How much does it really cost to attend Harvard University?
I've heard a lot of mixed things about how expensive Harvard is. Some people say it's super expensive and not affordable for most families, but then others mention their financial aid is really good. I'm just starting my college search and my family is kind of middle class, so I'm worried about what the real cost would be for someone like me.
Does anyone here have firsthand experience or know what the average student actually pays after aid? Also, are there hidden fees or living expenses that people forget to mention? Any advice or insight would be super helpful as I figure out if applying to Harvard is even realistic for me!
Does anyone here have firsthand experience or know what the average student actually pays after aid? Also, are there hidden fees or living expenses that people forget to mention? Any advice or insight would be super helpful as I figure out if applying to Harvard is even realistic for me!
4 months ago
•
57 views
Luis Nario-Malberg
• 4 months ago
Advisor
Harvard’s listed cost (tuition, room, board, and estimated fees) for 2024-2025 is about $82,866 for one year. This number can seem overwhelming at first glance, but the actual amount most students pay is drastically lower because of Harvard’s need-based financial aid.
For families earning under $85,000 per year, Harvard will typically expect you to pay nothing at all for tuition, room, and board. For families earning up to $150,000, many pay about 0-10% of their annual income. For a mid-range, middle-class family—let’s say the household income is $120,000—Harvard’s net price calculator (https://college.harvard.edu/financial-aid/net-price-calculator) shows that your family contribution might fall in the range of $12,000–$17,000 per year. That’s not pocket change, but it’s often much less than in-state tuition at some public universities without a comparable aid program.
Direct costs from Harvard include tuition, room, board, and general fees. Extra costs to keep in mind are books, travel to and from campus (especially if you live far away), personal expenses, and sometimes health insurance if you’re not covered under your parents’ plan. These can add another $2,000–$5,000 depending on your situation and spending habits, but again, Harvard’s aid can be applied to these costs based on your demonstrated need.
One thing people often overlook: Harvard also has extensive support for non-tuition needs, from a start-up grant for low-income students to covering emergency expenses or even summer opportunities. For example, some students get funding to work unpaid internships, travel for research, or pay for medical emergencies.
If you want a real-life example: A student I know from a middle-class background (family income just over $100,000) paid less to attend Harvard than any of their local state schools after factoring in financial aid and scholarships. They still budgeted for extras, but overall, cost wasn’t a barrier.
The best advice is to use Harvard’s net price calculator with your family’s info. It’ll give you a very realistic estimate. The sticker price is high, but for most students, especially those from middle-class families, the real price is often much more affordable than people expect.
For families earning under $85,000 per year, Harvard will typically expect you to pay nothing at all for tuition, room, and board. For families earning up to $150,000, many pay about 0-10% of their annual income. For a mid-range, middle-class family—let’s say the household income is $120,000—Harvard’s net price calculator (https://college.harvard.edu/financial-aid/net-price-calculator) shows that your family contribution might fall in the range of $12,000–$17,000 per year. That’s not pocket change, but it’s often much less than in-state tuition at some public universities without a comparable aid program.
Direct costs from Harvard include tuition, room, board, and general fees. Extra costs to keep in mind are books, travel to and from campus (especially if you live far away), personal expenses, and sometimes health insurance if you’re not covered under your parents’ plan. These can add another $2,000–$5,000 depending on your situation and spending habits, but again, Harvard’s aid can be applied to these costs based on your demonstrated need.
One thing people often overlook: Harvard also has extensive support for non-tuition needs, from a start-up grant for low-income students to covering emergency expenses or even summer opportunities. For example, some students get funding to work unpaid internships, travel for research, or pay for medical emergencies.
If you want a real-life example: A student I know from a middle-class background (family income just over $100,000) paid less to attend Harvard than any of their local state schools after factoring in financial aid and scholarships. They still budgeted for extras, but overall, cost wasn’t a barrier.
The best advice is to use Harvard’s net price calculator with your family’s info. It’ll give you a very realistic estimate. The sticker price is high, but for most students, especially those from middle-class families, the real price is often much more affordable than people expect.
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Luis Nario-Malberg
Mooresville, North Carolina
Harvard College, Class of 2018, A.B. in Philosophy
Experience
5 years