Harvard College Need-Based Financial Aid (Harvard College Scholarship)

• Family income of $100,000 and below (typical assets): aid covers all billed expenses (tuition, fees, food, housing), plus a $2,000 start-up grant in the first year, health insurance if needed, travel between campus and home, winter gear and event fees, and a $2,000 launch grant in junior year
• Family income up to $200,000 (typical assets): aid covers the full cost of tuition, plus additional costs depending on circumstances
• Family income above $200,000: aid available to many students depending on individual circumstances
• Students are expected to cover $3,500 in personal expenses per academic year, usually through work-study hours
• Expected parent contribution is zero for families with income below $100,000
• Loans are never required but are available

Aid decisions are issued with admission decisions. Restrictive Early Action and QuestBridge Match applicants receive an aid estimate in mid-December and a decision around April 1; Regular Decision applicants receive a decision around April 1. Late aid applications are accepted with no reduction in aid, but decisions may be delayed. Instructions refer to the 2027-2028 school year.

1. Complete the CSS Profile online through the College Board and list Harvard as a recipient (code 3434).
2. Submit the IDOC packet (available after the CSS Profile is complete) with family income documents; non-US tax documents are translated into English informally by the student.
3. US citizens and permanent residents also complete the FAFSA.
4. Receive the aid decision with the admission decision.

• CSS Profile
• IDOC packet with parental tax documents, wage statements or an employer letter stating annual income
• FAFSA (US citizens and permanent residents)

Need is assessed from family income, assets, expenses and other circumstances; typically home equity and retirement assets are not considered. Students also make a standard contribution from earnings and any savings.