How much should I expect to pay for four years at Harvard?
I’ve been dreaming about going to Harvard for years, but now that I’m actually planning my applications, the cost is starting to freak me out a little. I know tuition and fees can be super expensive at schools like Harvard, but I also keep hearing about their generous financial aid.
Does anyone have firsthand experience or know what the total cost (including room and board, books, personal expenses, etc.) usually comes to for four years if you don’t get much financial aid? Or maybe what it might look like if you do qualify for a good amount of aid? My family’s financial situation is kind of middle class, so I’m not sure how much help we’d get.
I just want to get a real idea of what I might be getting into before I get too ahead of myself with dreaming. Any breakdowns, resources, or personal stories would be super helpful!
Does anyone have firsthand experience or know what the total cost (including room and board, books, personal expenses, etc.) usually comes to for four years if you don’t get much financial aid? Or maybe what it might look like if you do qualify for a good amount of aid? My family’s financial situation is kind of middle class, so I’m not sure how much help we’d get.
I just want to get a real idea of what I might be getting into before I get too ahead of myself with dreaming. Any breakdowns, resources, or personal stories would be super helpful!
6 days ago
•
8 views
Luis Nario-Malberg
• 6 days ago
Advisor
For a student with little or no financial aid, four years at Harvard could cost close to $330,000.
However, Harvard’s financial aid is extremely generous, especially for middle-class families. For US students, they have a need-blind admissions process and meet 100% of demonstrated financial need. As an example, if your family has an income below $85,000 per year, Harvard usually expects you to pay nothing for tuition, room, or board. For families making up to $150,000, the expected family contribution is often 0–10% of income, depending on your individual circumstances and assets.
Let’s say your family earns around $100,000–$120,000 per year with typical assets. You might pay around $10,000–$20,000 per year, all costs included, sometimes even less if your family has more expenses or special circumstances (multiple kids in college, for example).
A great example is an international student from a low-income background I knew. Being an international student, she didn't even get to apply need-blind like domestic applicants (i.e. Harvard knew when she applied that she would need substantial financial aid). However, on the strength of her application and a unique background, Harvard accepted her and covered just 100% of tuition, room and board costs.
In summary: If you don’t get much aid, plan on about $82,000 per year. If you get aid (as most do, especially in the middle class), your costs could be significantly lower—sometimes less than paying in-state tuition at a public school.
However, Harvard’s financial aid is extremely generous, especially for middle-class families. For US students, they have a need-blind admissions process and meet 100% of demonstrated financial need. As an example, if your family has an income below $85,000 per year, Harvard usually expects you to pay nothing for tuition, room, or board. For families making up to $150,000, the expected family contribution is often 0–10% of income, depending on your individual circumstances and assets.
Let’s say your family earns around $100,000–$120,000 per year with typical assets. You might pay around $10,000–$20,000 per year, all costs included, sometimes even less if your family has more expenses or special circumstances (multiple kids in college, for example).
A great example is an international student from a low-income background I knew. Being an international student, she didn't even get to apply need-blind like domestic applicants (i.e. Harvard knew when she applied that she would need substantial financial aid). However, on the strength of her application and a unique background, Harvard accepted her and covered just 100% of tuition, room and board costs.
In summary: If you don’t get much aid, plan on about $82,000 per year. If you get aid (as most do, especially in the middle class), your costs could be significantly lower—sometimes less than paying in-state tuition at a public school.
Luis Nario-Malberg
Mooresville, North Carolina
Harvard College, Class of 2018, A.B. in Philosophy
Experience
5 years