Getting into Harvard can be challenging. Figuring out how to pay for it shouldn't be. Harvard is more affordable than public universities for 90 percent of Americans—and international students receive exactly the same financial aid as American students.
Because we want to bring the best people to Harvard regardless of their financial circumstances, we follow two important principles:
We will work with you and your family one-on-one to help you navigate the options and make sure Harvard is an affordable option for your education.
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Lucerito and her parents in their California home
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Our financial aid officers will work closely with you and your family to determine your demonstrated need and your family’s expected contribution. For many families, this is between zero and 10 percent of family income. Because everyone's circumstances are unique, it's difficult to summarize the many financial aid options and policies that exist. The simplest way to put it is this: We want to make Harvard accessible and affordable for everyone who gets in—no matter what.
Use our Net Price Calculator to quickly estimate your aid package and expected family contribution. You can also visit the MyInTuition Quick College Cost Estimator to see just how affordable an education can be at Harvard and other schools.
We determine parent contribution through a careful review of your family's income, assets, and overall financial circumstances. For families with annual incomes below $85,000 (increased from $75,000 beginning in the 2023-24 academic year), the expected contribution is zero. Families with annual incomes between $85,000 and $150,000 will contribute between 0 and 10 percent of their income. Those with incomes above $150,000 will be asked to pay proportionately more than 10 percent based on their circumstances. Families who have significant assets will be asked to pay more, but home equity and retirement assets are not considered in our assessment of financial need. Parents may provide their contribution from savings, current income, future income (through borrowing), or a combination of these methods. You can use our net price calculator to estimate your expected family contribution.
As the primary beneficiary of a Harvard education, all students are expected to contribute to their college expenses. Your financial aid award will include a standard expected contribution from your own earnings. In the past, students were expected to contribute from both term-time and summer earnings; however, we have recently expanded our financial aid program by eliminating the summer work expectation for all students beginning in the 2020-21 academic year. Students are still expected to contribute a standard amount through term-time work to meet their estimated personal expenses. If you have savings or other assets, you will also be expected to contribute a small portion toward college expenses. This determination will be included with your financial aid award. Most students work to meet their student contribution, and jobs on campus are plentiful and varied. Visit our Guide to Student Employment for more information. Some students use outside awards or loans to replace their expected contribution. If you can't save up enough for your student contribution, the Harvard Loan program may be able to help.
We know that every family is different. Your financial circumstances are also unique. We are happy to work with you on an individual basis if you have complex, uncommon, or challenging financial circumstances that are not easily described in the standard aid application. We hope families discuss the cost of going to college and agree that paying for education is a priority, but we can't provide extra aid for students whose parents withdraw financial support. Similarly, we can't provide additional aid for families that have incurred large consumer debts.
Please know that we will work with you and your family to make Harvard as affordable as possible. Contact the FAO to learn more.
