Finances

Financial Resources Overview

Managing money is something that many students do for the first time when starting college. Every student is assigned a Financial Aid Officer, regardless of whether you are currently receiving aid, because Harvard recognizes that financial circumstances can change during your time in college.

If you’re facing unanticipated financial difficulties, you should start by contacting your Financial Aid Officer, and you can also reach out to your Allston Burr Resident Dean or First-Year Resident Dean. Emergency funding and/or loans may be available.

Managing Money

• University Student Financial Services: Harvard University Student Financial Services is comprised of the Student Accounts Office, the Student Loan Office, and the University Financial Aid Liaison Office. They offer resources relating to financial matters for Harvard students, families, and graduates.  
• Financial Wellness: Use these free resources to take control of your finances and learn how to plan for today and tomorrow.

Funding Sources

• Financial Aid Office: The Griffin Financial Aid Office provides need-based aid that allows them to bring the best students to Harvard, regardless of their ability to pay.
• Student Employment Office: The SEO is a resource for job-seeking students and hosts an online jobs database accessible to enrolled Harvard undergraduate and graduate students.
• Mignone Center for Career Success (MCCS): MCCS welcomes students from all academic areas and offers a wide range of services and resources tailored specifically to internships, entry-level jobs, and summer opportunities.
• Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships (URAF): URAF supports undergraduates in pursuing research and fellowship opportunities at Harvard and beyond, including opportunities during your time as an undergraduate as well as postgraduate fellowships.
• Center for Public Service and Engaged Scholarship: The Center for Public Service and Engaged Scholarship provides support for all public service efforts at Harvard College, including the Phillips Brooks House Association.  

Emergency Funding

• Beneficiary Aid Program for Emergency Medical Expenses: The Beneficiary Aid Program provides additional financial assistance to Harvard College students receiving Harvard scholarship aid who are faced with medical or dental emergency term-time costs that will prove to be an extreme financial hardship. 
• Harvard University Health Services (HUHS) Medical Hardship Fund: To be eligible to apply for this assistance you must be eligible and enrolled in both components of the Harvard University Student Health Program (the Student Health Fee and the Student Health Insurance Plan), have your care coordinated by a Harvard University Health Services clinician when possible, and be able to indicate financial hardship. 
• Financial Aid Office: If you are facing any emergency situation that presents unanticipated financial difficulties, whether medical or non-medical, you should also contact your Financial Aid Officer, who may be able to connect you to other emergency funding sources.

Additional Funding

• Purchasing a Computer: The Financial Aid Office offers students receiving need-based Harvard Scholarship the opportunity to borrow additional funds for the purchase of a computer, computer equipment, and/or computer software.
• Term-Time Study Abroad: The Financial Aid Office can assist with Study Abroad Supplement budgeting questions. 
• Summer Study Abroad: The Office of International Education offers several resources to connect you with summer funding opportunities. 
• Summer School: To apply for a summer school loan, please fill out the Summer School Loan application. Please note that your term-time financial aid award does not carry over to the summer term. You must complete a separate application for a summer school loan.
• Student and Parent Loans: The Financial Aid Office can help you navigate both federal and private loan options.

Financial Obligations (Leave of Absence/Requirement to Withdraw)

Visit the FAS Registrar's Office website to learn about your financial obligations in the event that you take a Leave of Absence or are required to withdraw. 

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