Quick Facts: Harvard for Veterans (2025-2026)
| Metric | Harvard | National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow Ribbon Contribution | Up to $19,331/year* | $5,000 |
| Student Cap | Unlimited | 50 students |
| 6-Year Graduation Rate | 97% | 58% |
| Median Earnings (10 years) | $136,700 | $48,000 |
| Median Earnings (1 year) | $92,518 | $36,427 |
| Out-of-Pocket with GI Bill + YR | $0 | Varies |
*Contribution varies by school within Harvard. Graduate School of Education covers full tuition; Business School contributes $20,000.
Last updated: December 2025 | Sources: Harvard SFS, College Scorecard
Yellow Ribbon Program by Harvard School
Unlike most universities, Harvard’s Yellow Ribbon contribution varies by school. Here’s what each offers:
| Harvard School | YR Contribution | VA Match | Total Extra | Full Coverage? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate School of Education | $19,331 | $19,331 | $38,662 | Yes |
| Harvard Law School | Full gap | Matched | Varies | Yes |
| Harvard Business School | $20,000 | $20,000 | $40,000 | Yes |
| Chan School of Public Health | $10,000 | $10,000 | $20,000 | Partial |
| Harvard Extension School | Varies | Varies | Varies | Often Yes |
Key Takeaways
- Law, Business, and Education cover 100% of tuition for eligible veterans
- No student cap at any Harvard school
- Automatic enrollment – no separate Yellow Ribbon application needed
Cost Breakdown: What You’ll Actually Pay
Example: Harvard Business School MBA (2025-2026)
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| HBS Tuition | $76,000 |
| Post-9/11 GI Bill (max) | -$29,920.95 |
| HBS Yellow Ribbon | -$20,000 |
| VA Yellow Ribbon Match | -$20,000 |
| Remaining Gap | $6,079.05 |
Note: HBS typically provides additional need-based grants to cover any remaining gap for veterans. Many HBS veterans report paying $0 out of pocket.
Contact: Harvard Veteran Services
| Main Office | University Student Financial Services |
| Website | sfs.harvard.edu/veteran-military-benefits |
| sfs@harvard.edu | |
| Phone | (617) 495-1581 |
School-Specific Contacts
- Harvard Law School: HLS VA Benefits
- Harvard Business School: HBS Military Veterans
- Graduate School of Education: HGSE Veterans
Comparison: Harvard vs Other Top Schools for Veterans
| School | YR Contribution | Grad Rate | Earnings (10yr) | Earnings (1yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harvard | $19,331+ | 97% | $136,700 | $92,518 |
| MIT | $5,400 | 95% | $142,100 | $95,000+ |
| Stanford | $10,000 | 93% | $122,900 | $89,527 |
| Yale | $18,100 | 96% | $118,400 | $74,600 |
Why Harvard Stands Out
- Highest graduation rate among top schools (97%)
- Second-highest 10-year earnings ($136,700)
- Most generous Yellow Ribbon for graduate programs
- No student caps – all eligible veterans accepted
Veteran Support Programs
1. Harvard Veterans Organization (HVO)
Cross-school organization connecting veterans across all Harvard graduate and professional schools. Provides mentorship, networking, and career support.
2. Armed Forces Association (HBS)
The Armed Forces Association at Harvard Business School is one of the largest veteran student groups in the country, with 100+ members per class.
3. Veterans Law Association (HLS)
Provides pro bono legal services to veterans while training the next generation of veteran advocates.
4. Dedicated VA Certifying Officials
Each Harvard school has trained staff to process GI Bill benefits and ensure timely payments.
Earnings by Harvard Degree
| Degree Program | Median Starting Salary |
|---|---|
| MBA (Business Administration) | $161,400 |
| JD (Law) | $158,200 |
| DMD (Dentistry) | $143,200 |
| Computer Science | $120,000+ |
| Economics (Undergraduate) | $81,000 |
Application Tips for Veterans
Key Deadlines (2025-2026)
- Harvard College (Undergrad): November 1 (REA) / January 1 (RD)
- Harvard Law School: November 1
- Harvard Business School: Round 1: September, Round 2: January
- Graduate School of Education: December 1
Required Documents
- Completed application (Common App for undergrad, school-specific for grad)
- DD-214 (Member-4 copy)
- Joint Services Transcript (JST)
- Official transcripts from all prior institutions
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement/essays
- GMAT/GRE/LSAT (depending on program)
Veteran-Specific Essay Advice
Harvard values leadership, resilience, and diverse perspectives. In your essays:
- Highlight specific leadership experiences from your service
- Explain how military experience prepared you for rigorous academics
- Discuss your post-Harvard career goals and how you’ll serve others
- Be authentic about challenges faced and lessons learned
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Harvard accept the GI Bill?
Yes. Harvard accepts the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33), Montgomery GI Bill (Chapters 30/1606), and Vocational Rehabilitation (Chapter 31).
How competitive is Harvard for veterans?
Harvard actively recruits veterans. Harvard Business School, for example, has one of the highest percentages of veterans (10%+) among top MBA programs. Service to School and similar organizations report high success rates for veteran applicants.
Can I transfer my GI Bill to my spouse while attending Harvard?
Transfer of Entitlement must be initiated while on active duty. Once transferred, dependents can use benefits at Harvard with full Yellow Ribbon eligibility.
What’s the Monthly Housing Allowance for Cambridge?
The BAH rate for Cambridge, MA (02138) is approximately $3,100/month – one of the highest in the country.
Next Steps
- Check eligibility: VA Education Benefits Eligibility
- Request JST: Joint Services Transcript Portal
- Connect with veterans: Service to School provides free mentorship
- Start application: Harvard Admissions
Sources
- Harvard Student Financial Services – Veteran Benefits
- Harvard Graduate School of Education – Veteran Benefits
- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard – Harvard
- VA Yellow Ribbon Participating Schools
- Harvard Law School – VA Benefits
Last Updated: December 2025 | Next Review: August 2026
This guide is for informational purposes only. Yellow Ribbon contributions and policies change annually. Verify all information directly with Harvard before applying.
