Changing Lives at Harvard

Harvard College students hail from around the world, from as many backgrounds and places and economic circumstances imaginable. What they have in common is the talent and desire to make a difference in the world—and, because of their Harvard experience, they do.

Donors like you make it possible for Harvard to set the standard for financial aid, bringing talented minds together regardless of economic backgrounds. And because of financial aid, students who might never have considered Harvard see a future for themselves at the College.

Once a student is admitted to Harvard, cost of attendance is never a barrier. More than half of Harvard undergraduates receive financial aid, one in five undergraduates come from a family whose annual income is $65,000 or less, and pay nothing to attend.

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, financial aid is more critical than ever. Your support allows us to meet our students’ changing needs as they arise and ensure all of our students have equal access to a Harvard education, whether on campus or at home.

• Learn more about Harvard’s industry-leading financial aid program, and read the stories of students supported by financial aid.
• Get to know financial aid recipient and recent graduate Marvin Merritt ’20, who pivoted the trajectory of his senior thesis project in Theater, Dance & Media when the pandemic hit in March.
• Hear Julius Wade ’20 and Braeden Foldenauer ’21 reflect on their personal stories about being accepted to Harvard, and how financial aid has changed their lives.