Harvard Application Fee and Waiver Guide 2025
Applying to university often involves various costs, including application fees. Harvard University is committed to ensuring that the application fee is not a barrier for talented students. This guide explains the Harvard application fee cost and, more importantly, how to request a fee waiver for the 2025 application cycle, primarily focusing on Harvard College (undergraduate admissions).
Table of Contents
Harvard Application Fee Cost (2025 Cycle)
- Harvard College (Undergraduate): The standard application fee is $85. This applies whether using the Common Application or the Coalition Application, Powered by Scoir.
- Graduate Schools (e.g., GSAS, HBS, HLS): Fees vary by school. For example, the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) application fee is typically higher (around $105 in recent cycles). Always check the specific graduate school’s admissions website for the current fee.
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Harvard College Application Fee Waiver: How to Qualify and Apply
Harvard College firmly states that if the $85 application fee presents a hardship, it will be waived. The process depends on which application platform you use:
Using the Common Application:
- In the application, find the question asking if your financial circumstances might qualify you for a fee waiver. Select **”Yes”**.
- Confirm that you meet at least one of the provided indicators of economic need (these often include things like eligibility for free/reduced school lunch, SAT/ACT fee waivers, enrollment in specific federal/state/local programs aiding low-income students, family receiving public assistance, living in federally subsidized housing, being a ward of the state, etc.).
- **If you don’t meet a specific indicator BUT the fee is still a hardship:** Select the option mentioning a supporting statement (e.g., “You can provide a supporting statement from a school official…”). Harvard College explicitly states on its fee waiver request page that **they will NOT ask you to actually provide this statement**, and choosing this option will not negatively impact your application. It serves as your attestation of need.
Using the Coalition Application, Powered by Scoir:
- In the Fee Waiver section of your Coalition Profile, confirm that you meet at least one of the listed indicators of economic need.
- **If you don’t meet a specific indicator BUT the fee is still a hardship:** Harvard provides a specific fee waiver code. On the payment page, enter the Harvard-specific code. For recent cycles, this code was **JH3S5Q2LX9**. (*Note: Always verify the current code on the official Harvard College fee waiver request page, as it could potentially change.*)
Transfer Applicants to Harvard College:
Transfer applicants needing a fee waiver should email the Transfer Admissions office directly at [email protected] to make their request.
Graduate School Fee Waivers
Fee waiver processes for Harvard’s graduate schools differ. Typically, waivers are granted based on:
- Demonstrated financial hardship (often requiring documentation).
- Participation in specific pipeline programs or events (e.g., McNair Scholars, Leadership Alliance, specific Harvard programs).
You must consult the specific graduate school’s admissions and financial aid website (e.g., GSAS Admissions, HBS Admissions) for their current fee, waiver eligibility criteria, required documentation, and application procedure.
FAQ Section: Harvard Application Fee
Q: Do international students qualify for fee waivers at Harvard College?
A: Yes. The fee waiver process is the same for all applicants to Harvard College, regardless of citizenship.
Q: Does requesting a fee waiver hurt my chances of admission?
A: Absolutely not. Harvard clearly states its commitment to accessibility, and requesting a fee waiver has no negative impact on the admission decision.
Q: What if I don’t meet the Common App/Coalition App indicators but still can’t afford the fee?
A: Harvard College provides pathways for this. On the Common App, select the ‘supporting statement’ option (no statement will be requested). On the Coalition App, use the Harvard-specific code (verify the current code).
Q: Do I need my counselor to approve the fee waiver?
A: While your counselor confirms your eligibility based on the indicators in the application systems, Harvard’s policy allows students experiencing hardship to obtain a waiver even without meeting specific indicators, by using the methods described above.
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Conclusion
Don’t let the $85 application fee deter you from applying to Harvard College in 2025. Harvard offers straightforward fee waiver options directly within the Common Application and Coalition Application for first-year applicants experiencing financial hardship, regardless of whether they meet standard indicators. Transfer applicants can request waivers via email. Remember to check the specific procedures for graduate school applications, as they vary. Visit the official Harvard College Admissions website for the most current information.
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