5 answers
Prathiv
Student
Burlington, Massachusetts
7
Questions
Asked
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Do Ivy League schools give scholarships?
My situation financially, is very poor and I probably can’t even afford an undergraduate degree. I’m aiming for a Biochemistry undergrad at the top schools, do they offer scholarships?
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5 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
751
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
It is my understanding that Ivy League schools do not offer scholarships based on merit, talent, or athletic ability.
But, they do have very good financial aid and need based programs. Much is based on your family income.
In addition, Ivy schools like Brown, Columbia, Harvard, Yale, Penn and Princeton have promised to help students meet 100% of their need.
Without using loans. So, they are what is defined as "No Loan Institutions."
You would need to check each school (and its financial aid office website), to see what each can offer you.
But, they do have very good financial aid and need based programs. Much is based on your family income.
In addition, Ivy schools like Brown, Columbia, Harvard, Yale, Penn and Princeton have promised to help students meet 100% of their need.
Without using loans. So, they are what is defined as "No Loan Institutions."
You would need to check each school (and its financial aid office website), to see what each can offer you.
Josh Roman
CEO
1
Answer
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Josh’s Answer
All of the Ivy League schools offer scholarships, with some (like Princeton) aiming to cover the full cost of college for students with a household income below $100,000. There are also a wide variety of other scholarship opportunities available from local organizations, especially if you are connected to them in some way. I would start at https://www.scholarships.com/ and also the websites of the various schools you are interested in. You will have to do your "homework" to find and apply for these scholarships, but you should set your sights high and not start with the assumption that certain colleges are unaffordable.
Read https://www.bestcolleges.com/news/these-colleges-offer-free-tuition-qualifying-students/
Research scholarships https://www.scholarships.com/
Josh recommends the following next steps:
Thank you!
Prathiv
Karin P.
Lecturer
375
Answers
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Prathiv,
Yes, they do! Some of the best universities have very generous scholarships. But you need to research each university you would consider individually. Some have only merit-based scholarships, others have need-based scholarships, or both. You should find that information on the financial aid pages.
You can score great financial packages if you can convince the university that you are a very desirable candidate who brings a lot to the table, i.e. good marks for sure but also passion for the profession, community service, leadership, experience, extracurriculars, winning prizes (e.g. science fair, chemistry or math olympiad) at competitions etc. That's where your extracurriculars come in.
Next, look for all kinds of other scholarships. Look at professional organizations, big companies especially those that would hire people in your field, your city, your state, maybe your parents' or guardian's employer.
Finally, there are many excellent universities around the country. You don't have to go to a top 10 school. Bragging rights are nice, but you'll get a good education at many places.
I hope this helps! Good luck! You got this!
KP
Yes, they do! Some of the best universities have very generous scholarships. But you need to research each university you would consider individually. Some have only merit-based scholarships, others have need-based scholarships, or both. You should find that information on the financial aid pages.
You can score great financial packages if you can convince the university that you are a very desirable candidate who brings a lot to the table, i.e. good marks for sure but also passion for the profession, community service, leadership, experience, extracurriculars, winning prizes (e.g. science fair, chemistry or math olympiad) at competitions etc. That's where your extracurriculars come in.
Next, look for all kinds of other scholarships. Look at professional organizations, big companies especially those that would hire people in your field, your city, your state, maybe your parents' or guardian's employer.
Finally, there are many excellent universities around the country. You don't have to go to a top 10 school. Bragging rights are nice, but you'll get a good education at many places.
I hope this helps! Good luck! You got this!
KP
Martha Kramer
Corporate Training, Communications
353
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Martha’s Answer
Hi, Prathiv, I can certainly understand your concern and wish you well. I especially want to highlight Josh's response. People can be discouraged by high tuition costs for Ivy League schools, but the real cost could end up being much less. "No loan" financial aid (see link below) is especially important because it means that you graduate without debt (or if you need loans for uncovered expenses, much less debt).
Presumably, you will apply to a range of colleges. If so, you want to look for "need-blind" admissions. This means that their admissions decision will not be influenced by whether you apply for financial aid. Schools that are not need-blind may limit the number of otherwise-qualified students needing financial aid, based on their resources.
And, as Karin noted, there may be very attractive merit-based scholarships elsewhere. For example, the honors colleges at some state universities offer special housing, advising, scholarship, and enrichment opportunities (see link below). You would need to read carefully as the benefits can vary widely and some merit scholarships are only for the first year.
Good luck!
Read about "no loan" financial aid - https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/paying-for-college/articles/schools-that-meet-full-financial-need-with-no-loans
Read about "honors colleges" - https://blog.prepscholar.com/best-honors-colleges-programs-ranking
Presumably, you will apply to a range of colleges. If so, you want to look for "need-blind" admissions. This means that their admissions decision will not be influenced by whether you apply for financial aid. Schools that are not need-blind may limit the number of otherwise-qualified students needing financial aid, based on their resources.
And, as Karin noted, there may be very attractive merit-based scholarships elsewhere. For example, the honors colleges at some state universities offer special housing, advising, scholarship, and enrichment opportunities (see link below). You would need to read carefully as the benefits can vary widely and some merit scholarships are only for the first year.
Good luck!
Martha recommends the following next steps:
Thanks so much! I had no idea about these things
Prathiv
You're welcome and good luck!
Martha Kramer
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
780
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Prathiv, first and foremost, I appreciate your initiative in seeking answers to your questions about scholarships at Ivy League schools. I hope the information I provide here will shed light on your queries and assist you in your journey.
Financing an undergraduate education can indeed be a daunting task, particularly given your current financial circumstances. As an admissions officer, it's my duty to ensure that potential students like you are well-informed.
Ivy League schools, celebrated for their top-tier academic programs, do extend financial aid to students from a broad range of socioeconomic backgrounds. These esteemed institutions are dedicated to cultivating a diverse student community and ensuring that gifted students, irrespective of their financial capabilities, can avail of their educational offerings.
The financial aid policies at Ivy League schools are typically need-based. This implies that financial aid packages are customized to fulfill the specific financial needs of each student. When you apply for admission, you'll also have the chance to apply for financial aid by submitting necessary documents like the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and/or the College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile. These forms aid in evaluating your family's financial status and ascertain the amount of financial aid you might qualify for.
It's crucial to remember that Ivy League institutions are among the world's most generously funded universities, with a significant portion of their resources dedicated to financial aid programs. Consequently, they can provide generous scholarship packages to deserving students, covering tuition, fees, room, board, and other educational costs. Some Ivy League schools even pledge to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need without necessitating students to take out loans.
Considering your interest in pursuing an undergraduate degree in Biochemistry at a premier institution, be assured that Ivy League schools do offer programs in the sciences, including Biochemistry. These programs are often acclaimed for their academic rigor, state-of-the-art research opportunities, and esteemed faculty members.
I urge you to meticulously research the financial aid policies of each Ivy League school you intend to apply to. Also, feel free to contact their financial aid offices for personalized guidance and assistance throughout the application process. Remember, these institutions aim to support gifted students like you in realizing your academic and career dreams, irrespective of your financial background.
To sum up, while the cost of attending an Ivy League school may seem overwhelming, there are considerable financial aid opportunities available to students with demonstrated financial need. I encourage you to chase your academic dreams with conviction, knowing that Ivy League institutions are dedicated to making their educational opportunities accessible to students from all walks of life.
Financing an undergraduate education can indeed be a daunting task, particularly given your current financial circumstances. As an admissions officer, it's my duty to ensure that potential students like you are well-informed.
Ivy League schools, celebrated for their top-tier academic programs, do extend financial aid to students from a broad range of socioeconomic backgrounds. These esteemed institutions are dedicated to cultivating a diverse student community and ensuring that gifted students, irrespective of their financial capabilities, can avail of their educational offerings.
The financial aid policies at Ivy League schools are typically need-based. This implies that financial aid packages are customized to fulfill the specific financial needs of each student. When you apply for admission, you'll also have the chance to apply for financial aid by submitting necessary documents like the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and/or the College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile. These forms aid in evaluating your family's financial status and ascertain the amount of financial aid you might qualify for.
It's crucial to remember that Ivy League institutions are among the world's most generously funded universities, with a significant portion of their resources dedicated to financial aid programs. Consequently, they can provide generous scholarship packages to deserving students, covering tuition, fees, room, board, and other educational costs. Some Ivy League schools even pledge to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need without necessitating students to take out loans.
Considering your interest in pursuing an undergraduate degree in Biochemistry at a premier institution, be assured that Ivy League schools do offer programs in the sciences, including Biochemistry. These programs are often acclaimed for their academic rigor, state-of-the-art research opportunities, and esteemed faculty members.
I urge you to meticulously research the financial aid policies of each Ivy League school you intend to apply to. Also, feel free to contact their financial aid offices for personalized guidance and assistance throughout the application process. Remember, these institutions aim to support gifted students like you in realizing your academic and career dreams, irrespective of your financial background.
To sum up, while the cost of attending an Ivy League school may seem overwhelming, there are considerable financial aid opportunities available to students with demonstrated financial need. I encourage you to chase your academic dreams with conviction, knowing that Ivy League institutions are dedicated to making their educational opportunities accessible to students from all walks of life.