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You can't be serious. Harvard undergrad might be known for giving out money for those with financial need, but graduate programs have specific endowments with their own restrictions. It should be noted, however, that the allocation for HKS's expenses could be re-appropriated. [ As a caveat, I work for a nonprofit in Boston that does a lot of public policy and advocacy work on behalf of the entire nonprofit sector. Half my board members went to the Kennedy School. My ED went to the Kennedy school. I've worked with Kennedy students through their city-fair summer internship programs, and I live about a half a mile from Harvard. The overwhelming consensus is that underfunding abounds: HKS doesn't really attempt to provide meaningful financial aid to those in need. This was the one reason I did not apply to Harvard (besides the fact that they did not waive their $100 app fee for entrants with below-poverty level wages). I also have other gripes for laying off over 300 employees after their endowment dropped by 30% (yet it's interesting how the globe and major news sources often failed to mention WHAT it dropped to... still hovering around $26billion), while the school also allowed this huge science-center construction project in Allston to be held in abeyance, thus leaving an unsightly hole in the ground because they "ran out of money." I only mention this because I often find myself defending this sector from negative imagery associated with what many would deem heedless decisions by opulent nonprofits that do not in any way bolster the common good. ] The school doesn't try to hide this either... they make it very clear on their website: http://www.hks.harva...-aid-philosophy. Although, from my experience, I find most of this rather suspect. They claim they have a limited endowment. I've heard specifically for HKS, it is over $1billion. In contrast, how many public affairs programs have these resources? They claim their school is relatively nascent without "long histories." It was established in 1938. Woody Woo values public service to the extent that they provide a full ride and stipend for anyone admitted. You would think the second-largest nonprofit in the world would do the same, and it's no wonder that such a large cohort (35% ... though down from over 40%) choose to enter the private sector upon graduation. I found it somewhat befuddling that the school spent more money on "supplies" than what I would argue is their most valuable resource... their students. And I digress. Please keep in mind that I am in no way bashing HKS on its academic merit or ability to produce effective leaders. It left a sour taste in my mouth (based upon my own values), so I'll be attending a top 10 MPP program (with arguably a pittance of an endowment) that offered me significant financial aid. But I will not deny HKS will open doors and provide unfettered opportunities to those that attend; the Harvard name is unmatched, and no one can argue that. I've worked with their office of career advancement, and those folks definitely know what they're doing. And there are (limited) fellowships available to top applicants... Suffice it to say, I've even met someone who received (almost) a full ride. Recent legislation has also made it easier to curtail debt over time for those entering and then choosing to work in the nonprofit/governmental sector for 10 years. So it is possible. But on the aggregate, I would not stand by the notion that Harvard "doesn't want to lose quality students because they [i'm assuming the students] can't afford it." Not so much. Admitted students will pay for the Harvard name, and if not, that's what waiting lists are for. Nonetheless, congratulations to those accepted. It isn't an easy feat.