Scholarships at Harvard University Harvard University is committed to making education accessible to students from all financial backgrounds. With a r
Scholarships at Harvard University
Harvard University is committed to making education accessible to students from all financial backgrounds. With a robust financial aid program, Harvard ensures that the cost of attendance is not a barrier for talented and deserving students. Here’s an overview of the scholarship and financial aid opportunities at Harvard University:
1. Need-Based Financial Aid
- Harvard Financial Aid Initiative (HFAI): Harvard’s primary financial aid program is need-based, ensuring that students and their families contribute only what they can afford. Harvard meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students, meaning that the financial aid package covers the full cost of attendance, including tuition, room, board, and other expenses.
- No Loans Policy: Harvard’s financial aid packages do not include loans. Instead, the aid comes in the form of grants and scholarships, which do not need to be repaid. This policy ensures that students can graduate debt-free.
- Family Contribution: For families earning less than $85,000 annually, the expected family contribution is $0. For those earning between $85,000 and $150,000, the contribution is typically 0-10% of family income.
2. Merit-Based Scholarships
- Harvard College does not offer traditional merit-based scholarships: Because Harvard’s admission process is need-blind and focused on admitting the most talented students regardless of financial status, the university does not offer merit-based scholarships. All financial aid is awarded based on need.
3. External Scholarships
- Outside Awards: While Harvard does not offer merit-based scholarships, students are encouraged to apply for external scholarships. These scholarships, awarded by private organizations, foundations, and government programs, can be used to supplement Harvard’s financial aid package.
- National and International Scholarships: Many Harvard students receive prestigious national and international scholarships, such as the Rhodes Scholarship, Marshall Scholarship, and Fulbright Program, which provide additional support for study and research.
4. Scholarships for International Students
- Need-Based Aid for International Students: Harvard extends its need-based financial aid program to international students, ensuring that talented students from around the world can afford a Harvard education. The application process for financial aid is the same for international and domestic students.
- Country-Specific Scholarships: In addition to Harvard’s need-based aid, some countries offer specific scholarships or funding programs for students attending universities abroad, including Harvard.
5. Graduate and Professional School Scholarships
- Harvard Kennedy School Fellowships: Harvard Kennedy School offers a range of fellowships and scholarships for students pursuing public service careers. These include the Public Service Fellowship and the Presidential Public Service Fellowship.
- Harvard Law School Financial Aid: Harvard Law School provides need-based financial aid and loan forgiveness programs for graduates pursuing public interest law careers.
- Harvard Business School Scholarships: Harvard Business School offers need-based scholarships and fellowships, including the HBS Fellowship Program, which reduces the financial burden on MBA students.
6. Special Programs and Fellowships
- The Harvard College Research Program (HCRP): This program offers grants to undergraduate students to conduct independent research, allowing them to explore academic interests beyond the classroom.
- ROTC Scholarships: Harvard students participating in ROTC programs may be eligible for ROTC scholarships, which cover tuition and provide a monthly stipend.
7. Renewal and Continuation of Scholarships
- Renewable Aid: Financial aid at Harvard is reassessed annually, ensuring that students continue to receive the support they need based on their family’s financial situation.
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