Tuition and Financial Aid
This site provides details on tuition and fees, applying for financial aid, types of funding, billing policies, and more. Please review all the information carefully and contact the Office of Financial Aid if you have any questions.
Anticipated-Aid and Disbursement of Financial Aid
Anticipated Financial Aid
Anticipated financial aid is a credit that the Office of Financial Aid (OFA) has on record as aid awarded and accepted by a student and is expected to disburse to the student account. Students are not responsible to pay for the portion of the bill that is covered by anticipated financial aid (see note below*). OFA updates the Student Accounts Office (SAO) of anticipated aid credits on a regular basis.
*Please note: if a student is sponsored by a Third Party Contract (i.e. outside organization), the third party is required to complete the requested Third Party Contract Online form. Lack of payment by a third party in one term may jeopardize a student’s ability to register for the next term. If the third party fails to make payment, it is ultimately the student’s responsibility to pay their bill in full.
Viewing and Accepting Financial Aid
Students that are receiving financial aid may view and accept/decline/reduce their current awards by visiting MyFinaid.
All financial aid awarded by Harvard (scholarships and/or loans) is disbursed directly onto the student’s account. If you are receiving financial aid and do not see it reflecting on your account or within MyFinaid, check to be sure you have accepted your assistance. Ensure that all requirements are complete.
Disbursement of Financial Aid
Disbursement dates at the School vary, based on the type of funding, when the fund is awarded, when a student applies for financial aid, and/or when requirements are complete. Below are some specific types of funding and the standard processes of disbursement.
The standard loan disbursement dates are generally at the beginning of each term of enrollment after the add/drop deadline. First-time federal borrowers to the School are required to complete a Master Promissory Note and Entrance Interview. All new and returning borrowers must accept their loan on MyFinaid in order for the loan to be processed.
OFA is responsible for the disbursements of all School funding (scholarships and stipends, NOT payroll). Scholarships are generally disbursed at the beginning of term of enrollment after the add/drop deadline. These funds remain as anticipated until disbursed. Students cannot receive scholarships over tuition and mandatory student fees.
Outside Awards will only reflect as anticipated aid on a student’s account if OFA has received a written confirmation from the outside agency providing the funds. Students are required to notify the School of all outside awards that they are receiving. Students are responsible for any balance on their account due to an outside award payment which is promised but not made by an outside organization.