I'm considering applying to Harvard, but I know it's expensive, so I was curious about what types of scholarships Harvard offers to incoming students? Are there any specific qualifications or awards to look out for that can help offset the costs? Thanks for any help you can provide!
Hey there! Harvard does not actually offer merit-based scholarships. Instead, Harvard is known for its generous financial aid program. Aid is provided primarily through need-based grants, which don't need to be repaid. The financial aid package will usually cover tuition, room, and board.
Harvard uses the CSS Profile and the FAFSA to determine your financial need, so make sure to complete both when applying. Also, Harvard has a Net Price Calculator that you can use to estimate your financial aid package.
Although Harvard's sticker price is certainly intimidating, families with annual incomes below $65,000 aren't expected to contribute anything towards tuition! Even families with incomes between $65,000 and $150,000 typically pay between 0% and 10% of their annual income. So, Harvard can definitely be affordable regardless of your family's financial circumstances.
Another option to look into is outside scholarships. Although these are not specifically provided by Harvard, they can help reduce your total cost. There are many resources available online for finding scholarships you may qualify for.
Overall, it's important to remember that Harvard is committed to making education accessible for all admitted students, regardless of their financial situation—their approach is just based on need-based aid rather than scholarships. Best of luck with your application!
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