Apply for Financial Aid

The GSD offers financial assistance in the form of grants, loans, and employment awards. If you have questions, please read our Financial Aid FAQ or contact us.

Application Schedule

Financial Aid Application Checklist

All students interested in financial aid must follow these steps.

1. Complete the GSD Financial Aid application
   If you’d like to be considered for the GSD Grant or any of the Harvard University Grants, please complete the internal GSD application. Detailed aid application instructions will be made available once you’ve completed your admissions application.

   If you’re	Special Instructions
   Applying to DDES	A portion of your tuition may be covered by the GSD grant and/or GSD Teaching Fellowship during the first two years of the program. You will need to complete the GSD Financial Aid Disclosure Form before any awards can be offered. You’ll receive an email once this form is made available.
   Applying to MDE	MDE program applicants are eligible for limited fellowship aid. More information will be available after you submit your admissions application.
   Military Affiliated	Certain benefits are available for veterans, family members of veterans, and active military personnel. Qualified applicants should consult the Financial Aid Office during the admissions application process.

2. Complete the FAFSA Application (US citizens and permanent residents only)
   The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) allows the school to determine your eligibility for federal aid. When prompted, please use the federal school code E00212. You could be awarded the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan and/or the Federal Direct GradPlus Loan based on your application. Interest rates and fees are set annually. In addition to federal loans, you may be granted Federal Work-Study funds based on your FAFSA application.
3. Consider Applying for a Private Loan
   Harvard University maintains a listing of private loan options for students to choose from. Loans options may be limited due to a student’s borrowing strength, partnership with a U.S. cosigner, and/or country of citizenship. Information will be sent out during the summer to indicate the start of the loan application process.
4. Review Outside Scholarship Opportunities
   The GSD maintains a list of outside scholarships and funding opportunities that GSD applicants may qualify for. Be sure to review each application timeline and requirements as they may differ from our own.

After Applying

Admitted students will be informed about their financial aid decision at the same time as their admissions decision, provided they have completed the steps above by the stated deadlines. Applying for financial aid has no bearing on an admissions decisions. Late applicants will be considered on a case-by-case basis.