How much does it cost to apply to Harvard?
I'm trying to finalize the list of colleges I'm applying to, and Harvard is on my list, but I'm a little worried about application fees adding up. My family doesn't qualify for most fee waivers as far as I know.
Does anyone know what the exact application fee is for Harvard right now? If you recently applied, was there any extra cost for sending test scores or anything like that?
I want to make sure I budget for everything before I submit my Common App, so any details would help.
Does anyone know what the exact application fee is for Harvard right now? If you recently applied, was there any extra cost for sending test scores or anything like that?
I want to make sure I budget for everything before I submit my Common App, so any details would help.
1 month ago
•
104 views
Luis Nario-Malberg
• 1 month ago
Advisor
The application fee for Harvard College is currently $85. You’ll pay this fee when you submit your application through the Common Application, Coalition Application, or Universal College Application.
When it comes to extra costs, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. If you’re submitting standardized test scores, sending official SAT or ACT scores can incur an additional cost depending on the testing agency—usually around $12-$17 per score report if you need to send them officially.
If your family’s financial situation changes or becomes more challenging, Harvard does offer an application fee waiver that you can request directly through the application or by reaching out to their admissions office. Some students successfully receive waivers even without qualifying for federal programs, especially if the application fees are causing genuine financial strain.
Other costs to consider: If you decide to visit for an interview or a tour, that travel is at your own expense, but it’s not required for your application; alumni interviews are conducted remotely. You won’t need to submit additional documents like CSS Profile or FAFSA unless you're applying for financial aid, which won’t impact your application decision.
So, for your application, budget the $85 for the fee and potentially the cost to send official test scores, if you choose to do so. Aim to submit official scores only if required—many applicants self-report scores initially and only send official results if admitted. Hope this helps you plan your college application expenses more clearly!
When it comes to extra costs, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. If you’re submitting standardized test scores, sending official SAT or ACT scores can incur an additional cost depending on the testing agency—usually around $12-$17 per score report if you need to send them officially.
If your family’s financial situation changes or becomes more challenging, Harvard does offer an application fee waiver that you can request directly through the application or by reaching out to their admissions office. Some students successfully receive waivers even without qualifying for federal programs, especially if the application fees are causing genuine financial strain.
Other costs to consider: If you decide to visit for an interview or a tour, that travel is at your own expense, but it’s not required for your application; alumni interviews are conducted remotely. You won’t need to submit additional documents like CSS Profile or FAFSA unless you're applying for financial aid, which won’t impact your application decision.
So, for your application, budget the $85 for the fee and potentially the cost to send official test scores, if you choose to do so. Aim to submit official scores only if required—many applicants self-report scores initially and only send official results if admitted. Hope this helps you plan your college application expenses more clearly!
Luis Nario-Malberg
Mooresville, North Carolina
Harvard College, Class of 2018, A.B. in Philosophy
Experience
5 years