Does Harvard offer any scholarships for undergrads?
I’m a junior in high school looking at Harvard as a possible school to apply to next year. One thing I’m kind of confused about is whether or not Harvard has scholarships for undergraduate students, especially merit-based ones, or if financial aid is all need-based there.
I keep reading that Ivy League schools don’t do merit scholarships, but then I see articles online talking about how students get big awards for college. Can anyone clarify what Harvard actually offers? Are there any hidden or external scholarships I should know about if I’m really trying to reduce the cost?
I keep reading that Ivy League schools don’t do merit scholarships, but then I see articles online talking about how students get big awards for college. Can anyone clarify what Harvard actually offers? Are there any hidden or external scholarships I should know about if I’m really trying to reduce the cost?
4 months ago
•
55 views
Luis Nario-Malberg
• 4 months ago
Advisor
Harvard’s financial aid system is a little different from some other colleges. As an undergraduate applicant, Harvard does not offer any merit-based scholarships—meaning there are no awards given strictly for high academic achievement, leadership, athletic talent, or other outstanding abilities. All the financial aid Harvard offers is purely need-based. What this means is they look at your family’s income and resources, and, if you are admitted, they’ll make up the gap between what your family can reasonably pay and the total cost of attendance.
For example, a student whose family makes under $85,000 wouldn’t be expected to pay anything towards tuition, room, or board. Those with income up to $150,000 may also qualify for significant aid, depending on their specific circumstances. You don’t need to apply separately for these awards—by filling out the FAFSA and the CSS Profile, you’ll automatically be evaluated for Harvard’s financial aid once admitted.
Because Harvard and other Ivy League schools aim to enroll students based on ability and fit—not how much you can pay—they don’t use scholarships to recruit top students. Instead, they invest heavily in meeting 100% of demonstrated need.
However, you can also apply for external scholarships (sometimes called private or outside scholarships), which range from local awards at your high school, to national prizes from corporations and nonprofits. These can be used in addition to or, in some cases, even reduce the amount of work-study or loans included in your aid package. An example: the Gates Scholarship, Coca-Cola Scholars, or a state-based award you might win could offset some of your costs at Harvard.
Keep in mind that if you win a large external scholarship, Harvard may adjust your aid package, but they typically let those outside awards reduce student contributions first, before lessening Harvard grant aid.
To sum up: Harvard undergrad financial aid is entirely need-based. There are no academic, athletic, or arts-based merit scholarships from the university itself, but external scholarships are definitely an option. While browsing school websites and articles, be sure to notice whether a scholarship is offered directly by Harvard or by another organization. This distinction is really important for Ivy League and other top-tier schools.
For example, a student whose family makes under $85,000 wouldn’t be expected to pay anything towards tuition, room, or board. Those with income up to $150,000 may also qualify for significant aid, depending on their specific circumstances. You don’t need to apply separately for these awards—by filling out the FAFSA and the CSS Profile, you’ll automatically be evaluated for Harvard’s financial aid once admitted.
Because Harvard and other Ivy League schools aim to enroll students based on ability and fit—not how much you can pay—they don’t use scholarships to recruit top students. Instead, they invest heavily in meeting 100% of demonstrated need.
However, you can also apply for external scholarships (sometimes called private or outside scholarships), which range from local awards at your high school, to national prizes from corporations and nonprofits. These can be used in addition to or, in some cases, even reduce the amount of work-study or loans included in your aid package. An example: the Gates Scholarship, Coca-Cola Scholars, or a state-based award you might win could offset some of your costs at Harvard.
Keep in mind that if you win a large external scholarship, Harvard may adjust your aid package, but they typically let those outside awards reduce student contributions first, before lessening Harvard grant aid.
To sum up: Harvard undergrad financial aid is entirely need-based. There are no academic, athletic, or arts-based merit scholarships from the university itself, but external scholarships are definitely an option. While browsing school websites and articles, be sure to notice whether a scholarship is offered directly by Harvard or by another organization. This distinction is really important for Ivy League and other top-tier schools.
Luis Nario-Malberg
Mooresville, North Carolina
Harvard College, Class of 2018, A.B. in Philosophy
Experience
5 years