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Scholarships for Harvard students


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Key takeaways about Harvard scholarships 

  • Harvard College’s undergraduate financial aid is based on demonstrated financial need, not merit.
  • Harvard College meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted undergraduate students.
  • Undergraduate aid may include Harvard scholarships and grants, government grants, student employment, and outside awards. Loans are optional rather than required.
  • Outside scholarships must be reported to Harvard College and are first used to reduce or replace the term-time work expectation.
  • Students can continue applying for private scholarships throughout college to find additional funding opportunities.

Harvard scholarships: Where do I start?

Harvard University is widely known for its academics, but its published cost can still make students and families pause.

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Harvard College, Harvard University’s undergraduate school, approaches financial aid differently from schools that offer academic or athletic merit scholarships. Its financial aid is based on demonstrated need, admissions are need-blind, and the college meets 100% of demonstrated need for admitted undergraduate students.

Private scholarships can be part of the funding picture, too. They may come from community organizations, employers, professional associations, foundations, and other outside providers.

This guide explains how financial aid works for Harvard College undergraduates, how outside scholarships interact with institutional aid, and where undergraduate and graduate students across Harvard University can look for additional funding.

What scholarships and financial aid does Harvard offer?

Harvard College builds undergraduate aid packages around each family’s demonstrated financial need. Its aid packages can combine institutional scholarships and grants, government grants, student employment, and outside awards.

Loans are available to interested students and families, but Harvard College does not require students to borrow as part of a need-based aid package.

Financial aid may include:

  • Harvard College scholarship and grant funding
  • Federal and state grants for eligible students
  • Student employment
  • Outside scholarships
  • Optional student or parent loans

Harvard College scholarship and grant aid

Harvard College bases undergraduate scholarship and grant aid on financial need rather than grades, test scores, athletic ability, or extracurricular accomplishments.

Once Harvard College determines a family’s expected contribution and factors in student employment and outside awards, remaining demonstrated need is covered through scholarship funds. These funds are grant-based and don’t need to be repaid.

How Harvard College determines financial need

Harvard College considers factors such as:

  • Family income
  • Assets
  • Family size
  • Household expenses
  • Other financial circumstances

Every family’s situation is different, so students should complete Harvard College’s required financial aid forms to understand what aid they may be eligible to receive.

Need-blind admissions

Harvard College uses need-blind admissions. A student’s financial need and decision to apply for aid do not affect their chance of undergraduate admission.

International undergraduate applicants are considered under the same need-blind admissions and need-based financial aid policies as U.S. applicants.

Harvard College financial aid at a glance

Aid type How it works Repayment required?
Harvard College scholarships and grants Awarded according to demonstrated financial need No
Federal and state grants Based on government eligibility requirements; the FAFSA® may be required No
Student employment Students earn wages through work; federal work-study eligibility is need-based No
Outside scholarships Awarded by outside organizations; requirements vary No
Student and parent loans Optional funding with eligibility or credit requirements that vary by loan Yes

How do outside scholarships affect Harvard College financial aid?

Students must report outside scholarships and other educational awards to Harvard College.

Outside awards are first used to reduce or replace the term-time work expectation. If an award exceeds that amount, the remaining funds generally replace an equal amount of Harvard scholarship. Outside awards cannot replace the parent contribution calculated through the need-based aid process.

Because an outside award may change the mix of funding in an aid package, students should review Harvard College’s outside-award policy before assuming that an award will reduce the family contribution or total net cost.

Does Harvard offer merit scholarships?

For Harvard College undergraduates, no. The college does not award institutional scholarships based on grades, test scores, athletics, leadership, talent, or extracurricular achievement.

Harvard College’s undergraduate institutional aid is based entirely on demonstrated financial need. Students may still apply for private scholarships that use academic, service, career, or other selection criteria.

Merit scholarships vs. need-based aid

Aid type How it works Is it available to Harvard College undergraduates?
Institutional merit scholarships Awarded based on academics, athletics, talent, leadership, or other achievements No
Need-based institutional aid Awarded based on a family’s financial circumstances Yes
Private scholarships Awarded by outside organizations using their own requirements Students can apply independently

Private scholarships for Harvard students

Private scholarships may come from national organizations, Massachusetts-based foundations, employers, professional associations, community groups, and other outside providers.

It’s important to understand Harvard College’s outside-award policy before building a funding plan around private scholarships. Students must report these awards, and the awards may change how the institutional aid package is structured.

Research from Sallie’s “How America Pays for College 2026” found that three out of four college students who didn’t use a scholarship never applied. Starting the search—and continuing it after the first year—can open up more opportunities.

National scholarships

National scholarships may focus on academics, leadership, community service, career goals, personal interests, work experience, or other accomplishments. These awards can attract large applicant pools, so students may want to combine national applications with local and field-specific opportunities.

Massachusetts scholarships

Massachusetts scholarships may be available through community foundations, employers, civic organizations, nonprofits, and professional associations.

Local and regional awards may have smaller applicant pools than widely advertised national scholarships, although competition and eligibility vary by provider.

Scholarships by field of study

Students can also search for scholarships connected to their intended field or career path.

Leadership and service scholarships

Some private scholarships recognize community service, public service, leadership, volunteer work, entrepreneurship, or civic engagement.

Students should focus on awards whose requirements fit their actual experiences rather than trying to reshape their story for every application.

Use Scholly® Scholarships to find opportunities that align with your interests, field of study, experiences, and goals.

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How to apply for Harvard financial aid and scholarships

For the 2027–28 academic year, all prospective Harvard College students applying for institutional financial aid must submit the CSS Profile and an IDOC packet. U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and other eligible noncitizens must also submit the FAFSA®.

1. Complete the CSS Profile

Submit the CSS Profile and list Harvard College as a recipient.

The CSS Profile provides detailed information about your family’s financial circumstances and is used to determine eligibility for institutional aid.

2. Submit documents through IDOC

After completing the CSS Profile, submit the requested tax and financial documents through the College Board’s IDOC service.

IDOC becomes available after the CSS Profile has been completed. Applicants should follow Harvard College’s current document list rather than relying only on IDOC’s general checklist.

3. Complete the FAFSA®

U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and other eligible noncitizens should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®).

The FAFSA® is used to determine eligibility for federal student aid. Applicants should use Harvard College’s current school code and application-year instructions.

4. Meet the financial aid deadlines

For 2027–28 aid, the published deadlines for the CSS Profile, FAFSA®, and IDOC are:

  • Restrictive Early Action and QuestBridge Match: November 1
  • Regular Decision: February 1
  • Transfer applicants: March 1

Harvard College accepts late aid applications, but a late submission may delay the financial aid decision. Review the college’s current prospective-student financial aid instructions before applying.

5. Review your financial aid offer

A financial aid offer explains the grants, scholarships, employment expectations, and other resources included in the package.

Review each part carefully and contact the Griffin Financial Aid Office when something is unclear or your family’s circumstances have changed.

6. Search for private scholarships

Private scholarships can supplement the resources in your financial aid package, although Harvard College will coordinate them under its outside-award policy.

Scholly® Scholarships can help you find opportunities that match your interests and goals.

7. Keep applying throughout college

Scholarship searching doesn’t have to end after admission. Current undergraduate and graduate students can continue looking for opportunities offered by employers, professional associations, community organizations, and private scholarship providers.

Tips to reduce Harvard costs

A practical affordability plan looks beyond one source of funding. Start with Harvard College financial aid, then consider outside scholarships, student employment, budgeting, and the expenses you may need to cover throughout the year.

Applying to more scholarships means more chances to win
Save your strongest essays and answers, and reuse them when appropriate. When you meet the requirements and an opportunity fits your experience, submit the application. A simple system can make each application faster.

Look beyond tuition

Housing, food, books, supplies, transportation, health coverage, and personal expenses can all affect your college budget.

To explore estimated costs, financial aid information, admissions details, and other information about attending Harvard University, visit Harvard University’s profile on Scout College Search. It’s a helpful starting point for comparing costs and planning how you’ll pay for college.

Apply for outside scholarships every year

New opportunities may open as you choose a field of study, gain work experience, join organizations, or move further into your program.

Set time aside each term to update your scholarship profile and check for new awards.

Search locally

Local scholarships may be available through community foundations, employers, civic groups, professional associations, and local nonprofits.

Some local awards receive fewer applications than national programs, but eligibility and competition vary.

Match scholarships to your story

Focus on opportunities connected to your major, interests, work experience, community involvement, leadership, service, or career goals.

A close match can make it easier to write a specific, convincing application.

Don’t count yourself out

Many scholarships consider more than grades. Depending on the provider, selection may also reflect service, employment, leadership, goals, creativity, or personal experience.

When you meet the published requirements, let the scholarship provider decide whether your application is competitive.

Can scholarships reduce student loan costs?

Yes. Scholarships can reduce the amount students and families need to cover through income, savings, payment plans, or borrowing.

The effect of an outside scholarship on a Harvard College aid package depends on the college’s current outside-award policy. Students should review that policy before assuming an award will reduce their family contribution dollar for dollar.

Scholarship stacking can help lower costs

Scholarship stacking means combining several awards rather than relying on one large scholarship.

Here’s a hypothetical example:

Scholarship Example award amount
Local scholarship $1,000
Private scholarship $2,500
Field-of-study scholarship $1,500
Total example funding $5,000
Potential impact Up to $5,000 less to cover through other resources

This example is illustrative. Actual award amounts, permitted uses, and effects on a financial aid package vary.

A group of smaller awards can still add up, but Harvard College students should report each outside award so the Griffin Financial Aid Office can coordinate it correctly.

Scholarships for graduate students at Harvard

Graduate funding varies by Harvard school, degree, department, and program. Students should review the financial aid information published by the graduate or professional school offering their program.

The Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences offers PhD funding packages that may include tuition grants, stipends, traineeships, teaching fellowships, research assistantships, and other academic appointments. The specific package varies by program.

Graduate fellowships

Fellowships may provide tuition support, living support, research funding, or a combination of resources.

Some are awarded by a Harvard school or department, while others come from government agencies, foundations, employers, professional associations, or other outside sponsors.

Research assistantships

Research assistantships may provide compensation or educational support in exchange for work on a faculty-led or department-based research project.

Availability and terms depend on the school, program, funding source, and academic field.

Teaching fellowships and assistantships

Teaching positions may include compensation or other support for leading sections, assisting with courses, grading, or related academic responsibilities.

Students should check their program’s current funding and appointment policies.

Professional-school funding

Students in law, business, medicine, public policy, education, and other professional programs should consult their school’s financial aid office for current grants, scholarships, fellowships, employment, and borrowing options.

Funding rules aren’t uniform across Harvard University’s graduate and professional schools.

Private scholarships for graduate students

Students can also search for outside graduate-student scholarships based on degree program, career plans, professional interests, employer affiliations, academic work, or research goals.

Private awards may reduce out-of-pocket costs, but students should ask their school how outside funding interacts with institutional support.

Find more scholarships with Sallie

Finding legit scholarships can take time. Scholly® Scholarships can make the process easier by helping you find opportunities that align with your interests, education plans, and goals.

Simplified applications can also help you maintain momentum. Scholly® Easy Apply Scholarships lets you apply to multiple scholarships with one streamlined application.

You can also enter Sallie’s $2,000 No Essay Scholarship in two minutes or less, and graduate students can apply for Sallie’s $5,000 Grad No Essay Scholarship.

The goal isn’t to spend hundreds of hours searching. It’s to find relevant opportunities efficiently and keep applying consistently.

Additional scholarship resources

These resources can help you find opportunities based on your major, background, education level, and experiences.

Your next steps

Start by completing Harvard College’s required financial aid forms and reviewing your aid package carefully. Then expand your search to local scholarships, national awards, employer programs, professional associations, field-of-study scholarships, and tools like Scholly® Scholarships.

When you receive an outside award, report it to Harvard College so the Griffin Financial Aid Office can explain how it will be incorporated into your package.

Each application creates another opportunity to find funding. A steady, organized search can be more manageable than trying to find one scholarship that covers everything.

FAQs about Harvard scholarships

What’s the easiest way to find scholarships for Harvard?

Start with Harvard’s financial aid process, then expand your search to private scholarships. Scholarship search tools such as Scholly® Scholarships can help match you with opportunities based on your background, interests, and goals.

Does Harvard really give free tuition?

Harvard College’s need-based aid may cover tuition and other educational expenses for some families. The amount of aid depends on the student’s demonstrated financial need and individualized aid package.

Are there scholarships specifically for Harvard freshmen?

Incoming Harvard College freshmen may be eligible for Harvard financial aid as well as private scholarships designed for first-year college students. Students should explore both institutional aid and outside scholarship opportunities.

Can graduate students get scholarships at Harvard?

Yes. Graduate students may receive fellowships, assistantships, school-based aid, professional program funding, employer tuition assistance, and private scholarships.

What scholarships can lower student loan borrowing at Harvard?

Any scholarship that does not need to be repaid may help reduce the amount students and families need to cover through savings, income, or loans. This includes Harvard grant aid, private scholarships, local scholarships, and national awards.

How do students combine Harvard aid with outside scholarships?

Students should report outside scholarship awards to Harvard. Depending on Harvard’s current policies, outside scholarships may be coordinated with institutional financial aid.

Where can Harvard students find no essay scholarships?

Students can explore Sallie’s $2,000 No Essay Scholarship and other simplified application opportunities through Scholly® Easy Apply Scholarships. Graduate students can also explore Sallie’s $5,000 Grad No Essay Scholarship.

Does Harvard offer merit scholarships?

No. Harvard does not offer institutional merit scholarships based on academics, athletics, leadership, or extracurricular achievements. Harvard’s institutional aid is based on financial need.

Is Harvard free for low-income students?

Harvard’s need-based financial aid can significantly reduce college costs for eligible students. Depending on a family’s financial circumstances, aid may cover a substantial portion of tuition and other educational expenses.

What GPA do I need for Harvard scholarships?

There is no specific GPA requirement for Harvard College’s institutional undergraduate aid because it is based on financial need. Private scholarship providers may set their own academic requirements.

How hard is it to get financial aid at Harvard?

Harvard College says it meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted students. Eligibility depends on a family’s financial circumstances rather than academic performance. Students from a wide range of income levels may qualify for aid, so it’s important to complete all required financial aid forms and review Harvard’s aid policies.

Can outside scholarships reduce Harvard costs?

Yes. Outside scholarships can help reduce educational costs and may lower what students and families need to contribute toward college expenses. Students should report outside scholarship awards to Harvard and review the university’s current policies regarding how outside funding interacts with institutional financial aid.

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SLM Education Services, LLC does not provide, and these materials are not meant to convey, financial, tax, or legal advice. Consult your own financial advisor, tax advisor, or attorney about your specific circumstances.

The school referenced on this page is not affiliated with Sallie Mae and does not endorse Sallie Mae loans. 

No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received. See Official Rules and Entry Periods on each scholarship page.

FAFSA® is a registered service mark of U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid.