Overview



Harvard University
Cambridge, MA, USA
Private
4 Year
Overview
Acceptance Rate:
3%
Average Net Price:
$18,037
Campus Setting:
Small city
Average GPA
4.0
Average ACT Composite
35
Average SAT Composite
1529
Virtual Tour
Tuition, Cost & Aid
Affordability & Cost
Tuition
In-State Tuition In-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who meet the state's or institution's residency requirements. In-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students residing in the locality in which they attend school and may be a lower rate than in-state tuition if offered by the institution. | $59,076 |
Out-of-State Tuition Out-of-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who do not meet the state’s or institution’s residency requirements. Out-of-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students not residing in the locality in which they attend school. | $59,076 |
Additional Costs
Room and Board The weighted average for room and board and other expenses is generated as follows:
| $20,374 |
Books and Supplies | $1000 |
Average Net Price By Family Income
Income
Average Amount
< $30k
$2,382
$30k - $48k
$1,094
$48k - $75k
$3,149
$75k - $110k
$19,733
$110k+
$46,466
Financial Aid: visit page
Financial Aid Email: faoinfo@fas.harvard.edu
Aid & Grants
0
100
100%
Need Met
Students Receiving Gift Aid Percent of undergraduate students awarded federal gift aid. Federal gift aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution. Students Receiving Grants Percent of undergraduate students awarded grant aid. Grant aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution.
13%
Average Aid Per Year
$61,801
13%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$7,628
Average Institution Grant Aid Per Year
$59,255
Students receiving state aid Students receiving federal aid
3%
Average State Grant Aid Per Year
$2817
19%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$7,628
Average Grant & Scholarship By Family Income
Income
Average Amount
< $30k
$75,392
$30k - $48k
$78,290
$48k - $75k
$77,112
$75k - $110k
$64,255
$110k+
$28,658
Total Needs Based Scholarships/Grants Total amount of grant or scholarship aid awarded to all undergraduates from the federal government, state/local government, the institution, and other sources known to the institution.
$254,765,184
Total Non-Need-Based Scholarships/Grants
$11,938,520
Student Loans
Students Borrowing Loans Loans to students - Any monies that must be repaid to the lending institution for which the student is the designated borrower. Includes all Title IV subsidized and unsubsidized loans and all institutionally- and privately-sponsored loans. Does not include PLUS and other loans made directly to parents.
9%
Average Loan Amount Per Year
$9,004
Average Debt at Graduation The median federal debt of undergraduate borrowers who graduated. This figure includes only federal loans; it excludes private student loans and Parent PLUS loans.
$12,500
Median Monthly Loan Payment The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed, if it were repaid over 10 years at a 5.05% interest rate.
$131
Students receiving federal loans
4%
Average Federal Loans Per Year
$5,104
Average Other Loans Per Year
$8,916
Admissions
Key Admissions Stats
Institution Type
Private
- Not for Profit
- Coed
Need Blind
This school does not consider an applicant’s financial situation when deciding admission
Level of Institution
4 Year
Campus Setting
Small city
61221
Students Applied
1%
Transfer Acceptance Rate
14
Transfer Students Admitted
Admissions Requirements
SAT
No
ACT
No
Transcript
Yes
Test Optional
Yes
SAT Subject Tests
Yes
AP Course Credit
No
Dual Enrollment
No
Important Deadlines
Application Type | Application Deadline | Reply Deadline |
---|---|---|
Early Action Acceptance is not binding, but student will receive admissions decision earlier. | November 1 | |
Fall Regular Decision | January 1 | May 1 |
Application Fee
$85
Fee waivers availableAdmitted Student Stats
In-State Students
15%
Out-Of-State Students
82%
28%
Submitting ACT
55%
Submitting SAT
Average ACT Composite: 35
0
36
Average SAT Composite: 1529
0
1600
SAT Percentiles
Math
25th
760
75th
800
Reading
25th
730
75th
780
4.0
Average GPA
Students Enrolled By GPA
3.75+
95%
3.50 - 3.74
4%
3.25 - 3.49
1%
Students Enrolled By Class Rank
Top 10%
94
Top 25%
99
Top 50%
100
Admissions Resources
For International Student Services: visit page
For Students with Disabilities: visit page
For Veteran Services: visit page
Academics
Key Academic Stats
Highest Degree Offered
Doctorate
Total Number of Students
30,631
Total Number of Undergrads
9,368
0
100
86%
Graduate in 4 Years US National: 28%
0
100
98%
Graduate in 6 Years US National: 52%
Student:Faculty Ratio
7:1
US National: 21:1Non Traditional Learning
- Online Classes
- Online Undergrad Degrees
- Summer Sessions
- Combined Institution Double Degree Programs
Learning Options
- ROTC Army
- ROTC Air Force
- Study Abroad
- Honors Program
- Teacher Certification Offered
Classroom Sizes
2-19 Students
76%
20-39 Students
11%
40-99 Students
8%
100+ Students
3%
Degrees and Majors
MAJORS
212
Majors
A B M D
A B M D | |
---|---|
ARCHITECTURE AND RELATED SERVICES | |
AREA, ETHNIC, CULTURAL, GENDER, AND GROUP STUDIES | ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ |
BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES | ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ |
BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT, MARKETING, AND RELATED SUPPORT SERVICES | |
COMMUNICATION, JOURNALISM, AND RELATED PROGRAMS | |
COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCES AND SUPPORT SERVICES | |
EDUCATION | ✓ ✓ ✓ |
ENGINEERING | |
ENGINEERING/ENGINEERING-RELATED TECHNOLOGIES/TECHNICIANS | |
ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS | |
FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES/HUMAN SCIENCES | ✓ ✓ |
FOREIGN LANGUAGES, LITERATURES, AND LINGUISTICS | ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ |
HEALTH PROFESSIONS AND RELATED PROGRAMS | ✓ |
HISTORY | |
LEGAL PROFESSIONS AND STUDIES | |
LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES, GENERAL STUDIES AND HUMANITIES | |
MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS | |
MULTI/INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES | ✓ ✓ ✓ |
NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION | |
PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES | |
PHYSICAL SCIENCES | ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ |
PSYCHOLOGY | |
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND SOCIAL SERVICE PROFESSIONS | |
SOCIAL SCIENCES | ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ |
THEOLOGY AND RELIGIOUS VOCATIONS | |
VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS |
Faculty Overview
0
100
93%
Faculty With Terminal Degree US National: 36%
Gender
Male
Female
US National: 42%
US National: 48%
Ethnicity
African American
Asian/Pacific Islander
White
Hispanic
Multi-Racial
Campus Life
Key Campus Stats
Student Gender
Male
Female
48%
US National: 44%52%
US National: 56%Residency
In-State Students
15%
Out-Of-State Students
82%
Size of Town
Small city
US States Represented
54
Countries Represented
114
Ethnicity
African American
8%
Asian/Pacific Islander
20%
Hispanic
11%
White
33%
Multiracial
7%
Unknown
6%
Percent of First Generation Students
26%
Student Organizations
447
LGBTQIA Student Resource Groups
Yes
On Campus Women's Center
Yes
Cultural Student Resource Groups
Yes
Housing
0
100
97%
Undergrads Living on Campus
On-campus living required of freshman
Yes
Disability Housing Available
Yes
0
100
97%
Freshman Living on Campus
Athletics
Divisional Sports Nickname
Crimson
School Colors
crimson and white
Varsity Athletics Association
NCAA
Varsity Athletics Conference Primary
Ivy Group
Total Male Athletes
1236
Total Female Athletes
513
Intramural Sports
23
Sports Club
7
Sports Team (Men)
Harvard University Athletics: visit page
Campus Safety
24-HR security patrol
Yes
Campus emergency phones
Yes
24-HR escort safety rides
Yes
Mobile campus emergency alert
Yes
After Graduation
Post Grad Stats
Average Salary
6 years after graduation
$139,100
Top 5 Cities
Boston
New York
San Francisco
Washington
Los Angeles
Top 5 Employers
Harvard University
Google
Microsoft
Goldman Sachs
KcKinsey & Company
Top 5 Sectors
Business
Education
Research
Operations
Media
Average Debt at Graduation The median federal debt of undergraduate borrowers who graduated. This figure includes only federal loans; it excludes private student loans and Parent PLUS loans.
$12,500
Loan Default Rate
1%
National: 8%
Median Monthly Loan Payment The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed, if it were repaid over 10 years at a 5.05% interest rate.
$131
REVIEWS
Read What Students Are SayingWith its liberal arts focus, Harvard provides the type of education that helps you to become a better thinker. You probably won't gain as much concrete knowledge here as you would at a non-liberal arts college, but I think this has more to do with the concept of liberal arts itself so it's not really Harvard's fault...
One problem that does appear to be Harvard's own is that many of its professors are renowned for their research, which means that they're good at research but not necessarily teaching. They all know their stuff; many just have trouble teaching it. This is not to say, however, that Harvard lacks capable professors. In fact, I've had the pleasure of attending the lectures of some of the most experienced, interesting, and enthusiastic professors on campus. The point I'm trying to make is that not ALL Harvard professors are great at keeping you awake during lecture. The good thing, however, is that they are all approachable people (even if they seem intimidating). Many students go to office hours to ask questions, which is usually extremely helpful. Remember: Harvard professors might not always be the best teachers, but they ARE very smart people who are generally willing to lend a helping hand.
One problem that does appear to be Harvard's own is that many of its professors are renowned for their research, which means that they're good at research but not necessarily teaching. They all know their stuff; many just have trouble teaching it. This is not to say, however, that Harvard lacks capable professors. In fact, I've had the pleasure of attending the lectures of some of the most experienced, interesting, and enthusiastic professors on campus. The point I'm trying to make is that not ALL Harvard professors are great at keeping you awake during lecture. The good thing, however, is that they are all approachable people (even if they seem intimidating). Many students go to office hours to ask questions, which is usually extremely helpful. Remember: Harvard professors might not always be the best teachers, but they ARE very smart people who are generally willing to lend a helping hand.
Cindy
YES, YES, YES. You will learn tons and only from the best and the brightest. The professors are amazing and the TFs, likewise. The courses are generally designed to push you towards the limit of learning. IMO, the clubs and the student community alone make Harvard a great place to pickup knowledge, skills, and new friends.
Axel
It's impossible not to learn a lot at Harvard, with such a wide range of classes taught by professors who are often experts in their field. Obviously, Harvard is known for being a prestigious research university and so the academic education students get here is outstanding. But besides classroom learning, students at Harvard are able to learn an amazing amount from their peers. The student body is economically, socially, and racially diverse, and in addition to this, most students bring unusual interests and experiences to share. Because of this, student interactions inside and outside the classroom bring each individual into contact with ideas that they otherwise would never have encountered. Finally, Harvard's sheer volume of resources, such as the extensive library system, guarantee that no student will go without the ability to learn as much as they possibly can.
Emily
Harvard provides its students freedom. With freedom, it is a student's choice where to go, what to do, and who to surround themselves with. The environment at Harvard is indeed a learning one; not only do I learn in the classroom, but I learn in the organizations I belong to and from the incredible students I am lucky enough to share my four college years with. Learning is completely dependent on how much a student strives for that domain. Undoubtedly, Harvard gives its students amazing choices.
Harvard has an incredible selection of courses taught by the best in each field; it is an immense challenge to try to select only four courses each semester. Additionally, counselors and advisers are knowledgeable, and there are incredible opportunities with unique educational programs such as study abroad, becoming certified to become a teacher, and researching in labs.
Outside of classroom walls, Harvard has a vibrant extracurricular life. There are organizations of all sorts. These one-of-a-kind groups are made up of some of the brightest and most ambitious students in the world; these people are the reason why Harvard is so special.
Harvard has an incredible selection of courses taught by the best in each field; it is an immense challenge to try to select only four courses each semester. Additionally, counselors and advisers are knowledgeable, and there are incredible opportunities with unique educational programs such as study abroad, becoming certified to become a teacher, and researching in labs.
Outside of classroom walls, Harvard has a vibrant extracurricular life. There are organizations of all sorts. These one-of-a-kind groups are made up of some of the brightest and most ambitious students in the world; these people are the reason why Harvard is so special.
Jasmin
Yes, I learned a lot here, but really, you can learn a lot anywhere you go. Learning depends less on the college and more on the student – obviously, the more work you put into your education, the more you’ll get out of it. I’m a freshman at Harvard, so I’ve only completed a semester so far. However, I feel like I’ve learned a lot because I’ve tried my best to do so and get decent grades. I feel that this criterion (“Learn a lot”) really isn’t specific to the university. No matter where you choose to go, you decide how much you want to learn. For instance, chemistry at Harvard is like chemistry at any other university; it doesn’t matter how you spin it, a nucleus will contain protons and neutrons. You’d learn it the same way as well – memorization, practice problems, etc. You know the works. What’s unique about Harvard is definitely the resources. Since it is a large university with quite a bit of money, it’s strong in all its academic fields, not just a few. I spoke about this with a friend who attended a smaller university. Although he loved his experience there, he did mention that the research laboratories lacked some more expensive, high-tech equipment. Rest assured that you will not encounter this or similar problems at Harvard.
Linda from West Chester, OH
The students are great, teamwork is encouraged (I've heard from transfers that it is to a unique degree), there are a lot of ambitious people but nobody is too competitive. There are a million things to do, in terms of academics, extracurriculars, and events. It is true, however, that going to school with a bunch of smart ambitious people makes you question your abilities and it's harder to be at the top of the curve here, but I love it here nevertheless.
Current Sophomore
Harvard University is truly among the most exclusive schools to be found anywhere on the globe. Attending such a prestigious University is very humbling, because when an institution takes the most knowledge thirsty minds from around the world and puts them all in one place, not a day goes by that isn't a learning experience. The only thing that every student at this school has in common is that they applied, so don't hesitate.
Aus10
Harvard University courses – even introductory classes – are phenomenal! You can tell that hundreds of years of experience have perfected their system - everything from how students select courses, to the way it is structured is perfect. The first week of every semester is called “Shopping Week” because students have the freedom of sitting in on as many classes as they would like without committing. This is not only a great way to ease into the rigors of each semester, but also get a good feel for the class material as well as the professor. There isn’t much competition for classes (except for the capped lotteried ones), but many classes will hire more Teaching Fellows if more students enroll than expected. I am a math and science-geared student so the majority of my classes are structured as so: a lecture (ranging from 30-600 students) by a professor a few times a week and then a section/discussion hour (10-12 students) with a Teaching Fellow/graduate student once a week, and perhaps a Laboratory class. Even though lectures can have hundreds of students, technology such as trivia-like answering buzzers have made the class very interactive. The professors usually have experience lecturing to a large crowd and have perfected how to entertain a large group. Since the discussion sections are so small, it is very intimate and all of the Teaching Fellows I have interacted with are more than willing to help you by holding extra office hours and/or answering emails extremely promptly. There is so much support from teachers as well as academic advisors that they ensure not only your academic, but also social success.
After taking six classes in high school, the four classes that Harvard mandates sounds like a breeze, but it definitely is challenging, especially on top of extra-curriculars like athletics or public service. In high school, teachers spoon-feed you knowledge, telling you what you will be tested on and what you are expected to learn. However, in ...
After taking six classes in high school, the four classes that Harvard mandates sounds like a breeze, but it definitely is challenging, especially on top of extra-curriculars like athletics or public service. In high school, teachers spoon-feed you knowledge, telling you what you will be tested on and what you are expected to learn. However, in ...
Jeanie from San Diego, CA
Harvard is an absolutely incredible institution built on the principle of continual learning. Opportunities are endless and every day is a new experience. Worth mentioning: the professors are some of the most talented and prominent in their field.
Cat from Cambridge, MA
Harvard is a home for outstanding students, who love to learn for the sole purpose of personal development. Once you walk through Johnson Gate and touch John Harvard's foot for the first time, you are on a path to great things. Harvard is a lifetime institution; not merely a four year college.
Sarah from Manchester, NH
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Harvard University