All GSAS students are charged tuition based on a tiered tuition structure that reduces over time as students progress through their degree program. Students in PhD programs and some master's programs receive grants and fellowships that cover this cost.
PhD and Master’s Students
Students are required to register continuously from the time they enter a degree program until they receive their degree. Nonresident students with Leave of Absence or Traveling Scholar status are charged, at minimum, the active file fee (see the chart below).
Tuition and Health Service Fee 2020–2021 |
|
---|---|
Full Tuition— required first two years of study* |
$49,448 |
Reduced Tuition—required third and fourth years of study |
12,858 |
Facilities Fee—required post-fourth year of study |
3,272 |
Active File Fee—minimum charge for approved nonresident status |
300 |
Harvard University Student Health Plan (HUSHP) Fees: HUSHP Basic—Harvard University Health Services (HUHS) Fee (required) HUSHP Supplemental—Prescription Drug Coverage and Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Hospital/Specialty |
3,922 |
Note: Subject to annual increases
* The Computational Science and Engineering (CSE) and Data Science master’s programs have different tuition structures than other degree programs in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences:
Computational Science and Engineering master of science (SM): $56,528 (each year of the two-year program).
Computational Science and Engineering master of engineering (ME): $56,528 (first year); $28,264 (second year).
Data Science master of science (SM): $56,528 (first year); $28,264 (second year – one term only).
2020–2021 Estimated 10-month Living Expense Budget |
|
---|---|
Books and Supplies |
$900 |
Apartment Housing including Utilities |
16,950 |
Dormitory Housing* |
7,588–11,914 |
Meal Plan for Dormitory Residents** |
2,487 |
Food |
6,400 |
Miscellaneous |
6,590 |
This estimated budget does not include costs of travel or summer support, fees for required tests, application fees, or such initial expenses as home furnishings. Your individual expenses may vary from these figures. Funding and aid are available to meet these costs.
*Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Harvard is still limiting the number of students living on campus. At this point, we are unsure if or when residential opportunities will increase, however, the University is currently evaluating the situation and developing guidance for the fall with resident safety in mind. We cannot currently guarantee housing for any student, including incoming G1s, in our halls for the fall and next academic year.
**Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020-2021 academic year housing contract will not include the meal plan.
Special Students
Special students engage in coursework or a combination of coursework and research for academic credit for one term or one year only. While not candidates for any degree, special students are admitted to GSAS and access student privileges, which includes a Harvard transcript with coursework and grades listed. Full tuition and student health fees are charged; GSAS does not offer financial aid, work-study opportunities, or student loans to special students. Audited courses and supervised independent research projects are charged the same tuition as courses for credit.
Payment of tuition and fees is due prior to registration.
Tuition and Health Services Fee 2020–2021, per term |
|
---|---|
Tuition for one course* |
$6,181 |
Tuition for two courses* |
12,362 |
Tuition for three courses |
18,543 |
Tuition for four courses |
24,724 |
Harvard University Student Health Plan (HUSHP) Fees:† HUSHP Basic—Harvard University Health Services (HUHS) Fee (required) HUSHP Supplemental—Prescription Drug Coverage and Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Hospital/Specialty |
603 (per term)
1,961 (per term) |
Note: subject to annual increases
*Special Students enrolled in two or fewer courses may waive the HUSHP fees.
†HUSHP fees can be waived by providing documentation establishing comparable insurance that meets Commonwealth of Massachusetts and Harvard University Health Services criteria.
Below is an estimated budget for living expenses, including housing, food, and miscellaneous expenses. Please note that this is a guide representing the bare minimum for living in the Cambridge area and are subject to change.
2020–2021 Estimated Living Expenses Budget |
||
---|---|---|
One academic term |
Full academic year |
|
Single |
$15,420 |
$27,756 |
With spouse or partner |
21,190 |
38,142 |
With spouse or partner and one child |
25,010 |
45,018 |
Additional child |
3,040 |
5,472 |
Visiting Fellows
Scholars intending to conduct independent research who hold a doctorate, have equivalent professional experience, or are advanced doctoral candidates who have completed all required coursework may register at GSAS as a visiting fellow. Visiting fellows are considered full-time research students, access Harvard University’s libraries and facilities, and may apply for membership in the Harvard Faculty Club. Reduced tuition and student health fees are charged; GSAS does not offer financial aid, work-study opportunities, or student loans to visiting fellows. Tuition cannot be waived or prorated and is non-refundable.
Tuition and Health Services Fee 2020–2021, per term |
|
---|---|
Tuition for one academic term (5 months) |
$6,429 |
Tuition for one academic year (9 months) |
12,858 |
Harvard University Student Health Plan (HUSHP) Fees:† HUSHP Basic—Harvard University Health Services (HUHS) Fee (required) HUSHP Supplemental—Prescription Drug Coverage and Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Hospital/Specialty |
603 (per term)
1,961 (per term) |
Note: subject to annual increases
†HUSHP fees can be waived by providing documentation establishing comparable insurance that meets Commonwealth of Massachusetts and Harvard University Health Services criteria.
Below is an estimated budget for living expenses, including housing, food, and miscellaneous expenses. Please note that this is a guide representing the bare minimum for living in the Cambridge area and are subject to change.
2020–2021 Estimated Living Expenses Budget |
||
---|---|---|
One academic term |
Full academic year |
|
Single |
$15,420 |
$27,756 |
With spouse or partner |
21,190 |
38,142 |
With spouse or partner and one child |
25,010 |
45,018 |
Additional child |
3,040 |
5,472 |