What Is the Total Cost of Attendance at Harvard University?

The total cost of attendance at Harvard University is approximately $82,842 per year, including tuition, fees, room and board, books, and personal expenses. This represents the sticker price before financial aid. The average student pays about $13,872 after aid.

What Financial Aid Is Available at Harvard University?

Harvard University offers generous need-based financial aid and evaluates applicants without considering their financial need. Many students receive grants, scholarships, and work-study opportunities that significantly reduce costs.

How Do I Apply for Financial Aid at Harvard University?

To apply for financial aid at Harvard University, students typically submit the FAFSA and may also need the CSS Profile or institutional financial aid forms depending on program requirements.

What Is the Average Student Debt at Harvard University?

Graduates of Harvard University typically leave with about $17,940 in student debt, although actual borrowing varies depending on financial aid packages and individual circumstances.

Harvard University

Cambridge, Massachusetts

Overview AdmissionRequirements Costof attendance

Total Tuition Cost$51,143

Avg. Cost after Aid$13,872

Annual cost$82,842

Average aid package$70,478

Percent receiving Aid54%

Harvard University Cost: What you'll actually pay

What you'll actually pay at Harvard University

Harvard University cost varies widely based on your family's income. Sticker price sits around $82,842 per year including tuition, housing, and fees, but most students pay far less. About 54% of undergrads receive need-based aid, and families earning under $30,000 typically pay $2,895. Kollegio shows you personalized estimates so you can plan with confidence, not guesswork.

See your real cost in minutes

Stop wondering if Harvard University fits your budget. Use Kollegio's tools to estimate your net price based on your profile, explore scholarship matches, and compare aid packages across schools. Get clarity on what Harvard University cost looks like for students like you, without the overwhelm.

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Breaking down the full cost of attendance

Tuition and fees

Harvard University's tuition is $51,143 annually, plus approximately $4,444 in fees. While the sticker price is the same for all students, financial aid packages vary based on demonstrated need.

Room and board

Housing and meal plans at Harvard University total approximately $18,941 per year. Off-campus costs vary by location, but many students find on-campus living simplifies budgeting.

Books, supplies, and personal costs

Budget approximately $1,000 annually for textbooks, course materials, and personal expenses. Many students reduce these costs by buying used books, using library resources, or sharing materials. Kollegio's scholarship finder can help offset these extras.

Additional costs to plan for

Living in Cambridge can come with extra costs—transportation, entertainment, and occasional dining out add up. Your actual expenses vary by lifestyle and where you live.

Cost Insights

Tuition$51,143

Fees$4,444

Room & Board$18,941

Books & Supplies$1,000

Personal/OtherN/A

Total Cost of attendance$75,528

How to make Harvard University affordable

External Scholarships

External scholarships from private organizations, community foundations, and employers can supplement Harvard University's aid package. Kollegio's scholarship finder matches you with opportunities tailored to your background, interests, and academic profile. Students often secure thousands in additional funding by applying strategically.

Work-Study and Campus Employment

Harvard University offers federal work-study and campus employment opportunities, letting students earn 3220 annually. Jobs range from library positions to research assistant roles, and many connect directly to your academic interests.

Find Scholarships That Fit

Return on Investment: Outcomes and Value

Alumni starting salary

$99.6K

Debt at graduation

$17.9K

Graduation rate

97.6%

Graduate earnings

Graduates of Harvard University earn a median salary of $99,572 within 6 years of graduation.

Graduation rate and time to degree

Harvard University's graduation rate is 97.6%, meaning excellent. Graduating on time avoids extra tuition costs and gets you into the workforce sooner.

Student debt at graduation

Student debt varies based on your financial aid package and family contribution. Use Kollegio's tools to estimate your potential costs and find scholarships to reduce borrowing.

How Kollegio helps you pay less

Scholarship finder tailored to you

Kollegio matches you with scholarships based on your background, interests, and academic profile. These aren't generic lists—they're opportunities that fit your situation. Students using the tool often find thousands in external aid that reduces their out-of-pocket costs at Harvard University.

Track deadlines and aid applications

Never miss a FAFSA deadline or scholarship due date. Kollegio organizes your financial aid timeline in one dashboard, sending reminders so you submit everything on time and maximize your aid eligibility.

Harvard University Cost: Your Questions Answered

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