What do I need to do to get a scholarship to Harvard?
I’m a current junior starting my college research, and Harvard is on my list, but I’m really worried about how expensive it is. My family isn’t able to pay the full cost and I need as much financial help as possible.
I know Harvard has financial aid, but is there a specific way to actually get a scholarship there? Do they offer merit scholarships, or is it all based on family income and need? I’m involved in some extracurriculars and have strong grades, but I’m just not sure if that matters for getting money at Harvard. Also, what kind of info do I need to provide? If you've gone through this process or know anyone who has, could you explain how it went for you or them?
I want to be realistic, but I also really want to go if I can make it work financially. Any advice or details would be awesome, especially if there are steps I could take now while I’m still in high school.
I know Harvard has financial aid, but is there a specific way to actually get a scholarship there? Do they offer merit scholarships, or is it all based on family income and need? I’m involved in some extracurriculars and have strong grades, but I’m just not sure if that matters for getting money at Harvard. Also, what kind of info do I need to provide? If you've gone through this process or know anyone who has, could you explain how it went for you or them?
I want to be realistic, but I also really want to go if I can make it work financially. Any advice or details would be awesome, especially if there are steps I could take now while I’m still in high school.
4 days ago
•
5 views
Luis Nario-Malberg
• 4 days ago
Advisor
Harvard’s approach to scholarships is different from many other universities. The most important thing to know is that Harvard does not offer merit-based scholarships. This means you can’t earn a scholarship simply for having high grades, test scores, or extracurricular achievements. Instead, all of Harvard’s financial aid is need-based. This means the amount you are awarded depends on your family’s financial situation, not your academic or athletic accomplishments.
To demonstrate need, Harvard requires you to submit several financial aid forms during your application process: the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), the CSS Profile, and sometimes additional documents like tax returns. These help determine your family’s ability to pay. In general, if your family makes under a certain amount (for context, families earning less than $85,000 a year are usually expected to pay nothing), Harvard meets your full demonstrated financial need, which can cover almost the entire cost. This includes tuition, room, board, and expenses. This generally comes down to Harvard's desire to have as many admitted students as possible choose to attend Harvard; as well as their large endowment meaning they can afford to make sure anybody they want can attend (regardless of financial barriers).
An example: one international student I knew was able to get financial-aid for the full cost of attendance, all four years. Its notable that they are an international student, as while US-based applicants apply need-blind (meaning that Harvard won't be able to tell whether/how much they'll need to provide in financial-aid for an applicant), this is not the case for international students. This means Harvard knew from the outset of this student's application, that they would need full financial-aid. Thankfully for this student, they had a very strong application.
It's also worth noting that financial matters can make an impact on admissions chances, even if you are a US-based student applying need-blind. Specifically, you can elect to state in your application that you will NOT be seeking any financial aid. While Harvard is very generous with financial aid, if they have to choose between two "near identical" applicants but one says they will pay full sticker-price, they'll probably choose that applicant over the one who will need at least some level of financial aid.
Aside from Harvard’s aid, there aren’t school-specific merit scholarships. However, you can still apply for outside scholarships (from local businesses, non-profits, or national organizations). Those can help with pocket money or may lower your student contribution, but your main support from Harvard will be need-based.
If you get into Harvard, it’s very likely that finances won’t be a barrier. Their aid is among the most generous in the country for families with demonstrated need. However, if you can afford all four years without financial aid (around $300,000 total), and want to optimize your chances of admission, you can indicate in your application that you will not be seeking financial aid.
To demonstrate need, Harvard requires you to submit several financial aid forms during your application process: the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), the CSS Profile, and sometimes additional documents like tax returns. These help determine your family’s ability to pay. In general, if your family makes under a certain amount (for context, families earning less than $85,000 a year are usually expected to pay nothing), Harvard meets your full demonstrated financial need, which can cover almost the entire cost. This includes tuition, room, board, and expenses. This generally comes down to Harvard's desire to have as many admitted students as possible choose to attend Harvard; as well as their large endowment meaning they can afford to make sure anybody they want can attend (regardless of financial barriers).
An example: one international student I knew was able to get financial-aid for the full cost of attendance, all four years. Its notable that they are an international student, as while US-based applicants apply need-blind (meaning that Harvard won't be able to tell whether/how much they'll need to provide in financial-aid for an applicant), this is not the case for international students. This means Harvard knew from the outset of this student's application, that they would need full financial-aid. Thankfully for this student, they had a very strong application.
It's also worth noting that financial matters can make an impact on admissions chances, even if you are a US-based student applying need-blind. Specifically, you can elect to state in your application that you will NOT be seeking any financial aid. While Harvard is very generous with financial aid, if they have to choose between two "near identical" applicants but one says they will pay full sticker-price, they'll probably choose that applicant over the one who will need at least some level of financial aid.
Aside from Harvard’s aid, there aren’t school-specific merit scholarships. However, you can still apply for outside scholarships (from local businesses, non-profits, or national organizations). Those can help with pocket money or may lower your student contribution, but your main support from Harvard will be need-based.
If you get into Harvard, it’s very likely that finances won’t be a barrier. Their aid is among the most generous in the country for families with demonstrated need. However, if you can afford all four years without financial aid (around $300,000 total), and want to optimize your chances of admission, you can indicate in your application that you will not be seeking financial aid.
Luis Nario-Malberg
Mooresville, North Carolina
Harvard College, Class of 2018, A.B. in Philosophy
Experience
5 years