Greetings Ed.D. Applicants!

Your graduate education is perhaps the biggest investment you will make in yourself.  As you consider your application for admission to HGSE, don't forget that early financial planning is also essential.  You want to get the best return on your investment and by using your personal resources and HGSE financial aid that investment can be extremely worthwhile.

HGSE guarantees that all doctoral students will receive full tuition and health fee funding through the first 5 years of their studies.  We offer this standard multi-year package during years 1-5 of your program, assuming you are not already receiving tuition support from other sources (like external foundations or organizations).  The standard award will cover your tuition and health fees during the first five years of study; you will also receive a stipend of at least $10,325 in your first year, and a financial aid application is required each year.

In addition to this standard package, up to 25% of our incoming doctoral students will be selected to receive the Harvard University Presidential Scholarship, an award offered to incoming students throughout the University who demonstrate exceptional academic merit.  If you are chosen as a HGSE Presidential Scholar you will receive full tuition and fee support for five years with significant stipend support in years one, two and five.

Many students ask us what happens after their first year in the program when they do not receive a stipend.  This is when guaranteed work opportunities fill the gap.  You may be a Teaching Fellow, Teacher Education Advisor or Research Assistant and earn a minimum of $8,320 each year.  Many doctoral students take advantage of a multitude of opportunities that generate even more income during this time.  You may also apply for supplemental financial aid in the form of loans if the guaranteed funding program and work opportunities don't meet your needs.

You can review this site to familiarize yourself with all the financial aid programs at HGSE.  You may also consult our 2009/2010 Doctoral Guidebook (471KB pdf) for detailed information regarding our financial aid programs and financing your education here at HGSE. These guides are updated annually in early March.

Students from across the globe attend HGSE to study at the nexus of practice, policy and research.  The HGSE Financial Aid Office looks forward to helping you make an impact in the world.