Confused about the cost of room and board at Harvard University.

Hello everyone, I've received mixed information about the cost of room and board at Harvard. Along with tuition, I know housing is a significant expense and I want to calculate it correctly. Can anyone clarify ideally with some reliable sources? Thanks!

Hello! Understandably, getting accurate information about the costing is critical, especially when planning for college expenses. Now, the cost can fluctuate a bit from year to year but for the 2024-2025 academic year, the estimated cost of room and board at Harvard was approximately $20,000. This includes both your housing and your meal plan.

This amount, however, can vary based on things like the specific housing assignment and the meal plan selected. It's also important to keep in mind that there may be additional costs associated with living on campus, such as laundry or personal expenses.

The best place to find this information is directly from the Harvard website's tuition and fees section. I'd also recommend reaching out to Harvard's Financial Aid Office, who can provide the most current and detailed information. And, remember, your overall cost can be offset by financial aid, so don't forget to fill out your FAFSA to get your Student Aid Index!

Just as a helpful reminder, at Harvard, families who earn less than $85,000 per year pay nothing towards the cost of attendance. Families who earn between $85,000 and $150,000 per year are expected to contribute between 0 and 10% of their annual income. Costs may be further waived for lower-income families. This can greatly impact the final cost of room and board as well.

I know the college financial planning process can be complex, but I hope this helps you further understand Harvard's room and board costs.