Harvard University: Many Ways to Support Your Education

When you qualify for financial aid from Harvard, we use a combination of resources to create an individualized aid package to meet your demonstrated need. This may include scholarship funds, student employment, and loans, as well as any awards you’ve earned from outside sources.

We will work with your family one on one to help you navigate options and make sure Harvard is an affordable option for your undergraduate education.

Scholarships

After we assess your financial situation, we cover the remainder of your need with scholarship assistance and the offer of a campus job.

Our scholarships are based entirely on need, not merit. Learn more about scholarships.

Outside Awards

If you receive financial aid along with additional funding from outside sources, we will add that funding to your aid package, where it will reduce your work expectation.

Find out how to help finance your education through outside awards.

Jobs

We expect students to contribute to the cost of their education through summer and term-time employment. Student jobs are plentiful, and our aid package will include a term-time work expectation unless you have substantial outside awards.

Learn more about student jobs.

Loans

Your financial aid award will cover your entire demonstrated need without loans, but you may still choose to borrow through several federal loan programs, or through Harvard Loans.

Explore options for student loans.