Description
At Yale, scholarships and grants, also known as gift aid, are financial awards that do not require repayment. They fall into three main categories: Yale Scholarships, Merit-Based Scholarships, and Entitlement Grants. Yale Scholarships are need-based grants, with amounts ranging from a few hundred dollars to over $70,000 annually. Merit-Based Scholarships are external awards based on academic or other achievements, while Entitlement Grants are awarded by federal, state, or other organizations based on financial need or other criteria. U.S. veterans and service members can also use their military education benefits at Yale.
Scholarships and grants, often referred to as gift aid, are financial awards that do not need to be repaid. At Yale, gift aid falls into three main categories:
- Yale Scholarship
- Merit-Based Scholarships
- Entitlement Grants
In addition to these, U.S. veterans and service members have the option to utilize their military education benefits at Yale.
Yale Scholarship
The Yale Scholarship is a need-based grant provided to undergraduate students. This gift aid does not require repayment. If you are awarded financial aid, your Yale Scholarship amount will be outlined in your Financial Aid Award Letter.
The scholarship can range from a few hundred dollars to over $70,000 annually, with the average amount being over $50,000.
Additional funding from Yale alumni and donors, such as endowed scholarships and area Yale Club awards, may supplement or replace Yale Scholarship funds.
For detailed statistics, visit the Affordability section on Yale's website.
Merit-Based Scholarships
While Yale itself does not offer merit-based scholarships, many students qualify for these awards through external organizations. Merit-based scholarships are typically granted based on achievements in academics, sports, music, or other specialized fields. Potential sources include:
- Private companies
- Employers
- Nonprofit organizations
External merit-based scholarships can help significantly reduce or eliminate the Student Share portion of financial aid. Any merit-based scholarship funds paid directly to Yale are applied as anticipated credits on the term bill, lowering the amount owed. You can find resources to help you search for merit-based scholarships under Sources for Outside Aid.
Impact on Financial Aid Offer:
For students receiving financial aid, merit scholarships first reduce their Student Share.
If the scholarship amount exceeds the Student Share, it reduces the Yale Scholarship.
Some scholarships, like the Gates Millennium Scholarship or NCAA Grant, may also cover additional costs such as Yale Health insurance or a computer for incoming students. For specific queries, reach out to Yale’s financial aid office.
Entitlement Grants
Entitlement grants are awards provided by federal, state, or other external agencies based on criteria such as financial need, state residency, or employer affiliation. Although some entitlement grants may include a merit component, they are typically awarded based on financial need.
Examples of entitlement grants include:
- Federal Pell Grants and Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG)
- State grants
- Employer tuition benefits
- Scholarships from Yale Clubs or Associations
Please note that entitlement grants reduce the Yale Scholarship amount dollar for dollar.
Website URL
https://finaid.yale.edu/costs-affordability/types-aid/scholarships-and-grants#YS
