How Financial Aid Works
Around two-thirds of undergraduate college students in the U.S. receive some form of need-based financial aid, either from the government, from their college, or from a combination of both. Need-based financial aid eligibility is based on two calculations; the total cost of education and (you or) your family's ability to pay. The cost of education is different at each college or university. Each school determines the costs of attendance (tuition, fees, housing, food, and living expenses) for completing their programs. They will also determine how much your family can contribute through the application process. On the website of every school there is an online tool, the Net Price Calculator, that helps families get an idea of how much financial aid they can expect to receive.
Dartmouth will meet 100% of your demonstrated need with financial aid resources such as scholarship, grant, and student employment (work-study). The Total Cost, less your Expected Family Contribution, is your Demonstrated Need. Our no-loan policy means that you are not expected to borrow a loan to meet your demonstrated need. Visit our How Much Help Will I Get? webpage to read more about how our financial aid program makes Dartmouth accessible and affordable.