As a first-generation college student, I understand firsthand what it’s like to have to figure out how to pay for school. Education is an investment, and I’m here to tell you that it IS possible to afford an HBS MBA. With generous support from our alumni, we are able to offer need-based financial aid that considerably reduces the price of our program.

Fun[d] facts:

  • Scholarships are free gifts that do not need to be paid back
  • 50% of our students qualify for a need-based scholarship, on average it’s worth $92,000 over 2 years
  • Students can apply to get complementary fellowship funds on top of an HBS scholarship
  • Students can get up to $30,000 in outside scholarships on top of an HBS scholarship

While our scholarships can cover a substantial portion of the cost, no one receives a full-ride scholarship from HBS. This is a shared investment in your future and we expect each student to contribute to their education.

How to do your part:

  • Build your savings. (Need tips? Check out Harvard’s financial wellness resources.)
  • Explore federal and private student loan options. Students can borrow up to the cost of attendance and international students are able to take out a loan without a cosigner. (The Financial Aid Office can help you navigate the loan process and make the right choice for you.)
  • Take advantage of loan repayment programs available to eligible students after graduation.

Every financial aid package is different, but by using a combination of resources, you can meet the cost of our MBA program. We understand that an HBS MBA can be a significant financial investment, even with scholarships and outside funding, but we believe this investment pays off over the long run.

Why it’s worth it:

  • Transformational experience to develop as a leader
  • Lifelong relationships and network
  • Career Support & Exploration resources for students who pursue careers with lower starting salaries
  • $175,000 median starting salary

Figuring out how to pay for school can be a challenge, and I fully get that. In fact, that’s why I got into financial aid in the first place – to help students access higher education while avoiding the financial pitfalls I encountered when I was a student. I feel proud to work for an institution where I can confidently say students are making a smart and valuable investment in their future, and where there are plenty of people available to guide you along the way.

I wish you the best of luck as you advance your education and your career. You have so many exciting opportunities in front of you - don’t let financing get in the way of pursuing your MBA!