Educational loans may be available to help students meet the cost of attendance at the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (Harvard Griffin GSAS).
Master’s Students
Departmental funding is typically not available to support master’s students at Harvard Griffin GSAS. Students are encouraged to explore all nonloan resources before considering educational loans. If additional funding is needed, this page provides information about available loan options and resources to help students make informed borrowing decisions.
PhD Students
Fully funded PhD students are not generally eligible for educational loans because their funding package typically meets or exceeds the published cost of attendance. Unfunded PhD students who have exhausted other funding options may wish to consider borrowing student loans. The information on this page is intended to help students understand the available options and application process.
Title IV Federal Student Loans
Title IV federal student loans are available only to US citizens and eligible noncitizens. Detailed information regarding eligibility requirements, interest rates, loan fees, and repayment terms is available through the Federal Student Aid website.
Please note that recent changes to federal law have affected student loan programs and borrowing limits. Students should review Harvard’s Key Changes to Federal Student Loans Made in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act webpage for information about these changes and their potential impact on eligibility.
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan
Eligibility is determined individually and is subject to federal borrowing limits.
- Loan amounts may not exceed $20,500 per academic year.
Federal Direct Grad PLUS Loan
Recent federal legislation is phasing out the Grad PLUS Loan program. Eligibility is determined individually.
- Loan amounts may not exceed the published cost of attendance minus all other financial assistance received.
Application Requirements for Federal Student Loans
Students interested in borrowing federal student loans should contact the Office of Financial Aid to request a Harvard Griffin GSAS Financial Aid Application Packet. The packet includes instructions for completing the following requirements:
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Student Financial Aid Addendum Form
- Enrollment in Direct Deposit for Student Account Refunds
- Electronic Consent Form
- Loan Master Promissory Note
- Loan Entrance Counseling.
Private Student Loans and Harvard’s Preferred Lender List
Private educational loans may be available to students regardless of citizenship status. Information about private loan options can be found on ELM Select.
Preferred Lender List
Harvard's Preferred Lender List provides information about lenders that offer competitive funding options. While Harvard considers these lender options favorable, there is no requirement to borrow from any lender on this list. This list includes both federal and private options for comparison purposes.
Borrowing Limits: US Citizens and Eligible Noncitizens
College Ave Student Loans
- Loan amounts may not exceed the published cost of attendance minus all other financial assistance received.
Harvard Federal Credit Union
- Loan amounts may not exceed $40,000 per academic year.
- The aggregate borrowing limit is $80,000.
Borrowing Limits: International Students
All Student Loan Lenders
- Total loan amounts may not exceed $40,000 per academic year, whether borrowed from one or more lenders.
Harvard Federal Credit Union
- The aggregate borrowing limit is $80,000.
Application Requirements for Private Student Loans
Students interested in borrowing private student loans should first apply directly to the lender of their choice. After submitting an application, students should contact the Office of Financial Aid to request a Harvard Griffin GSAS Financial Aid Application Packet. The packet includes instructions for completing the following requirements:
- Student Financial Aid Addendum Form
- enrollment in Direct Deposit for Student Account Refunds.