Harvard University Overview

Harvard University is a four-year, full-time, more selective, lower transfer-in, higher education institution located in Cambridge, MA. It has an enrollment of 7,938 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is 4.01%.

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $13,259. Tuition is $55,587.00 without financial aid.

Harvard University offers predominantly bachelor’s-degree granting.

At Harvard University, 96.43% of students return after freshman year (national average: 68%).

Harvard University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 7.0 to 1.

Harvard University Website

Harvard University Admissions

For the incoming class in 2023, the acceptance rate was 4.01%.

SAT or ACT scores are considered but not required

• The Average SAT score was 1534.0, for the incoming class of 2023.
• The Median ACT score was 35.0, for the incoming class to 2023

Harvard University Cost

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $13,259.

The average tuition is:

• $1,754, when family income is less than $30,000

• -$273, when family income is between $30,001 and $48,000 

• $538, when family income is between $48,001 and $75,000

• $10,912, when family income is between $75,001 and $110,000

• $48,113, when family income is more than $110,000 

The average tuition shown here is based on the NET costs to students who receive financial aid. For the incoming class of 2023, 73% of students received financial aid.

Tuition is $55,587 without financial aid.

Harvard University Net Price Calculator

Harvard University Majors/Salaries

Harvard University has academic offerings within the core majors listed below.  

Please note that different schools classify majors differently, so it is best to view the school’s website to see the various programs it offers. See detailed information about the individual majors at Harvard University here.

Recent Graduate Salaries

(Average salaries of students from select majors two years after graduation)

• Natural Resources Conservation and Research. (Master’s Degree) – $53,168
• Architecture. (Master’s Degree) – $62,064
• City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning. (Master’s Degree) – $63,005
• Landscape Architecture. (Master’s Degree) – $60,452
• Area Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $41,937
• Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,685
• Computer Science. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $128,737
• Education, General. (Master’s Degree) – $58,165
• Education, General. (Doctoral Degree) – $98,670
• Educational Administration and Supervision. (Master’s Degree) – $74,341
• Educational/Instructional Media Design. (Master’s Degree) – $63,005
• International and Comparative Education. (Master’s Degree) – $52,663
• Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. (Master’s Degree) – $52,822
• Education, Other. (Master’s Degree) – $64,706
• Computer Engineering. (Master’s Degree) – $137,605
• Law. (First Professional Degree) – $165,340
• English Language and Literature, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $37,928
• Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. (Master’s Degree) – $50,856
• Biology, General. (Doctoral Degree) – $73,446
• Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $47,260
• Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $42,682
• Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology. (Master’s Degree) – $106,421
• Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology. (Doctoral Degree) – $77,715
• Neurobiology and Neurosciences. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $41,565
• Neurobiology and Neurosciences. (Doctoral Degree) – $58,673
• Applied Mathematics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $90,856
• Statistics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $128,716
• Theological and Ministerial Studies. (Master’s Degree) – $40,896
• Theological and Ministerial Studies. (First Professional Degree) – $42,682
• Theology and Religious Vocations, Other. (Doctoral Degree) – $53,358
• Research and Experimental Psychology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $57,318
• Public Administration. (Master’s Degree) – $97,071
• Public Policy Analysis. (Master’s Degree) – $84,358
• Public Policy Analysis. (Doctoral Degree) – $87,604
• Social Sciences, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $52,107
• Anthropology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $26,353
• Economics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $78,971
• Political Science and Government. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $57,017
• Political Science and Government. (Doctoral Degree) – $84,653
• Sociology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $56,641
• Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. (Graduate/Professional Certificate) – $39,927
• Dentistry. (First Professional Degree) – $71,486
• Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences. (Graduate/Professional Certificate) – $174,023
• Medicine. (First Professional Degree) – $65,454
• Public Health. (Master’s Degree) – $117,916
• Public Health. (Doctoral Degree) – $69,338
• Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Master’s Degree) – $96,183
• Business Administration, Management and Operations. (First Professional Degree) – $171,907
• Finance and Financial Management Services. (Master’s Degree) – $88,198
• History. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $49,644

Harvard University Diversity

The racial diversity of students who received financial aid at Harvard University

• American Indian/Alaska Native: 0.24%
• Asian: 20.32%
• Black: 8.88%
• Hispanic: 11.62%
• Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0.15%
• Non-resident alien: 12.22%
• Two or more races: 7.22%
• Unknown: 3.01%
• White: 36.34%

At Harvard University, 19.23% of undergraduate students are 25 years old, or older.

Harvard University Frequently Asked Questions

How is school spirit at Harvard University?

Harvard University has strong school spirit, which is reflected in various traditions, events, and activities on campus. Many students wear Harvard apparel, attend athletic events, and participate in clubs and organizations that foster a sense of pride and community. Harvard’s “Crimson Key Society” also gives campus tours and shares the lore and traditions of the university, further building school spirit among students and alumni. Overall, school spirit at Harvard is a significant part of campus life and its rich history and traditions.

What are some popular extracurriculars at Harvard University?

There are many popular extracurricular activities at Harvard University, some of which include: 1) Harvard Model United Nations 2) Harvard Crimson (student newspaper) 3) Harvard College Consulting Group 4) The Harvard Crimson Dance Team 5) Harvard Debate Council 6) Harvard College Consulting Group 7) Harvard Speaks Up 8) Society of Women Engineers at Harvard 9) Harvard Financial Analysts Club 10) Harvard College Consulting Group Additionally, Harvard has over 400 registered student organizations covering a wide range of interests including music, performing arts, sports, culture, community service, and more.

How are the food choices at Harvard University?

Harvard University has a variety of food options available for students. There are several dining halls and cafes located across the campus, each offering a range of choices. Students can choose from multiple meal plans that provide access to all dining halls as well as additional benefits like guest meals and Crimson Cash. In terms of dietary needs, dining services offer vegetarian, vegan, kosher, and halal options. Additionally, Harvard has a Food Literacy Project, which aims to promote sustainable eating practices and educate students on nutrition and culinary skills. Overall, Harvard provides a diverse range of food options for its students.

Is there Greek life at Harvard University?

Yes, Harvard University does have Greek life, but it is not as prominent as it is at some other universities. There are a few fraternities and sororities that have a presence on campus, but they are not officially recognized by the university and do not have any on-campus housing. Additionally, there is a strong social scene at Harvard without Greek life, so many students choose not to participate in it.

What is Harvard University known for?

Harvard University is known for being one of the most prestigious universities in the world, consistently ranking among the top universities in the United States and globally. Harvard is famous for its rigorous academic programs and its esteemed faculty members, which have included numerous Nobel laureates, MacArthur fellows, and Pulitzer Prize winners. Harvard is also known for its extensive resources and facilities, including the Harvard Library system, which is the largest academic library in the world, as well as many museums and research centers. Additionally, Harvard is known for its long history and traditions, including its well-known graduates, such as eight U.S. presidents and many prominent public figures.

What are the most popular school clubs at Harvard University?

Harvard University has a wide range of student-run clubs and organizations that cater to a variety of interests. Some of the most popular clubs at Harvard include: 1. Harvard Undergraduate Council: This is the student government body at Harvard. 2. The Harvard Crimson: The student-run newspaper that covers campus and local news. 3. Harvard Model Congress: A student-run organization that hosts simulations of the United States Congress. 4. Harvard Political Review: A student-run magazine that covers politics and policy. 5. Harvard Undergraduate Television: HUTV is a student-run television station that produces original programming. 6. The Harvard Lampoon: A humor magazine that parodies popular culture. 7. The Advocate: A student-run literary magazine. 8. Harvard College Consulting Group: A student-run organization that offers consulting services to local businesses and non-profits. 9. Veritas Financial Group: A student-run investment club. 10. The Harvard-Radcliffe Orchestra: One of the oldest and most prestigious orchestras in the country. These are just a few examples, there are many other clubs and organizations at Harvard University catering to various interests and passions.

Is the campus at Harvard University safe?

Harvard University is considered to be a relatively safe campus. It has its own campus police department with over 100 police officers who work to ensure the safety of students and staff. However, like any major university, there are occasional incidents of crime on campus and in the surrounding areas. The university provides safety resources and encourages students to take precautions such as traveling in groups, being aware of their surroundings, and reporting any suspicious activity they may see. Overall, Harvard has a strong commitment to campus safety and takes measures to maintain a safe environment for its students, faculty, and staff.