How much does Harvard cost for 4 years if I’m not getting financial aid?
I’ve been looking into Ivy League schools and Harvard is my dream, but I keep getting different numbers for their total cost. I know it’s super expensive, but I don’t really understand how much it adds up to over four years if I don’t qualify for much financial aid. Does room and board increase each year?
My family’s income might be just outside what they consider for major aid, so I’m trying to see what I realistically need to plan for. Can anyone break down the total costs, like tuition, housing, fees, and stuff, for all four years? Knowing the real number from someone who’s actually gone or is going would help alot.
My family’s income might be just outside what they consider for major aid, so I’m trying to see what I realistically need to plan for. Can anyone break down the total costs, like tuition, housing, fees, and stuff, for all four years? Knowing the real number from someone who’s actually gone or is going would help alot.
6 months ago
•
138 views
Luis Nario-Malberg
• 6 months ago
Advisor
Calculating Harvard’s total cost for 4 years without financial aid is a smart move for planning. For the 2023-2024 academic year, the published cost for one year at Harvard College is about $82,950. This includes tuition ($59,000), room and board ($12,424), fees ($2,292), and a standard estimate for personal expenses, books, and travel (about $9,000).
Harvard’s prices do tend to increase modestly each year, usually by 3-5%. Everyone pays the same sticker price if they don’t receive aid, although personal expenses can vary. If you estimate an average annual increase of 4%, here’s a rough calculation over four years:
- Year 1: $83,000
- Year 2: $86,320
- Year 3: $89,773
- Year 4: $93,364
Adding these up, the estimated total cost comes to approximately $352,457 for four years at full price.
To put this in perspective, some students do save money by becoming resident proctors or RAs in upperclass Houses, but these opportunities are limited. For most, the above estimate is realistic. One thing worth noting: Harvard is need-blind for admissions but meeting the full cost of attendance depends on qualifying for aid; it’s always a good idea to use their net price calculator to see your family’s specific estimate.
A student I know who graduated in 2023 tracked her personal expenses closely and found the school’s suggested budget was pretty accurate, though costs varied depending on travel during breaks. If you’re coming from farther away, your travel expenses could be significantly more each year.
Bottom line: if you don’t get financial aid, you should plan for around $350-360K for four years at Harvard, keeping in mind that slight year-to-year increases are standard. Reach out to the Harvard financial aid office for the most current info and advice, and consider talking to current Harvard students for personal budgeting tips too.
Harvard’s prices do tend to increase modestly each year, usually by 3-5%. Everyone pays the same sticker price if they don’t receive aid, although personal expenses can vary. If you estimate an average annual increase of 4%, here’s a rough calculation over four years:
- Year 1: $83,000
- Year 2: $86,320
- Year 3: $89,773
- Year 4: $93,364
Adding these up, the estimated total cost comes to approximately $352,457 for four years at full price.
To put this in perspective, some students do save money by becoming resident proctors or RAs in upperclass Houses, but these opportunities are limited. For most, the above estimate is realistic. One thing worth noting: Harvard is need-blind for admissions but meeting the full cost of attendance depends on qualifying for aid; it’s always a good idea to use their net price calculator to see your family’s specific estimate.
A student I know who graduated in 2023 tracked her personal expenses closely and found the school’s suggested budget was pretty accurate, though costs varied depending on travel during breaks. If you’re coming from farther away, your travel expenses could be significantly more each year.
Bottom line: if you don’t get financial aid, you should plan for around $350-360K for four years at Harvard, keeping in mind that slight year-to-year increases are standard. Reach out to the Harvard financial aid office for the most current info and advice, and consider talking to current Harvard students for personal budgeting tips too.
Luis Nario-Malberg
Mooresville, North Carolina
Harvard College, Class of 2018, A.B. in Philosophy
Experience
5 years