A Harvard education costs over $82,000 a year—here's how much students actually pay

Going to an Ivy League institution like Harvard University can pay off in the long run.

Former Harvard students who received federal aid command a median salary of $95,114 a decade after beginning college, according to the Department of Education's College Scorecard. That's well above the median salary of $50,806 among former attendees and federal aid recipients at all four-year institutions. 

Before they get there, though, Harvard students have a steep price to pay. Tuition for the 2024-25 school year costs $56,550, according to the school's website. Additional fees like housing, food and student services brings the total cost of attendance up to $82,866. 

However, many students pay far less than the sticker price. Here's how much students really pay for a Harvard education.

While the Ivy League schools have a strong reputation for churning out high earners, they also tend to dole out generous financial aid packages to families with demonstrated need.

Over half  — 55% — of Harvard undergraduates receive institutional scholarships, according to the school, and 24% of Harvard families pay nothing after aid and grants. 

Harvard maintains a 100% need-based aid policy, which means it is committed to providing all of the financial assistance a family demonstrates they need. Families who earn less than $85,000 a year are not expected to contribute any money to their student's cost of attendance, Harvard says. 

Not all of the financial aid comes directly from the school though. Around 19% of undergraduate students receive federal Pell Grants, according to the school's website. Students who receive federal financial aid pay an average of $19,500 a year to attend Harvard, according to the College Scorecard.

Though Harvard bills itself as