# Financial Aid # Financial Aid Investing in your dental education is an important financial decision. We're committed to helping you identify the resources you need to make your dream of a Harvard dental education a reality. Learn more about scholarship opportunities, student loans, and other resources. ![External view of REB lobby entrance](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_4_3__1540x1160/public/2024-10/0012_20240617_Harvard_Dental_012%20%281%29.jpg?itok=zLTEcOWU) ## expand\_more Pursuing dental education at Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM) is an exciting investment in your future. Understanding your financial aid options is crucial for making informed decisions. Whether you're in the [**Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) program**](/dmd-program) or one of our [**Advanced Graduate Education (AGE) programs**](/advanced-graduate-education), we offer financial aid packages including federal loans, scholarships, and work-study opportunities. Aid is awarded based on financial need through a standardized process, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way. ## Applying for financial aid: Step by step ### 1. Determine your eligibility expand\_more Financial aid eligibility is based on your citizenship status, financial need, and academic enrollment. Both U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens can apply for federal aid. International students may be eligible for Harvard University scholarships but are not eligible for U.S. federal loans. #### Eligibility criteria - [U.S. citizens](https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/eligibility/requirements) and [eligible non-citizens](https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/eligibility/requirements/non-us-citizens) can apply for federal aid. - International students are eligible for certain Harvard scholarships and private loans - Satisfactory academic progress Learn more about your eligibility by visiting the [Federal Student Aid website](https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/eligibility) for a detailed breakdown. ### 2. Estimate your costs expand\_more Each student’s financial aid package is designed around the **Cost of Attendance (COA)** for their program. This includes: - Tuition & Fees - Room & Board - Books & Supplies - Personal Expenses #### Cost of attendance by program - [Cost of Attendance for DMD program](https://prod-dental.drupalsites.harvard.edu/cost-attendance/#dmd-coa) - [Cost of Attendance for AGE programs ](https://prod-dental.drupalsites.harvard.edu/age-program-coa) ### 3. Explore available aid expand\_more HSDM offers a variety of financial aid options. Here's a breakdown of what you might be eligible for: #### Federal loans - **Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loans**: Up to $47,166 for DMD students and $20,500 for AGE students. - **GradPLUS Loans**: Covers the remaining cost of attendance after other aid, with a credit check required. #### School-based aid - **HSDM Need-Based Grants**: Awarded based on demonstrated financial need and do not require repayment. HSDM grants are capped at half of tuition costs. #### Work-study programs - Work-study positions allow students to earn money while gaining valuable experience. Positions are available on campus or with local organizations. #### Scholarships - A range of merit-based and need-based scholarships are available, both through HSDM and Harvard University. These scholarships help reduce the amount you need to borrow. ### 4. Apply for financial aid expand\_more *See the* [*HSDM's Financial Aid Handbook*](/hsdm-financial-aid-handbook "HSDM Financial Aid Handbook") *for complete information on application requirements, the types of financial aid available, and how to apply.* ### DMD students #### First-time applicants (U.S. citizens and permanent residents) 1. Fill out and submit the **HSDM preliminary application for financial aid** to start the aid process. 2. Complete the following required forms either electronically or using paper forms. If submitting hard copies of your forms, keep a copy of all submitted paper forms for your records. - **FAFSA** (Free Application for Federal Student Aid): Needed for all federal aid. - [Apply Online](https://studentaid.gov/) or call 1-800-4-FED-AID - **HSDM School Code:** E00508 - **CSS Profile:** Required for all need-based aid, both federal and institutional. **Note:** your parents’ information must be included on the CSS Profile application, regardless of your dependency status. - [Apply Online](https://cssprofile.collegeboard.org/) or call 1-800-778-6888 - **HSDM School Code:** 3441 3. Submit your tax returns. Include copies of both your and your parents' previous year's tax returns, W-2 forms, and any schedules, regardless of your dependency status. 4. After submitting your application, you’ll receive an electronic confirmation about two weeks after submission. #### For Continuing Students (U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents) **Submit only the FAFSA:** If you’ve already applied for aid and are continuing your studies, you only need to submit the FAFSA. There is no need for parental financial information or tax returns unless there’s been a significant change in your financial circumstances. --- ### AGE Students 1. Complete the following Free [Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)](https://studentaid.gov/); required for all federal aid. - [Apply Online](https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa) or call 1-800-4-FED-AID - **HSDM School Code:** E00508 2. If you submit a paper copy of the FAFSA, keep a copy of all submitted paper forms for your records. 3. You’ll receive an electronic confirmation about two weeks after submission. ##### For Continuing Students (U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents) **Submit only the FAFSA:** If you’ve already applied for aid and are continuing your studies, you only need to submit the FAFSA. There is no need for parental financial information or tax returns unless there’s been a significant change in your financial circumstances. --- ### International Students International students at HSDM are not eligible for need-based grant aid but may qualify for funds from [Harvard University's Committee on General Scholarships](https://scholarships.harvard.edu/). While loans are available to international students, these come with strict limitations on both availability and amount. For details on student loans, visit the [Harvard University Student Financial Services website](https://prod-dental.drupalsites.harvard.edu/financial-aid#). International students should plan to cover nearly all expenses with funds from outside the School of Dental Medicine. The [U.S. Department of Homeland Security requires proof of financial ability](https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students/prepare/financial-ability) to cover educational costs, including certification of funding for the first year and assurance of funds for subsequent years. This proof can be a certified bank statement from a U.S. bank confirming sufficient funds. This documentation is necessary before HSDM can process the I-20 form needed for a visa. Without demonstrating financial solvency, visa applications may be denied. Financial Aid Handbook ### Navigating your educational funding The HSDM *Financial Aid Handbook* will help you navigate the financial aid process, covering eligibility, application steps, types of aid, loan terms, grants, and scholarships, ensuring informed financial decisions throughout your education at the School. [Learn more east](/hsdm-financial-aid-handbook) ![Students walking up front steps of HSDM](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_1_1__480x480/public/2024-12/0106_20240617_Harvard_Dental_106.JPG?h=808351f0&itok=e7aprqxS) ## Financial aid forms [ arrow\_forward Preliminary financial aid application ](/resource/preliminary-application-financial-aid) [ arrow\_forward Financial aid appeal applications ](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/2025-01/FinancialAidAppealApplication26.pdf) [ arrow\_forward Permission to hold funds form ](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/2025-01/permission_hold_form.pdf) ## Program cost of attendance (COA) [ arrow\_forward DMD program ](/dmd-cost-attendance) [ arrow\_forward AGE program cost of attendance ](/age-programs-cost-attendance) ## Have questions? Contact us for more information. [ draftsEmail the Office of Financial Aid](mailto:gardner_key@hsdm.harvard.edu) [ phone\_androidCall (617) 432-1527](tel:6174321527)