Founded in 1636, Harvard University is a private Ivy League University ideally located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It is ranked in 3rd position in QS World University Rankings 2019. Together with being the oldest university in United States, Harvard has the reputation for its history, reputation and education quality. Among its 13 prestigious schools and institutes, Harvard comprises top-ranked Business school and Medical school. Apart from its academic excellence, Harvard has the largest university endowment in the world.

The scholarships at Harvard University are based entirely upon the students’ need. It meets 100% of the demonstrated financial need of its students. It offers various aids in the forms of scholarships, awards, grants and endowment funds. It is generous in need-based scholarships considering both domestic and international students equally. The average financial aid at Harvard amounts to $55354 per year and 25% of the parents pay nothing.

Determining Eligibility for Aid

• The university requires no contribution from Harvard families with annual incomes below $65,000.
• Families with incomes between $65,000 and $150,000 will contribute from 0-10% of their income, and those with incomes above $150,000 will be asked to pay proportionately more than 10%, based on their individual circumstances.
• Students with family income that is more than $150,000 a year will be asked to pay proportionally more than 10%. The exact amount is different for each student based on their circumstances.

Applying for Aid

To apply to the university, you need to submit a complete application which includes

• Application (Common Application, the Universal College Application, and the Coalition Application) and supplements
• $75 application fee or a simple fee waiver
• Secondary School Report (including transcripts) and Midyear School Report
• Two teacher evaluations
• ACT or SAT (with or without writing)
• Two SAT Subject Tests (recommended, except in the case of financial hardship)
• Optional: AP, IB, or other examination results

To be eligible for financial aid, students need to submit a CSS Profile and an IDOC Packet. In addition to that, US Citizens and Permanent Residents will also need to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is a free form and if you only wish to apply for federal aid it is the only form you need to submit.

The university provides financial aid at the time of admission. Thus, you have to apply as quickly as you can. The deadline for need-based application is February 1.