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Frequently Asked Questions (Domestic Students)

What are the HKS tuition & fees?

Visit HKS Tuition and Expenses for complete information on the costs of attending HKS.  You should expect that the cost of attendance will rise each year by approximately 4% - 6%.

Where can I research external sources of scholarship aid?

In order to help you in your personalized search for external sources of funding for your studies, please investigate the External Resources section of the SFS website.

The financial assistance application deadline has passed, is it too late to apply for financial aid?

In order to be considered for any need based scholarships or merit based fellowships, you must complete the appropriate financial aid documents by the financial aid deadline. If you have not done so, you may apply for need based financial aid in order to receive a loan only financial aid package as all merit and need based funds are awarded at the time that the applicants are admitted.

May I apply for a tuition waiver?

No. Tuition waivers are not available at HKS.

How do I view my financial aid award?

Log into MYFAID and click on awards tab.

How do I view the electronic billing statement (e-bill) for my student account?

The Harvard University Student Receivables Office sends monthly e-bill notifications directly to your HKS e-mail account. Please note that the first e-bill will be issued in early July prior to enrollment. Please visit the Harvard University Term Bill Website access your e-bill.

I was awarded a HKS sponsored merit fellowship. Will my fellowship be renewed for the second year of my degree program?

No, not all HKS sponsored merit fellowships are renewed for the duration of your full time degree studies at HKS. Please refer to the fellowship description on your MYFAID account.

Is my scholarship/fellowship taxable?

Please refer to IRS Publication 970.

I have secured funding from an outside sponsor, how should I notify HKS?

Please complete and submit the Sponsor Verification Form found on the Student Financial Services website under the Sponsored Student section.

Will I need to purchase health insurance through the University?

Yes. Massachusetts requires every enrolled student to have health insurance. Also, medical care is very costly in the US; without insurance you could have very large medical bills.

The University Health Services (UHS) coverage (emergency on-campus) is mandatory for all full-time registered students. There is a separate charge for Blue Cross/Blue Shield coverage (Hospitalization). You may request a waiver of Blue Cross/Blue Shield health coverage through the University Health Services. Please refer to UHS website for further details.

I’ve been awarded a stipend, when should I expect to receive a check?

Typically, stipends are disbursed half in the Summer/Fall and half in the Spring.

When may I apply for a private/alternative/supplemental educational loan?

The earliest you may apply for private/alternative loans is June 1; prior to fall enrollment. Please note that you must receive a financial aid award from the Student Financial Services Office before proceeding with any loan application.

Is there any assistance available for repayment of my loans?

HKS is committed to excellence in government; we recognize that graduates are faced with significant amounts of educational debt and the reality of low paying public sector jobs. Please review our Loan Repayment Assistance and Forgiveness Programs page for further details.

May I work while I attend HKS?

It is highly recommended that students do not work in the first year of study as the course schedule is rigorous and the degree program should be the first priority. After having adjusted to the schedule, a student could consider working as a course assistant, teaching fellow or a similar position.

Many students choose to work during their second year of studies in order to reduce the amount of loan borrowing for living expenses. The spectrum of annual earnings ranges from $1,000 to $16,000 for the academic year depending upon the position. Students may also find employment or paid internships during the school winter, spring, and summer breaks.

I have been admitted to the HKS-HBS Joint Program. How will my financial aid be processed?

Enrolled students spend their first year at HKS and are charged HKS tuition and fees. Students would apply for financial aid through the HKS financial aid process. Joint program admits can contact the HBS Financial Aid Office to get an estimate of the financial aid they may receive in future years.

Students spend their second year enrolled at HBS and are charged HBS tuition and fees. You would apply for financial aid through HBS.

Students spend their third year at both schools and should file financial aid applications at both schools.