How Aid Works

Student Responsibility

For most students, this expected contribution will be at least $5,000:  typically $1,500 from prior earnings (particularly summer earnings), and $3,500 from part-time employment during the academic year. The total expected contribution from student earnings will vary based on individual circumstances.

$3,500 of work during the academic year might sound like a lot – until we explain that the minimum wage on campus is well over $15/hour which allows you to do that with 8 to 10 hours per week of work.  See our Student Employment page for more information about work on campus.

In addition, you will be expected to contribute from your personal assets, such as savings and investments, if any. The contribution amount per academic year is set at 5% of your total assets as reported in your financial aid application materials.

You may choose to cover part or all of your expected contributions from earnings and assets with student loan funds. To request student loans, please send an email message to our office at financialaid@stanford.edu.  It is also important to note that the exact breakdown between summer earnings and work during the academic year is up to you.  We will suggest amounts based on what current students typically do, but if you have the opportunity to earn more over the summer and want to work less during the academic year that is up to you.

You can also reduce or eliminate your expected contribution from student earnings and assets by obtaining outside scholarships. For examples of how outside scholarships can reduce or eliminate the expected contribution from student earnings and assets, please refer to our

Outside Awards page.

Updated on October 28, 2022 9:22 AM