A Guide to Applying for Harvard University’s Need-Based Scholarships

Harvard University is renowned for its rigorous academics, prestigious faculty, and commitment to making its education accessible to students from all backgrounds, including international students. One way it accomplishes this is through an extensive need-based financial aid program that ensures that financial circumstances do not stand in the way of a Harvard education. Harvard’s need-based scholarships are available to both domestic and international students, providing significant support to those who demonstrate financial need.

This guide provides an overview of Harvard’s need-based financial aid system, eligibility criteria, the application process, and strategies to maximize your chances of receiving aid.

Overview of Harvard’s Need-Based Financial Aid Program

Harvard University practices a need-blind admissions policy for U.S. and international students alike, meaning that your financial need does not influence your chances of admission. Once admitted, the university assesses each student’s financial circumstances and provides need-based financial aid based on the difference between Harvard’s cost of attendance and the amount a student’s family can contribute.

Key Aspects of Harvard’s Financial Aid Program

1. No Loans: Harvard’s financial aid packages do not include loans, meaning students can graduate debt-free. Instead, aid packages are made up of grants, which do not need to be repaid.
2. Full Demonstrated Need: Harvard meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students. This means that once a student’s financial need is calculated, Harvard commits to covering the full amount through grants, scholarships, and work-study opportunities.
3. Income-Based Contribution: For families with incomes below $85,000, the expected contribution toward education costs is typically zero. Families with higher incomes, especially those above $150,000, may be expected to contribute, but the exact contribution depends on various factors, including family size, assets, and special financial circumstances.
4. Eligibility for All Students: Both domestic and international students are eligible for Harvard’s need-based aid, making it accessible to students worldwide.

What Does Need-Based Aid Cover?

Harvard’s need-based aid typically covers:

• Tuition and Fees
• Room and Board
• Books and Supplies
• Personal Expenses

Aid packages are tailored to individual needs, ensuring that each student has the resources necessary to thrive academically and socially.

Eligibility Criteria for Need-Based Scholarships at Harvard

To qualify for need-based aid at Harvard, students must meet the following general criteria:

1. Admission to Harvard University: Need-based aid is available only to students who have been admitted to Harvard. Your eligibility for aid is assessed only after admission.
2. Demonstrated Financial Need: Aid is awarded based on financial need rather than academic merit. Students must submit financial information through Harvard’s financial aid application process.
3. Commitment to Full-Time Enrollment: Aid is awarded to full-time students, whether undergraduate or graduate. Part-time students are not eligible for need-based aid at Harvard.
4. Timely Application Submission: Students must complete and submit their financial aid applications by the specified deadlines to be considered for aid.

How to Apply for Harvard’s Need-Based Scholarships

Applying for Harvard’s need-based financial aid is a multi-step process that requires careful attention to deadlines and the submission of specific documentation.

Step 1: Complete the Admission Application

To be considered for financial aid, you must first apply and be admitted to Harvard University. Both the Common Application and Coalition Application are accepted for undergraduate admissions, and they include a section where you can indicate your intent to apply for financial aid.

Application Tips:

• Submit a strong application that highlights your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, leadership, and personal values.
• Emphasize your unique experiences, goals, and motivations in your essays and application materials.

Step 2: Complete the CSS Profile (For All Students)

The CSS Profile is a financial aid application used by many U.S. universities, including Harvard, to determine financial need. This form collects detailed financial information about your family’s income, assets, and other financial factors.

How to Complete the CSS Profile:

1. Visit the College Board website to create an account or log in.
2. Select Harvard University as one of the schools to receive your CSS Profile.
3. Complete the required sections, which include details about your family’s financial situation, income, and assets.
4. Submit the application and pay the required fee. Fee waivers may be available for eligible students.

Deadline: Harvard typically requires the CSS Profile by early November for early action applicants and by early February for regular decision applicants. Be sure to check the specific deadlines on Harvard’s financial aid website.

Step 3: Submit the FAFSA (For U.S. Students Only)

U.S. students are required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for federal and institutional aid. Although this is not required for international students, U.S. applicants must complete it to access federal grants, loans, and work-study programs.

How to Complete the FAFSA:

1. Go to FAFSA and log in with your FSA ID.
2. Fill in the necessary information, including details about your family’s income, assets, and financial situation.
3. List Harvard University as a recipient.
4. Submit the FAFSA by Harvard’s deadline.

Step 4: Submit Income Documentation

To verify financial information, Harvard may require additional documentation, such as:

• Tax Returns: Both U.S. and international students may need to provide copies of their family’s tax returns. For U.S. students, this includes both federal and state tax forms.
• Income Statements: If tax returns are not available, students may submit income statements or other proof of family income, especially in cases where parents are self-employed or live in countries without a tax system.
• Other Financial Documents: Depending on your financial situation, Harvard may request additional documentation to ensure an accurate assessment of your financial need.

Step 5: Monitor Your Financial Aid Status

After submitting your documents, keep track of your financial aid status by logging into your My.Harvard account. The financial aid office will notify you if additional information is required or if any documents are missing.

Step 6: Review Your Financial Aid Offer

Once your financial aid application is complete, the Harvard Financial Aid Office will review it and determine your financial aid package. You will receive a notification outlining your aid offer, which typically includes grants, work-study opportunities, and other support.

Key Points in Your Aid Offer:

• Award Amount: This is the total amount of aid Harvard will provide for the academic year.
• Expected Family Contribution (EFC): This is the amount Harvard has calculated that your family can contribute, based on your submitted financial information.
• Work-Study and Job Opportunities: Your aid package may include a work-study component, allowing you to earn money while studying at Harvard.

Step 7: Accept or Appeal Your Financial Aid Offer

If you believe that your financial aid package does not fully address your financial need, you can submit an appeal to the financial aid office. Appeals are considered in cases where there have been significant changes in family finances, unexpected expenses, or other extenuating circumstances.

How to Appeal:

• Write a letter explaining why you need additional aid and provide supporting documentation if possible.
• Include any specific changes in your family’s financial situation or expenses not previously considered.

Tips for Securing Harvard’s Need-Based Financial Aid

Here are some strategies to maximize your chances of receiving need-based financial aid at Harvard:

1. Provide Accurate Financial Information

Ensure that all information on your CSS Profile, FAFSA (for U.S. students), and supporting documents is accurate and complete. Discrepancies can delay the processing of your aid application or result in an inaccurate financial aid offer.

2. Meet All Deadlines

Missing a deadline can jeopardize your eligibility for financial aid. Make note of the application deadlines and submit all required materials on time.

3. Be Transparent About Financial Hardship

If your family is experiencing financial hardship, provide full disclosure and additional documentation where possible. Harvard’s financial aid team is committed to helping students in genuine need, so honesty about your situation is essential.

4. Consider Special Circumstances

Special circumstances—such as changes in family income, medical expenses, or other significant financial burdens—should be documented and explained. Harvard’s financial aid office may be able to adjust your aid package if they understand the full scope of your financial needs.

5. Follow Up with the Financial Aid Office

If you have questions or need guidance, reach out to the Harvard Financial Aid Office. They can provide advice, answer questions, and assist with any specific concerns regarding your financial aid application.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Harvard’s Need-Based Aid for International Students

1. Does Harvard offer need-based scholarships to international students?

Yes, Harvard offers need-based financial aid to both domestic and international students. Aid is awarded based solely on financial need, and Harvard meets 100% of demonstrated need.

2. Can international students apply for need-based financial aid after admission?

Yes, international students can apply for financial aid after admission if their financial circumstances change. However, applying for aid when initially applying for admission is recommended.

3. Are loans included in Harvard’s financial aid packages?

No, Harvard does not include loans in its financial aid packages. Aid packages consist of grants and scholarships, which do not need to be repaid.

4. Is work-study available for international students?

Yes, work-study opportunities are available to international students as part of their financial aid package. International students can work on campus within the limits of their visa.

Conclusion

Harvard University’s need-based financial aid program makes it possible for students from diverse economic backgrounds to afford a Harvard education. By meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need, Harvard ensures that students from all over the world have access to a transformative educational experience regardless of their financial situation.

Final Tips for International Students Seeking Need-Based Aid at Harvard

1. Start Early: Begin preparing your financial documentation well in advance. The CSS Profile and any additional income documents required by Harvard can take time to gather, especially if you need to translate or verify documents from your home country.
2. Keep Your Application Consistent: Ensure consistency between all submitted documents, such as the CSS Profile and any additional financial information you provide. Any discrepancies could result in delays or adjustments to your aid offer.
3. Be Honest and Transparent: Harvard’s financial aid office is committed to providing support based on genuine need. Providing full and transparent details about your family’s finances, along with any special circumstances, allows the financial aid team to accurately assess your needs and offer the most appropriate support.
4. Consider Additional Scholarships: While Harvard’s need-based aid is generous, it’s worth exploring other scholarships from external sources, especially those specific to international students or your area of study. External scholarships can help cover personal expenses, travel, or unexpected costs during your time at Harvard.
5. Stay Informed and Engaged with the Financial Aid Office: The financial aid process doesn’t end with your initial application. Keep in contact with the financial aid office, especially if your financial situation changes or if you have any concerns about your funding. Harvard’s financial aid team is there to help you navigate these complexities.