Overview
The Ivy League—comprising Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, UPenn, Dartmouth, Brown, and Cornell—does not offer merit-based scholarships. Instead, they provide need-based financial aid, often among the most generous in the world. Here’s a breakdown of the top scholarships and tips to secure them.
Top Ivy League Scholarships (Need-Based Aid)
1. Harvard University Financial Aid
- Coverage: 100% of demonstrated need; families earning under $85,000 typically pay nothing
- Eligibility: U.S. and international students (undergraduate and graduate)
- Tip to Win: Submit strong academic credentials and full financial documents via the CSS Profile and FAFSA (for U.S. students).
2. Yale University International and Domestic Aid
- Coverage: Full need met; average award > $60,000 per year
- Eligibility: All admitted undergraduates, regardless of citizenship
- Tip to Win: Present an excellent academic and extracurricular profile; apply early with complete financial documents.
3. Princeton University Aid Program
- Coverage: No loans; full need covered with grants and work-study
- Eligibility: U.S. and international students
- Tip to Win: Strong essays, top grades, and well-documented financial need increase your chances.
4. Columbia University Financial Aid
- Coverage: Full-need for international undergraduates; generous aid for graduates
- Eligibility: Primarily undergraduates; limited grad support depending on department
- Tip to Win: Emphasize global awareness and leadership; some grad programs offer assistantships and fellowships.
5. University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) Grants
- Coverage: Full-need met for all undergrads, including internationals
- Eligibility: Admitted undergraduates with documented need
- Tip to Win: Apply via Early Decision if possible; show academic excellence and community involvement.
6. Dartmouth College Need-Based Aid
- Coverage: Full-need for international students starting with Class of 2026
- Eligibility: Undergraduates from all countries
- Tip to Win: Highlight leadership, service, and resilience; Dartmouth values well-rounded applicants.
7. Brown University Scholarships
- Coverage: 100% need met through grants and work-study
- Eligibility: Domestic and international undergraduates
- Tip to Win: A strong personal story and unique perspective help in both admissions and financial aid.
8. Cornell University Financial Aid
- Coverage: Full-need for U.S. students; limited need-based aid for internationals (except certain programs)
- Eligibility: Undergrads, some professional master’s programs
- Tip to Win: International students should apply to aid-eligible colleges within Cornell (e.g., College of Agriculture & Life Sciences).
Tips to Win Ivy League Scholarships
- Apply for Aid During the Admission Process
Ivy Leagues rarely consider late financial aid requests. Always submit aid forms (FAFSA, CSS Profile) with your application. - Craft a Compelling Application
Demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, service, and a unique voice in your essays and recommendations. - Show Genuine Financial Need
Accurately and completely document your financial situation; Ivy Leagues prioritize access and equity. - Choose the Right Program
Some Ivy League graduate programs (like Harvard GSAS or Columbia SIPA) offer additional fellowships, assistantships, or external funding links. - Prepare for Early Deadlines
Early Action/Early Decision can sometimes improve your chance of both admission and aid consideration.
Would you like a comparison chart of Ivy League financial aid policies or sample essays from successful applicants?