Cost of Education − Family Contribution = "Need"
Cost of Education 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.
Each university calculates a total amount of financial aid available to you for their school. Based on their costs and the information you provide, financial aid officers calculate your need and the amount you are eligible to receive. You will then be given a list of available assistance known as your "Financial Aid Award." Your demonstrated need will be met with a combination of student employment, and scholarship or grants. Awards can include federal funds, and institutional sources.