How to Attend Harvard for Free on the GI Bill

Harvard University offers one of the most generous Yellow Ribbon programs in the country, covering 100% of tuition costs for eligible veterans across all schools and programs.

School Overview

University campus for veterans
Location Cambridge, Massachusetts
Type Private Research University
Total Enrollment 23,000+
Student-Faculty Ratio 6:1
Acceptance Rate 3.2%
US News Ranking #3 National Universities

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Tuition & Costs (2024-2025)

Annual Tuition $59,076
Room & Board $21,130
Fees $4,807
Total Cost of Attendance $85,013

Yellow Ribbon Benefits

Yellow Ribbon Participant Yes
Number of Spots Unlimited
School Contribution Full remaining tuition
VA Match Matches school contribution
Programs Covered All schools and programs
Veteran’s Out-of-Pocket Cost $0 for tuition

GI Bill Housing Allowance

Veterans attending Harvard full-time receive the Boston-area Monthly Housing Allowance:

  • Monthly BAH Rate: $3,933/month
  • Annual Housing Benefit: $35,397 (9 months)
  • Book Stipend: $1,000/year

Total 4-Year Benefit Value

Combining GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon, housing allowance, and book stipend, veterans receive approximately $428,000+ in total benefits over four years at Harvard.

Veteran Services

Harvard’s Veterans Office provides dedicated support including:

  • Harvard Veterans Organization (student group)
  • Dedicated VA certifying officials
  • Priority course registration
  • Veteran-specific career services
  • Housing assistance for veteran families
  • Connection to alumni veteran network

Notable Programs

  • Harvard Business School – Top-ranked MBA, strong veteran recruiting
  • Harvard Kennedy School – Public policy, popular with military officers
  • Harvard Law School – Full Yellow Ribbon coverage
  • Harvard Medical School – Full Yellow Ribbon coverage

How To Apply

  1. Apply for admission through Harvard’s regular application process
  2. Submit your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA
  3. Contact Harvard Student Financial Services to confirm Yellow Ribbon enrollment
  4. Yellow Ribbon is automatic for eligible Post-9/11 GI Bill recipients

Official Website: harvard.edu

Veterans Office: Harvard Veteran & Military Benefits

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