We will meet 100% of the demonstrated need of all admitted financial aid applicants.
What is Need?
Cost of Attendance − Family Contribution = "Need"
Cost of Attendance includes direct and indirect expenses. Direct expenses are tuition, fees, food, and housing. Indirect expenses are travel costs, books, supplies, laundry, etc. Although students do not receive a bill from Campus Billing for these expenses, we do consider an average amount per student when determining aid eligibility.
Family Contribution consists of a parent and student contribution. Students who receive assistance are expected to contribute a minimum amount annually, which should come from leave term earnings. Student contributions range from $1,000 to 3,000 per year.
Dartmouth meets this "Need" with a combination of work and scholarships. Financial aid packages will not include a student loan.
Zero Parent Contribution for Families with Total Income Below $65,000
Students from families with total annual income below $65,000 who possess typical assets for this income range, will not have an expected parent contribution toward educational costs. Students will still be expected to contribute toward their own expenses from their summer income, part-time work during the school year, and their own savings. Your award will not include a student loan, though student loans are available to help offset the student contribution and additional expenses such as health insurance or a computer.
Full Tuition Guarantee for Families with Total Income below $125,000
The Dartmouth Scholarship covers full tuition for students from families with total incomes of $125,000 or less who possess typical assets. The financial aid offer will not include loans, though student and/or parent loans are available to help offset the family contribution and additional expenses such as health insurance or a computer.
Families with Total Income above $125,000
We review each aid application carefully, considering each family's individual circumstances, and many families with higher incomes do qualify for scholarship assistance. Student loans are not included in any need-based financial aid package, regardless of citizenship or income level, though they are still available to use if needed. Dartmouth students graduate with among the lowest levels of student loan debt in the country, on average.
