What GPA do you need for a Harvard scholarship?

Asked by: Dagmar Cassin  |  Last update: December 12, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (32 votes)

Harvard University primarily offers need-based financial aid rather than merit-based scholarships, so there is no specific GPA requirement for scholarships. Harvard assesses financial aid based on a thorough evaluation of each student's family financial circumstances, including income, assets, and family size.

What GPA is required for Harvard scholarship?

Recipients are chosen on the basis of financial need and academic merit. Scholarship applicants must have a cumulative grade-point average of 3.33 or higher. See important information about enrollment status for Special Students in Enrollment Considerations.

Can I get a full scholarship for Harvard?

Harvard offers need-based financial aid to international students, including Indians. Financial aid is determined by the family's financial situation, not academic merit. If eligible, students can receive a scholarship covering full tuition, room, and board.

What GPA can get you a full scholarship?

Since the minimum GPA for a full-ride scholarship is usually set at 3.0, a 4.0 is sure to always be above and beyond what's required. Here's how it can boost your chances: Academic Excellence: A 4.0 GPA demonstrates consistent academic excellence, making you an attractive candidate for merit-based scholarships.

Is Harvard free if you make less than 100k?

If your family's income is less than $85,000, you'll pay nothing. For families who earn between $85,000 and $150,000, the expected contribution is between zero and ten percent of your annual income. Families who earn more than $150,000 may still qualify for financial aid.

Harvard 101: What you need to know about applying to Harvard

22 related questions found

How much does Harvard cost for 4 years?

Based on the 2023-24 academic year, the estimated total cost of attendance for on-campus students at Harvard University is $86,705 per year. This includes tuition and fees, books and supplies, room and board, and other on-campus expenses. Over four years, this would amount to approximately $346,820.

What is the cheapest Ivy League school?

Q. Which is the most affordable Ivy League school? A. Princeton is often acknowledged as the “most affordable Ivy” due to its commitment to extensive financial aid offerings.

Can a 4.0 GPA get me into Harvard?

The GPA requirements for Harvard University are between 3.9 to 4.1. You will need an incredibly high GPA and will likely be graduating at the top of their class in order to get into Harvard University.

Is 3.7 a good GPA?

A 3.7 GPA is a very good GPA, especially if your school uses an unweighted scale. This means that you've been earning mostly A-s in all of your classes. If you've been taking high level classes and earning a 3.7 unweighted GPA, you're in great shape and can expect to be accepted to many selective colleges.

How to get 100% scholarship?

7 tips for getting a full-ride scholarship
  1. Start preparing early. ...
  2. Perform well academically. ...
  3. Take challenging classes. ...
  4. Excel in extracurricular activities. ...
  5. Apply for admission at multiple schools. ...
  6. Develop relationships with teachers and counselors. ...
  7. Submit a stellar application. ...
  8. Private scholarships.

Has anyone gotten a full ride to Harvard?

Harvard has offered me full financial aid, as I got accepted and my family income falls below their $85,000 a year threshold. The financial aid covers not just tuition – it includes everything: food, housing, medical expenses, books, supplies, etc.

Can you get a full ride to Yale?

All of Yale's undergraduate financial aid is awarded on the basis of financial need. Yale meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students regardless of citizenship or immigration status.

Which ivy gives the most financial aid?

Princeton University has the most generous financial aid packages, covering up to 100% of demonstrated need without requiring loans. For the 2022-2023 academic year, the average grant aid for Princeton students was around $62,079, covering over 90% of the tuition for most students.

Does Harvard give 100% scholarship?

Scholarships & Grants

Because Harvard is committed to affordability, our scholarships are designed to cover 100% of your demonstrated financial need. Here is our process: First we determine your award by establishing your parent contribution. Then we factor in student employment and any outside awards you've received.

Will Harvard accept a 4.5 GPA?

Likewise, the average weighted GPAs tend to be in the 4.5 to 4.8 range. Your current GPA of 4.0 unweighted and 4.5 weighted falls well within the competitive range for Harvard admissions. While a strong GPA is important, it is not the only factor in the evaluation process.

What is the lowest SAT score for Harvard?

Getting into Harvard with a low SAT score is difficult, but possible. “Low” is a relative term, of course: below-average scores for Harvard are still quite high overall. The lower quartile SAT score at Harvard College is a 1460. This means that Harvard students in the lowest 25% scored at or below a 1460.

Is 5.0 GPA good?

A 5.0 GPA is definitely considered impressive as it shows that you have consistently performed well in your classes, and you likely took a number of Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses, which increased your weighted GPA above the typical 4.0 unweighted scale.

Is a 3.7 too low for med school?

While the term “low GPA” is relative, one general rule is that anything below 3.5 is considered low by most if not all medical schools.

Is 3.7 GPA good for ivy?

While 3.6-3.7 is a good unweighted GPA, it's below the average reported at Ivy League schools. However, this doesn't mean acceptance is impossible! A well-rounded profile, compelling essays, and special talents and interests can help you stand out.

Is 1600 SAT good for Harvard?

The 25th percentile New SAT score is 1500, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1580. In other words, a 1500 places you below average, while a 1580 will move you up to above average. There's no absolute SAT requirement at Harvard, but they really want to see at least a 1500 to have a chance at being considered.

What GPA for Yale?

To have the best shot of getting in, you should aim for the 75th percentile, with a 1560 SAT or a 35 ACT. You should also have a 4.18 GPA or higher. If your GPA is lower than this, you need to compensate with a higher SAT/ACT score.

What GPA is needed for Oxford?

Undergraduate qualifications

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a 'first-class undergraduate degree with honours' in the UK system, you will usually need a bachelor's degree from a recognised university with an an overall grade of 85% ('A') or 'Excellent', or a GPA of 3.7 out of 4.0.

Why is Stanford not an ivy?

However, top institutions like MIT and Stanford, which outperform several Ivy League schools in global rankings, are not part of the League due to geographic and historical reasons. Both universities excel in academic reputation, faculty-student ratio, employer reputation, and employment outcomes.

What is the hardest college to get into?

Harvard University

The Harvard acceptance rate is 3%, tied with Caltech for the #1 spot on our list of hardest colleges to get into. Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Harvard is a quintessential New England school globally recognized for its rigorous academic programs and influential alumni.

Can I go to an Ivy League school for free?

Yale University offers free tuition to students from families that earn less than $65,000 per year. Harvard University offers free tuition to students from families that earn less than $65,000 per year. Princeton University offers free tuition to students from families that earn less than $65,000 per year.