies and requirements. Make sure to fill out the FAFSA and each college's individual financial aid forms to be considered for need-based aid.

While Ivy League schools don't typically offer merit-based scholarships, there are external scholarships available that could help cover your expenses. You might want to explore national or regional scholarships, scholarships from non-profits, or private foundations. Make sure you look into these opportunities early and apply to give yourself the best chance to receive additional financial assistance.

Good luck with your college applications, and I hope this information helps alleviate some stress about finances!