Harvard University
About Harvard University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Harvard is a private Ivy League research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States and offers a broad liberal arts curriculum alongside world-renowned graduate programs in law, business, medicine, and public policy. Harvard meets 100% of demonstrated financial need and admits students on a need-blind basis.
Founded
1636
Location
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Students
29,016
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
3.7%
Highly selective
Graduation Rate
97.6%
Above national average
Tuition
$61,676
Per year
Avg Net Price
$19,066
After financial aid
SAT Average
1553
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$101,817
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Most Selective
Only 3.7 out of 100 applicants are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Required
Application Fee
$85
Early
Nov 1
Regular
Jan 1
With a 3.7% acceptance rate and an average SAT of 1553, Harvard University is among the most selective schools in the country. Every part of your application needs to stand out.
SAT Scores
1553/ 1600
ACT Scores
35/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Excellent
97.6% complete their degree within six years
Retention
98.3%
4-Year Grad
86%
6-Year Grad
97%
Teaching Quality
7:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
86.8%
$/Student
$51.8K
Class Size
Small
86% of students graduate on time, and with a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio, it's clear students get the personal attention they need to succeed.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$61,676
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$21,190
Books & Supplies
$1,000
Total Cost of Attendance
$85,540
After Financial Aid
$19,066
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$8,697
Receive Grants
16.4%
Take Loans
4.4%
Don't let the $61,676 sticker price scare you. Most students pay around $19,066 after financial aid, a 69% discount. Families earning under $30K pay closer to $8,697.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Harvard University fund their education.
While in School
16.4%
Get Grants
Free money
4.4%
Take Loans
Must repay
$33,066
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$14,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$148/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The median debt is just $14,000, and less than 0% of graduates default on their loans. Students here leave with very manageable financial obligations.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Harvard University.
Gender
53.8%
Female
46%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
7,601
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
21,415
Graduates
25.7%
First-Gen
22 yrs
Avg Age
16.6%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (54% women, 46% men). 25.7% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience. 14.6% international students bring global perspectives to campus life.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Harvard's 209-acre campus in Cambridge is centered around Harvard Yard, a historic green space where freshmen live in ivy-covered dorms. The campus blends centuries-old brick buildings with modern facilities, all within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and the Charles River.
Campus Setting
City: Midsize
Campus Quick Facts
7,601
Students
private
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
R1 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
What Students Say
Pros
- +Historic, iconic campus with beautiful architecture
- +Walking distance to Boston via the T
- +World-class libraries and research facilities
- +Vibrant student neighborhood with cafés and bookstores
Cons
- -Harsh New England winters
- -Housing lottery can be stressful
- -Campus feels crowded during peak hours
- -Cost of living in Cambridge is very high
Harvard's campus is one of the most recognizable in the world. The blend of history and urban access makes it uniquely appealing — you can study in a 400-year-old library, then grab dim sum in Chinatown 15 minutes later.
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Harvard University fields 21 varsity teams with 1,204 student athletes, about 16% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FCS
Conference
Ivy League
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
21
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
1,204
16% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
55% / 45%
665
Men
539
Women
18
Men's Teams
18
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Harvard Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$101,817
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Economics
$104K
258 grads
1yr Earnings
Social Sciences, General
$57K
189 grads
1yr Earnings
Computer Science
$152K
183 grads
1yr Earnings
Political Science and Government
$62K
164 grads
1yr Earnings
History
$53K
161 grads
1yr Earnings
Applied Mathematics
$114K
120 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates start at $100K six years out, climb to $124K by year eight, and reach $102K by year ten. That upward trajectory shows the degree keeps paying off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Harvard University
What is the acceptance rate at Harvard University?▾
How much does Harvard University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Harvard University?▾
How much do Harvard University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.