College.Harvard.Edu/Financial-Aid/ Net-Price-Calculator

Estimate your family’s expected contribution and financial aid eligibility for Harvard College

Comprehensive Guide to Harvard’s Net Price Calculator and Financial Aid

The Harvard College Net Price Calculator provides families with an early estimate of their financial aid eligibility and expected family contribution. This powerful tool helps prospective students understand the actual cost of attending Harvard after accounting for scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial assistance.

How Harvard’s Financial Aid Works

Harvard College operates under a need-blind admissions policy, meaning your family’s financial situation will not affect your chances of admission. Once admitted, Harvard meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all four years of undergraduate study.

• Need-blind admissions: Your financial need doesn’t influence admission decisions
• 100% need met: Harvard covers all demonstrated financial need
• No loans required: Financial aid packages don’t include loans (though students may choose to take loans)
• Generous thresholds: Families with incomes below $85,000 pay nothing

Key Components of Harvard’s Financial Aid Package

1. Harvard Scholarship: Need-based grant that doesn’t need to be repaid. Amount varies based on family circumstances.
2. Federal/State Grants: Additional grant assistance from government programs like Pell Grants.
3. Work-Study: Opportunity to earn money through part-time employment (typically $2,000-$3,000 per year).
4. Student Contribution: Expected summer earnings contribution (varies by year in school).

Understanding the Net Price Calculator Results

The calculator provides several important figures:

Term	Description	Typical Range
Family Contribution	Amount your family is expected to contribute annually	$0 – $75,000+
Harvard Scholarship	Need-based grant from Harvard’s endowment	$0 – $80,000+
Net Price	Actual amount you’ll pay after all aid is applied	$0 – $25,000
Total Cost of Attendance	Full cost including tuition, room, board, and fees	$82,000 – $85,000

Harvard’s Financial Aid by the Numbers

Harvard’s commitment to affordability is demonstrated through these key statistics:

Income Range	Typical Family Contribution	Percentage of Students
Below $85,000	$0	20%
$85,000 – $150,000	0-10% of income	35%
$150,000 – $250,000	Up to 15% of income	30%
Above $250,000	Varies by assets	15%

How to Maximize Your Financial Aid Package

To ensure you receive the most generous financial aid package possible:

1. Submit all required documents on time: CSS Profile, FAFSA, and tax returns must be submitted by deadlines.
2. Provide complete financial information: Include all assets and income sources for accurate assessment.
3. Consider special circumstances: If your family has unusual financial situations (medical expenses, job loss), submit a special circumstances appeal.
4. Apply for outside scholarships: While Harvard meets full need, outside scholarships can reduce your family contribution.
5. Understand the student contribution: Students are expected to contribute from summer earnings (typically $2,000-$3,500 per year).

Common Myths About Harvard’s Financial Aid

Many families have misconceptions about paying for Harvard:

• Myth: Only students from very low-income families receive aid.
  Reality: Nearly 60% of Harvard undergraduates receive need-based scholarships, including many from middle- and upper-middle-income families.
• Myth: You need to take out large loans to attend Harvard.
  Reality: Harvard’s aid packages don’t include loans. The average debt at graduation for Harvard students is less than $5,000 (mostly from optional loans).
• Myth: Home equity significantly reduces aid eligibility.
  Reality: Harvard doesn’t consider home equity in financial aid calculations for families with incomes below $200,000.
• Myth: International students don’t qualify for aid.
  Reality: Harvard meets 100% of demonstrated need for all admitted students, regardless of citizenship.

Additional Resources

For more information about financial aid at Harvard College, consult these authoritative sources:

• Harvard College Financial Aid Office – Official information about Harvard’s financial aid programs
• Federal Student Aid (U.S. Department of Education) – Government resource for understanding federal aid programs
• CSS Profile (College Board) – Required financial aid application for Harvard

Next Steps After Using the Net Price Calculator

Once you’ve estimated your net price:

1. Review Harvard’s financial aid application process
2. Gather required documents (tax returns, W-2 forms, etc.)
3. Complete the CSS Profile and FAFSA by the deadlines
4. Consider visiting campus or attending a financial aid information session
5. Contact the Financial Aid Office with any questions: 617-495-1581 or fao@fas.harvard.edu

The Harvard College Net Price Calculator provides a valuable starting point for understanding your financial aid eligibility. Remember that this is only an estimate – your actual aid package may differ based on the complete information you provide in your financial aid application. Harvard’s generous financial aid program makes it possible for students from all economic backgrounds to afford a world-class education.