<p>Harvard promises 100% grant money to any admit whose family makes less than $40,000. Does anyone know if that is Adjusted Gross Income, or Income after adding back depreciation, educational credits and other things that reduce AGI? I have the suspicion that the Devil is in the details. What has happened to need-blind aid? Won't family assets count at all?</p>
<p>"need-blind aid?"</p>
<p>What kind of financial aid policy would come from "need-blind aid?"</p>
<p>Apply and then you'll know how the policy works in your family's situation.</p>
<p>Well, I can say I am one of those people (and was admitted). There is a student contribution, but your parents are not expected to pay anything for your education, which is absolutely amazing. I have no loans in my package unless my parents and I decide to take out the self-help offer in a loan rather than a term-time job.</p>
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<p>What has happened to need-blind aid? Won't family assets count at all?</p>
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<p>There has never been any such thing as need-blind aid; you're probably thinking of need-blind admissions, which is the principle that your ability to pay will have no impact on your chances of being accepted.</p>
<p>All aid offered by Harvard is need-BASED, the opposite need-blind; family assets and income are the only determining factor.</p>
<p>If your family makes over $40,000, that doesn't mean you won't get aid; it just means your expected family contribution might not be zero. If your family makes between $40k and $60k, you should still get very significant grants ($20k/year and up), and the family portion should be small and manageable.</p>