Harvard University Graduate Scholarships and Financial Aid

Harvard believe that “quality education should also be affordable”. Hence they provide financial aid for all students with an affordable tuition cost. At Harvard, students are automatically qualified for financial aid after admission. There are no additional documents that need to be submitted to apply for financial aid at Harvard.

Financial aid is provided to help accepted degree candidates cover all or part of their tuition expenses. Harvard classifies financial aid into 3 parts, Private loans, Federal loans, and Grants and scholarships. In addition to federal financial aid options, qualified students will receive grant funding to help with a portion of their tuition costs each term. 

Along with this Harvard also offers a tuition reimbursement program for students who are planning to work while completing their education.

Additionally, you might be able to enroll in Harvard programs for a reduced price through the Tuition Assistance Program if you are a qualified employee of Harvard University.

Scholarships:

The Extension School offers grants that pay the tuition for one graduate course per term. The course must not be offered by the Extension School's curriculum and must be relevant to the candidate's subject of study there.

By the priority deadline for fall or spring, students must finish and submit all necessary financial aid application forms as well as the supplemental FAS Special Student Scholarship application in order to be eligible for scholarships. Financial necessity and intellectual merit are taken into consideration while selecting recipients. Candidates for scholarships must have a cumulative GPA of 3.33 or above.

Various Scholarships offered by the Harvard Extension School includes

Kwan Fong Scholarship, Lowell Scholarship, and Leonard J. Russell Scholarship.

Funding for Veterans and Military

Benefits for schooling may be available to veterans through the Veterans Administration. Veterans and present duty military personnel could be qualified for TA at the Extension School. Veterans and qualifying dependents may be eligible to receive GI Bill.

Project Zero, with the support of the Saul Zaentz Charitable Foundation and individual donations celebrating its 50th anniversary, offers professional learning scholarships aimed at assisting educators and institutions. These scholarships are designed to benefit educators working in under-resourced contexts and with historically marginalized students. Eligible educators in the United States can apply for scholarships to reduce the tuition cost of Project Zero's institutes, courses, off-site conferences, and professional development activities. Educators outside the United States serving a specified percentage of low-income students or those receiving financial assistance may also qualify.

While scholarship funding is limited, it is intended to make Project Zero's programs more accessible. Scholarships typically cover between 20% and 80% of the program tuition, depending on the specific event. However, it's important to note that the scholarships only apply to program tuition and cannot be used for travel or other associated expenses. The scholarship application process is integrated into the overall program application, and the deadline for the Project Zero Conference (PZC) scholarship is specified. Additionally, for specific Project Zero Courses and the Let's Play Mini-Course, separate scholarship application information is provided, and individuals must apply for scholarships before registering for these programs.

Eligibility for Project Zero Professional Learning Scholarships is primarily based on the aim to support educators working in under-resourced contexts and with historically marginalized students. Qualified educators whose primary work falls within these settings are eligible to apply. Additionally, educators outside of the United States can qualify if their schools or organizations serve a minimum of 35% of students meeting the country-defined standard for low-income or receiving financial assistance.

Financial aid is available for both American and foreign students, with the College providing its own job and scholarship opportunities for international students who are not eligible for federal funding. Undocumented students are also eligible for financial aid from Harvard without the need to file a FAFSA. The university is committed to ensuring that financial circumstances do not hinder admitted students from attending. Harvard offers various funding options, including need-based aid, supplemental funding for diverse purposes, and a rich history of financial support. The institution aims to streamline the financial aid application process, making it accessible to all, regardless of nationality or citizenship.

• Financial Aid Availability for Foreign Students: Financial aid is available for foreign students on the same basis as for American students, although they are not eligible for federal funding. The College has its own job and scholarship money for foreign students.
• Financial Aid Application: Prospective students can apply for financial aid following the application instructions provided. Completing the application by the deadline ensures timely financial aid decisions.
• Tracking Application Status: For prospective students, financial aid application materials are tracked after admission. 
• Generous Financial Aid Program: Harvard University's financial aid program is generous and aims to ensure that financial circumstances do not hinder students from pursuing a Harvard education.
• Options for Funding: Harvard mentions various options, including need-based aid, supplemental funding, and the Harvard Financial Aid Initiative.
• Supplemental Funding: Harvard offers supplemental funding for public service, research, international travel, and career opportunities in addition to tuition aid.
• History of Financial Aid: Harvard highlights the university's historical commitment to affordability and access through financial aid initiatives.
• Federal Disclosures: Information on federal Consumer Information disclosures is provided as required by the Department of Education, covering financial aid, academic programs, procedures, costs, and policies.

Types of Aid offered by Harvard University

Harvard University offers various financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, student employment, and loans, to help students meet their demonstrated financial need. 

Scholarship & Grants:

• Harvard uses a combination of resources to create individualized aid packages for students based on demonstrated financial need.
• Aid packages may include scholarship funds, student employment, and awards from outside sources.
• Scholarships are designed to cover 100% of demonstrated financial need.
• Scholarship funds come from various sources, including Harvard endowment funds, alumni gifts, tuition revenues, and federal and state grants.
• Federal grants such as Pell Grants and SEOG Grants are available to eligible U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

Outside Awards:

• Students may receive scholarship funds from sources outside Harvard, like secondary schools, organizations, and employers.
• These awards must be reported to Harvard and used to cover college expenses.
• Outside awards can replace term-time work expectations but cannot replace the parent contribution.

Student Employment:

• Students, regardless of their financial aid status, can work during the academic year.
• Expected term-time work hours are usually around 10 to 12 hours per week.
• Wages earned are paid directly to students and can be used for personal expenses.
• Eligible students may participate in the Federal Work-Study Program (FWSP), which subsidizes their wages.

Student Loans:

• Harvard's aid packages are designed to cover financial needs without additional borrowing.
• Most students graduate debt-free due to the university's commitment to affordability.
• Students may request loans if they choose to borrow.
• Federal loans such as Federal Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans and Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans are available.
• Harvard Loans are need-based with interest paid during enrollment and a fixed interest rate.

Parent Loans:

• Families may choose to pursue loans to spread the cost of education over several years.
• Loans can cover the entire cost of education or a portion of it.
• Harvard provides guidance on both federal and private loan options.
• There are no income restrictions, but creditworthiness is a factor.
• All loans can be prepaid without penalties.

Additional Funding and procedures offered by Harvard University

Harvard students are provided with various aspects of financial aid and funding opportunities. Here is the list of additional funding from Harvard University.

• Emergency Aid: Harvard has approved additional emergency financial aid funding to assist students who incurred extraordinary expenses due to early campus departures.
• Appeal Process: Students can appeal to the Financial Aid Committee for a reconsideration of their award decision in case of significant changes in family circumstances.
• Refunds: If aid and loan credits exceed billed expenses, students can request a refund using the refund request form, provided they are enrolled in Direct Deposit through the Student Accounts Office.
• Beneficiary Aid Program: This program provides financial assistance for extreme financial hardships resulting from emergency term-time medical and dental costs incurred by students receiving Harvard Scholarship assistance.
• Computer Loan: Eligible students receiving a need-based Harvard Scholarship can borrow additional funds for purchasing computers, computer equipment, and software.
• Outside Awards: Students with outside awards can have a dollar-for-dollar reduction in their term-time work expectation and can apply additional outside awards towards educationally relevant technological devices.
• Study Abroad: Students receiving Harvard grant assistance can transfer their financial aid to approved term-time study abroad programs.
• Summer School Aid: Those receiving need-based aid during the regular academic year are eligible for a Harvard Loan of up to $10,000 to help cover summer school costs.
• Student Loans: While not expected, students may choose to use student loans to manage college costs over time or replace their work expectations. Federal and private loan options are available, subject to creditworthiness tests and no prepayment penalties.
• Parent Loans: Parent loans are available, and applications typically open after June 1st and should be submitted by August 1st for loan credits to be available toward registration.