Parent Contribution:

The Committee on Financial Aid reviews carefully the information each family provides in their financial aid application, including any additional circumstances brought to our attention, in order to determine the amount parents will be expected to provide for college expenses. It is important for families to understand that the parent contribution is not what we think a family has “left over” after other expenses have been covered, and we do not necessarily expect that the parent contribution will be paid from current income. Rather, the level of contribution reflects our analysis of what parents can afford to absorb in educational costs over time. Parents may choose to provide their contribution from any savings they may have, from current income, from future income (through borrowing) or from some combination of these choices. We hope families discuss the cost of going to college and agree that paying for education is a priority for the family and a responsibility that will be shared. We cannot provide additional aid for students whose parents arbitrarily withdraw financial support. Similarly, we cannot provide additional aid for families who have incurred large consumer debts which may make paying for college difficult. Please be assured, however, that we will work with all families to help them obtain the necessary financing to cover their expected parent contribution over an extended period of time.

Student Contribution from Summer Earnings :

We normally expect that incoming students will earn money for college expenses by working during the summer. In most cases we believe a reasonable goal for US and Canadian students is approximately $150 - $200 per week during the summer vacation period. (Summer expectations for returning students are higher due to a longer summer working period.) Students who live abroad with their families have no expected summer contribution, and some students with extenuating circumstances may have a lower expectation. We realize that students may not be able to find a perfect summer job. However, we hope that students will make every effort to find a summer job, even if it is only part-time. If a student is not able to save enough of their summer earnings to meet all of the expectation, it may be possible to receive a loan through the Harvard Loan program to obtain the necessary resources. Please contact the Financial Aid Office if you wish to investigate this option.

Student Contribution from Assets:

Students who have savings or other assets will be expected to contribute a small portion toward college expenses. We will continue to expect a similar contribution for each of a student’s four years. How is financial need determined?