Harvard University Annual Cost

Heya! Long shot I know, but Harvard is my dream school. Just trying to get a sense of the financials. Does anyone know the rough cost of a year at Harvard (including tuition, room, board, etc.)? I'm also interested if there's any grant or scholarship opportunities that I could look into. Appreciate any info!

Hey! Harvard University, like other Ivy League schools, has a high sticker price. For the 2024-2025 academic year, the total cost (including tuition, room, and board, etc.) is approximately $83,000. However, Harvard is committed to helping students afford their education and has one of the most generous financial aid programs in the country.

About 55% of Harvard students receive need-based scholarships, meaning that over half of Harvard's undergraduate population does not pay the sticker price. In fact, the average annual cost for students receiving need-based aid is about $12,000.

Families earning less than $65,000 a year aren't expected to contribute anything towards their child's Harvard education. For families making between $65,000 and $150,000, the expected contribution ranges from 0% to 10% of their annual income.

To determine your eligibility for financial aid, you'll need to fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and the CSS Profile. These forms will help determine your financial need and your student aid index (SAI).

For merit-based scholarships, Harvard does not offer any. Their aid is strictly need-based. Although, you can certainly apply for external scholarships and merit-based scholarships from other organizations to help cover your costs.

Remember, apply for aid, even if you think you won't qualify! Many families mistakenly think they won't qualify for aid and prevent themselves from receiving financial aid by failing to apply for it.

Harvard is a need-blind school, meaning your financial situation won't affect your admissions decision, so don't let the cost deter you from applying! Best of luck with your applications.