Financial Aid

Students accepted into the Biophysics Program, whether citizens of the United States or foreign nationals, are guaranteed full financial support (Stipend, Tuition and University Health Services and Bc/Bs Health Insurance) throughout their years in the graduate program, contingent on their maintaining satisfactory progress toward the PhD degree.

Financial support for the first two years of graduate study are generally derived from fellowships from the Biophysics Program through Harvard University, or the National Institutes of Health Training Program.  

In a student's 3rd year and above, support is provided by the student's dissertation research advisor either through an RA (Research Assistantship) or other mechanism.  Continued support is dependent on a student's fulfillment of requirements and continued satisfactory progress. 

Students accepted for the 2025-26 academic year receive support for the full Tuition and health insurance amounts of  $63,436, and an annual Stipend equal to $51,500 (paid as $50,460 in stipend, and $1,040 as dental and transportation subsidies) over 12 months ($4,205/ month + $1,040 as direct benefit, paid at the beginning of the fall semester).  Student stipends are increased yearly, as of July 1st, to offset the cost of living.

2026-2027 rates will be determined as part of the Harvard Griffin GSAS and Graduate Student Union contract negotiations.

Outstanding students often apply for, and are awarded, outside fellowships from such organizations as: the National Science Foundation, NDSEG, or the Hertz or Ford Foundations.  Students are strongly encouraged to apply for such fellowships in their senior year of undergraduate study, or within their first years of graduate study (as eligible).

Students who receive awards from outside sources are supported by those funds, in place of program funds for tuition and stipend, and we anticipate students accepting and activating those awards, if received.  Any outside award lower than the set level of Biophysics support is supplemented by the program to meet the standard Biophysics support levels.