Hi there! I'm Rebecca, and I've been an independent college admissions counselor for over a decade. I help students navigate the often-overwhelming process of applying to and paying for college. It's a huge investment, so families want to make sure they understand the financial picture before committing.

You're asking a question I get *a lot*: "How much does it cost to go to Harvard for 4 years?" It seems simple, but the answer is a bit nuanced. Here's a breakdown:

Published Price vs. Actual Price

First, let's distinguish between the "sticker price" and the "net price." The sticker price is the advertised cost of attendance, which includes:

* Tuition and Fees: This is the core cost of instruction. For the 2023-2024 academic year, Harvard's tuition and fees are $59,457.

* Room and Board: This covers on-campus housing and a meal plan. Harvard estimates this to be $21,698 for the 2023-2024 academic year.

So, the total sticker price for one year at Harvard is $81,155. Over four years, this comes out to a whopping $324,620.

BUT...

Very few students actually pay the full sticker price. Harvard has an incredibly generous financial aid program, and they are committed to making sure finances aren't a barrier to attending. That's where the net price comes in.

Net Price: What You'll Actually Pay

Your net price is the amount you pay *after* grants and scholarships are deducted. Harvard practices "need-blind" admissions, meaning they don't consider your financial need when making an admissions decision. Even more impressively, they meet 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students.

* Families with Incomes Below $85,000: Harvard expects these families to contribute $0 towards the cost of attendance. That's right, tuition, room and board, everything - covered!

* Families with Incomes Above $85,000: Harvard uses a sliding scale to determine your expected family contribution (EFC). They take into account your family's income, assets, family size, and other factors.

Estimating Your Net Price

Harvard has a handy Net Price Calculator on their website. You input your family's financial information, and it provides an estimate of your eligibility for financial aid. While it's not a guarantee, it's a useful tool to get an idea of your potential out-of-pocket costs.

Additional Expenses to Factor In

Keep in mind that the sticker price and net price don't account for everything:

* Books and Supplies: Budget around $1,000 per year for textbooks, course materials, and other supplies.

* Personal Expenses: This includes things like transportation, entertainment, and personal care. Allocate $2,000 - $3,000 per year.

* Travel Costs: Consider the cost of traveling to and from Harvard during breaks and holidays, especially if you're not from the Northeast.

The Bottom Line

The cost of attending Harvard varies greatly depending on your family's financial situation. While the sticker price can be intimidating, don't let it discourage you from applying. Harvard's generous financial aid program makes it possible for students from all backgrounds to attend this world-class institution.

Remember, I'm here to help! If you have any more questions about college admissions or financial aid, don't hesitate to ask.
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Please use the calculator to estimate the net cost of attendance. The total 2016-2017 cost of attending Harvard College without financial aid is $43,280 for tuition and $63,025 for tuition, room, board, and fees combined.read more >>