Harvard's international student finance? Forum

[justwondering123]

From what i've seen by reading the various forums etc, is it true that Harvard Law School is need blind? i.e. if one is accepted and isn't able to afford it financially a full ride is given?

[20121109]

From what i've seen by reading the various forums etc, is it true that Harvard Law School is need blind? i.e. if one is accepted and isn't able to afford it financially a full ride is given?

If need-blind means that you are considered for admission without taking into account your financial resources then yes. I think almost schools are like this because you don't get wind of any financial aid until after you've been accepted into the school. Some scholarships at other schools may come with the acceptance letter, but HYS do not give out merit-based schollys.

There is no such thing as a full ride at Harvard. If you are an international student then you are given Harvard Law School loans rather than federal loans. Out of HYS, Harvard is the stingiest with its financial aid. But if you truly come from an unfortunate socioeconomic background, they will give you some good grant-aid.

[DietCoke]

From what i've seen by reading the various forums etc, is it true that Harvard Law School is need blind? i.e. if one is accepted and isn't able to afford it financially a full ride is given?

If need-blind means that you are considered for admission without taking into account your financial resources then yes. I think almost schools are like this because you don't get wind of any financial aid until after you've been accepted into the school. Some scholarships at other schools may come with the acceptance letter, but HYS do not give out merit-based schollys.

There is no such thing as a full ride at Harvard. If you are an international student then you are given Harvard Law School loans rather than federal loans. Out of HYS, Harvard is the stingiest with its financial aid. But if you truly come from an unfortunate socioeconomic background, they will give you some good grant-aid.

but most of the time, not admit you at all.

[Nulli Secundus]

I was in the same position (and still am I guess, got waitlisted and withdrew, will reapply in September) so here is the credited response:

As an international student you get (depending on your demonstrable need) up to half of student budget (including tuition, books, cost of living -with their numbers, e.g. they think $18k is enough for 9 months including rent etc.) as grants and for the remaining amount you can take out loans with 25 years maturity and no cosigner requirement (Only Yale & Harvard has no-cosigner loans).