How does need-based financial aid compare between Harvard and Brown?

The biggest practical difference is that Harvard’s current policy can make it less expensive for many middle-income families, while Brown also meets full demonstrated need but may expect a larger family contribution at the same income and asset level.

Brown likewise commits to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted students and uses the Brown Promise to replace loans with grants for many students.

Neither school awards need-based aid simply from income alone. Home equity, savings, business or farm ownership, number of children in college, and noncustodial-parent information can materially change an award. Both schools use their own institutional methodology, so identical FAFSA information does not guarantee identical results.

The realistic comparison should be each school’s net price calculator and, if admitted, the actual grant offers; either school may reconsider an award when documented family circumstances are not fully reflected in the initial application.