Harvard offers financial aid to qualifying low-income students

“Our doors have long been open to talented students regardless of financial need but many students simply do not know or believe this. We are determined to change both the perception and the reality.” - President L.H. Summers

The Harvard Financial Aid Initiative (HFAI) was announced by former university President Lawrence Summers in March 2004. It aimed to reduce economic barriers to attending Harvard College by significantly expanding financial aid benefits to low and moderate income families. HFAI was and continues to be an extension of their generous financial aid program here at Harvard College. Since 2006, students from families with incomes less than $60,000, who are accepted to Harvard under our regular admissions policies, have no expected parent contribution for their education. Additionally, families with incomes between $60,000 and $80,000 have seen their expected parent contributions significantly reduced.

Harvard has intensified its commitment to reach talented students who might not think of Harvard as an option through the recruitment and outreach efforts of the Harvard Recruitment Program. Students are chosen on the basis of their outstanding academics, extracurricular, and personal qualities, with the hope that they will bring to Harvard the widest possible diversity of life experiences and intellectual perspectives.

The first step a student must take to benefit from HFAI is to apply to Harvard College; there is no separate application process. Admission to Harvard is based on achievement and promise without regard to financial need. Applying for financial aid does not jeopardize a student’s chances for admission. While there is an application fee, waivers are easily available upon request.

In addition to filling out all the application materials, students also need to apply for financial aid. These forms help the financial aid office determine what kind of financial aid package a student will need to be able to afford to attend Harvard. Harvard guarantees to meet 100 percent of students’ demonstrated financial need for all four-college years based on information we receive from the family each year. The policies above reflect Harvard’s unwavering belief that financial concerns should never be a deterrent to a student’s pursuit of an education at Harvard, which is open to talented students from all backgrounds.

Should you have any questions about the Harvard Financial Aid Initiative, ten student coordinators are available to assist potential applicants during the academic year. They are prepared to describe and explain not only basic financial aid policy and practice, but also to discuss more general aspects of student life at Harvard College, including academic and extracurricular offerings. Office hours are maintained throughout the academic year beginning in late September and ending in late May. Students may also be available on a limited schedule during the summer to answer questions and concerns. The telephone number is 617-384-8213 and email is hrp@fas.harvard.edu.