Financial aid eligibility is based on your citizenship status, financial need, and academic enrollment. Both U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens can apply for federal aid. International students may be eligible for Harvard University scholarships but are not eligible for U.S. federal loans.

Eligibility criteria

• U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens can apply for federal aid.
• International students are eligible for certain Harvard scholarships and private loans
• Satisfactory academic progress

Learn more about your eligibility by visiting the Federal Student Aid website for a detailed breakdown.

Each student’s financial aid package is designed around the Cost of Attendance (COA) for their program. This includes:

• Tuition & Fees
• Room & Board
• Books & Supplies
• Personal Expenses

Cost of attendance by program

• Cost of Attendance for DMD program
• Cost of Attendance for AGE programs 

HSDM offers a variety of financial aid options. Here's a breakdown of what you might be eligible for:

Federal loans

• Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loans: Up to $47,166 for DMD students and $20,500 for AGE students. 
• GradPLUS Loans: Covers the remaining cost of attendance after other aid, with a credit check required.

School-based aid

• HSDM Need-Based Grants: Awarded based on demonstrated financial need and do not require repayment. HSDM grants are capped at half of tuition costs. 

Work-study programs

• Work-study positions allow students to earn money while gaining valuable experience. Positions are available on campus or with local organizations.

Scholarships

• A range of merit-based and need-based scholarships are available, both through HSDM and Harvard University. These scholarships help reduce the amount you need to borrow.

See the HSDM's Financial Aid Handbook for complete information on application requirements, the types of financial aid available, and how to apply.

DMD students

First-time applicants (U.S. citizens and permanent residents)

1. Fill out and submit the HSDM preliminary application for financial aid to start the aid process.
2. Complete the following required forms either electronically or using paper forms. If submitting hard copies of your forms, keep a copy of all submitted paper forms for your records. 
   • FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid): Needed for all federal aid.
     • Apply Online or call 1-800-4-FED-AID
     • HSDM School Code: E00508
   • CSS Profile: Required for all need-based aid, both federal and institutional. Note: your parents’ information must be included on the CSS Profile application, regardless of your dependency status.
     • Apply Online or call 1-800-778-6888
     • HSDM School Code: 3441
3. Submit your tax returns. Include copies of both your and your parents' previous year's tax returns, W-2 forms, and any schedules, regardless of your dependency status.
4. After submitting your application, you’ll receive an electronic confirmation about two weeks after submission.

For Continuing Students (U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents)

Submit only the FAFSA: If you’ve already applied for aid and are continuing your studies, you only need to submit the FAFSA. There is no need for parental financial information or tax returns unless there’s been a significant change in your financial circumstances.

AGE Students

1. Complete the following Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); required for all federal aid.
   • Apply Online or call 1-800-4-FED-AID
     • HSDM School Code: E00508
2. If you submit a paper copy of the FAFSA, keep a copy of all submitted paper forms for your records.
3. You’ll receive an electronic confirmation about two weeks after submission.

For Continuing Students (U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents)

Submit only the FAFSA: If you’ve already applied for aid and are continuing your studies, you only need to submit the FAFSA. There is no need for parental financial information or tax returns unless there’s been a significant change in your financial circumstances.

International Students

International students at HSDM are not eligible for need-based grant aid but may qualify for funds from Harvard University's Committee on General Scholarships. While loans are available to international students, these come with strict limitations on both availability and amount. For details on student loans, visit the Harvard University Student Financial Services website.

International students should plan to cover nearly all expenses with funds from outside the School of Dental Medicine. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security requires proof of financial ability to cover educational costs, including certification of funding for the first year and assurance of funds for subsequent years. This proof can be a certified bank statement from a U.S. bank confirming sufficient funds. This documentation is necessary before HSDM can process the I-20 form needed for a visa. Without demonstrating financial solvency, visa applications may be denied.