Harvard University
Overview
Harvard University is an elite private institution located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, within the Boston Area. As the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States, Harvard is known for its academic rigor, world-class faculty, and global reputation. With an enrollment of 7,516 undergraduate students and an acceptance rate of only 3%, Harvard remains one of the most competitive universities in the world. Graduating 98% of its students, Harvard alumni often pursue influential careers, earning a starting median salary of $70,300.
- Location: Massachusetts Hall, Cambridge, MA 02138
- Website: college.harvard.edu
- Enrollment: 7,516 undergraduate students
- Acceptance Rate: 3%
- Graduation Rate: 98%
- Starting Median Salary: $70,300
- Popular Majors: Social Science Research Methods, Economics, Computer Science
Rankings
- #1 Best Colleges for Biology in America
- #1 Best Colleges for Math in America
- #1 Best Colleges for Economics in America
Harvard consistently ranks among the top institutions globally, known for its contributions to research, innovation, and leadership.
Admissions
- Application Deadline: January 1
- Acceptance Rate: 3%
- SAT Range: 1490-1580
- ACT Range: 34-36
- Application Fee: $85
Requirements:
- SAT/ACT: Required
- High School GPA: Considered but not required
- Early Decision/Early Action: Yes
- Common App Accepted: Yes
Application Website: college.harvard.edu/admissions/apply/application-requirements
Admissions Website: college.harvard.edu/admissions
Cost and Financial Aid
- Net Price: $19,491 per year (average cost after financial aid)
- Average Total Aid Awarded: $61,801 per year
- Students Receiving Financial Aid: 72%
Harvard offers generous need-based financial aid, ensuring that finances are not a barrier to attending the university.
Academics
- Professors: A+ (based on faculty accomplishments, salary, and student reviews)
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 4:1
- Evening Degree Programs: Yes
Popular Majors:
- Social Science Research Methods: 195 Graduates
- Economics: 186 Graduates
- Computer Science: 173 Graduates
Online Programs:
- Offers Online Courses: Yes
- Programs Offered Entirely Online: 4
- Online Certificate Programs: 4
Harvard combines traditional and modern teaching methods, offering some online learning opportunities alongside on-campus education.
Campus Life
- Freshmen Live On-Campus: 100%
- Day Care Services: No
Student Descriptions:
- “Passionately committed”
- “Intense, Passionate, Diverse and Life-Changing”
- “It’s Harvard”
Poll Insights:
- 47% say Greek life is low-key and has minimal impact on the social scene.
- 56% say varsity sporting events are attended but are not a major focus.
Facilities Ratings:
- Athletics/Recreation: 71%
- Dining: 62%
- Performing Arts: 80%
Harvard’s campus life is diverse and intellectually stimulating, with numerous clubs, cultural events, and resources for personal growth.
After College
- Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation: $89,700
- Graduation Rate: 98%
- Employed 2 Years After Graduation: 89%
- Confidence in Job Placement: 93% of students feel confident they will find a job in their field.
Harvard alumni are among the most successful globally, benefiting from an expansive alumni network and unparalleled career support.
Athletics
- Division: NCAA Division I-FCS
- Conference: Ivy League
Harvard offers a wide range of athletic opportunities for students, from competitive varsity sports to intramural activities.
Ratings by Students
- Overall Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.17 out of 5 based on student reviews)
- Breakdown:
- 5 Stars: 45%
- 4 Stars: 33%
- 3 Stars: 18%
- 2 Stars: 3%
- 1 Star: 1%
Common Positives:
- Exceptional academic rigor and resources.
- Diverse and supportive campus environment.
- Life-changing opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Key Facts
- Median Starting Salary: $70,300
- Location: Cambridge, MA
- Overall Niche Grade: A+
Harvard stands as a beacon of excellence in higher education, with a tradition of producing leaders across industries.
For more details, visit the official Harvard website.
General Information
What is Harvard University known for?
Harvard is renowned for its academic excellence, world-class faculty, research opportunities, and contributions to various fields, including law, business, medicine, and the arts.Where is Harvard University located?
Harvard is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, within the Boston metropolitan area.Is Harvard part of the Ivy League?
Yes, Harvard is one of the eight Ivy League schools.How old is Harvard University?
Harvard was established in 1636, making it the oldest institution of higher education in the United States.What is Harvard’s motto?
“Veritas,” meaning “Truth.”What is the campus size of Harvard University?
The main campus spans 5,076 acres, including Harvard Yard and other facilities.What is Harvard’s global ranking?
Harvard consistently ranks as one of the top universities in the world.What is the student-to-faculty ratio at Harvard?
The student-to-faculty ratio is 4:1.Is Harvard a private or public university?
Harvard is a private university.What is Harvard’s endowment?
Harvard has the largest endowment of any university in the world, exceeding $50 billion.
Admissions
What is the acceptance rate at Harvard University?
The acceptance rate is 3%.How competitive is Harvard’s admissions process?
Extremely competitive due to high demand and limited spots.What are the application deadlines for Harvard?
- Regular Decision: January 1
- Early Action: November 1
Does Harvard offer Early Decision or Early Action?
Harvard offers Restrictive Early Action, which is non-binding.What is the average SAT score for admitted students at Harvard?
The average SAT range is 1490-1580.What is the average ACT score for admitted students at Harvard?
The average ACT range is 34-36.Does Harvard require the SAT or ACT for admission?
Yes, SAT/ACT scores are required.What is the minimum GPA needed to apply to Harvard?
While Harvard does not specify a minimum GPA, admitted students typically have GPAs above 3.9.Does Harvard consider extracurricular activities in admissions?
Yes, extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and community impact are highly valued.Can international students apply to Harvard?
Yes, Harvard accepts applications from students worldwide.
Academics
What are the most popular majors at Harvard University?
Social Science Research Methods, Economics, and Computer Science are among the most popular majors.Does Harvard offer double majors?
Yes, students can pursue joint concentrations (double majors).Does Harvard have an honors program?
Yes, many programs offer honors tracks for exceptional students.What is the average class size at Harvard?
Most classes have fewer than 20 students.What are Harvard’s academic strengths?
Harvard is strong in fields such as law, medicine, business, humanities, and STEM.Does Harvard offer study abroad programs?
Yes, Harvard offers numerous study abroad opportunities across the globe.What research opportunities are available at Harvard?
Students can engage in research through faculty-led projects, research centers, and independent initiatives.Are professors at Harvard accessible to students?
Yes, professors are highly accessible through office hours and mentorship programs.What is the grading system used at Harvard?
Harvard uses a letter grading system (A-F).How rigorous are the courses at Harvard?
Courses are highly rigorous and designed to challenge and inspire students.
Financial Aid and Tuition
What is the tuition cost at Harvard?
Tuition is approximately $62,250 per year (2024-2025).Does Harvard offer financial aid to international students?
Yes, Harvard provides need-based financial aid to international students.What is Harvard’s average financial aid package?
The average aid package is $61,801 per year.How do I apply for financial aid at Harvard?
Submit the FAFSA, CSS Profile, and other required documents.Does Harvard offer merit-based scholarships?
No, Harvard only offers need-based financial aid.What percentage of Harvard students receive financial aid?
Approximately 72% of students receive financial aid.Are there work-study opportunities at Harvard?
Yes, work-study positions are available for eligible students.Does Harvard offer need-blind admissions?
Yes, Harvard practices need-blind admissions for all students, including international applicants.What is the average net price for students receiving financial aid?
The average net price is $19,491 per year.Are there specific scholarships for certain majors at Harvard?
No, financial aid is not tied to specific majors.
Campus Life
What is campus life like at Harvard?
Campus life is vibrant, with a mix of academic, social, and cultural activities.Does Harvard have on-campus housing for all students?
Yes, housing is guaranteed for all four years.What is the freshman housing experience like at Harvard?
Freshmen live in residence halls near Harvard Yard, fostering a close-knit community.How are Harvard’s dining facilities?
Dining facilities offer diverse meal options, including vegetarian and international cuisines.Are there Greek life organizations at Harvard?
Yes, but Greek life plays a minor role in campus culture.What student organizations and clubs are available at Harvard?
Harvard has over 400 student organizations covering academic, cultural, and recreational interests.Are there cultural events held on campus?
Yes, Harvard hosts numerous cultural events, performances, and guest lectures.Does Harvard have athletic facilities for students?
Yes, Harvard provides state-of-the-art athletic and recreational facilities.What safety measures are in place on Harvard’s campus?
Harvard has its own police department, emergency alert systems, and 24/7 security.What is Harvard’s residential experience like?
Students live in houses starting sophomore year, each with its own dining hall and activities.
Career Opportunities
What is the job placement rate for Harvard graduates?
Over 89% of Harvard graduates are employed within two years of graduation.Does Harvard have a career center?
Yes, the Office of Career Services provides career guidance and resources.What kind of internships are available through Harvard?
Harvard offers internships in various fields through partnerships with companies and alumni.Does Harvard have strong alumni connections?
Yes, Harvard has one of the most extensive and influential alumni networks globally.How much do Harvard graduates typically earn?
Median earnings 6 years after graduation are $89,700.Are there career fairs on campus?
Yes, Harvard hosts several career fairs annually.Can students work on campus at Harvard?
Yes, students can work on campus through various programs.Does Harvard provide mentorship opportunities?
Yes, mentorship programs connect students with alumni and faculty.What industries do most Harvard graduates enter?
Popular industries include law, medicine, technology, finance, and consulting.Are there entrepreneurial resources at Harvard?
Yes, programs like the Harvard Innovation Labs support student entrepreneurs.
Libraries and Academic Resources
How many libraries does Harvard have?
Harvard has over 70 libraries, with the largest being the Widener Library.What is the Harvard Library system known for?
The Harvard Library system is one of the largest academic library systems in the world, with over 20 million volumes.Are study spaces available in Harvard libraries?
Yes, Harvard libraries provide various study spaces, including group and individual areas.Can non-students access Harvard’s libraries?
Limited access is available for non-students, depending on the library and specific permissions.Does Harvard offer free access to research databases?
Yes, students have access to a wide range of research databases, journals, and archives.Are there writing and academic support centers at Harvard?
Yes, the Harvard College Writing Center offers support for students’ writing needs.Does Harvard provide free software to students?
Yes, students receive free access to software like Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, and other academic tools.Are there tutoring services available at Harvard?
Yes, Harvard offers tutoring through various departments and peer tutoring programs.Does Harvard have a language center?
Yes, the Language Center provides resources and support for students studying foreign languages.What is the Digital Scholarship Program at Harvard?
The program helps students and faculty leverage digital tools for research and academic projects.
International Students
How many international students are at Harvard?
Approximately 12% of Harvard’s undergraduate student body is made up of international students.What are the requirements for international applicants?
International students must meet the same academic standards as domestic students and may need to demonstrate English proficiency through TOEFL or IELTS scores.Does Harvard offer financial aid to international students?
Yes, Harvard provides need-based financial aid to international students.Are there cultural support groups for international students at Harvard?
Yes, organizations like the Harvard International Office provide support and resources for international students.Can international students work on campus?
Yes, international students can work on campus under specific visa regulations.What visa assistance does Harvard provide?
The Harvard International Office assists students with visa applications and compliance.Are there scholarships specifically for international students?
No, but international students are eligible for Harvard’s need-based financial aid.Does Harvard have a dedicated office for international students?
Yes, the Harvard International Office is the main resource for international students.What percentage of Harvard students are international?
Around 12-15% of students are international across all programs.Are international students involved in campus activities?
Yes, international students actively participate in clubs, cultural events, and leadership opportunities.
Alumni
Who are some notable Harvard alumni?
Notable alumni include Barack Obama, Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, Natalie Portman, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg.How many living Harvard alumni are there?
There are over 400,000 living Harvard alumni worldwide.What is the Harvard Alumni Association (HAA)?
HAA connects alumni through networking events, mentoring, and continuing education opportunities.Are there regional alumni chapters?
Yes, Harvard has over 190 regional alumni clubs globally.Does Harvard offer alumni mentorship programs?
Yes, many alumni participate in mentoring current students through formal and informal programs.What industries are most Harvard alumni part of?
Popular industries include politics, law, business, technology, and academia.What percentage of Harvard alumni donate to the university?
Approximately 30% of alumni contribute annually to Harvard’s endowment.Does Harvard host alumni networking events?
Yes, events like reunions, regional meetups, and professional networking sessions are held regularly.Are there any Nobel laureates among Harvard alumni?
Yes, numerous Harvard alumni and faculty have won Nobel Prizes in fields such as medicine, literature, and economics.How influential is Harvard’s alumni network?
Harvard’s alumni network is among the most powerful globally, often opening doors for career and academic opportunities.
Campus Facilities and Resources
What recreational facilities are available on campus?
Facilities include gyms, swimming pools, basketball courts, and outdoor recreation areas.Does Harvard have performing arts venues?
Yes, venues like Sanders Theatre and Loeb Drama Center host various performances.Does Harvard have museums on campus?
Yes, the Harvard Art Museums and the Harvard Museum of Natural History are located on campus.What sustainability initiatives does Harvard support?
Harvard has ambitious goals to achieve carbon neutrality and operates programs for sustainable energy, recycling, and water conservation.What dining options are available on campus?
Dining halls, cafes, and specialty food trucks provide a variety of meal options, including vegetarian and vegan.Does Harvard offer transportation services on campus?
Yes, the Harvard Shuttle Service provides free transportation within the campus and surrounding areas.Are there coworking spaces for students?
Yes, spaces like the Smith Campus Center offer collaborative environments for students.Does Harvard have childcare services for students or staff?
Yes, childcare services are available for staff and students with families.What housing options are available for graduate students?
Graduate students can choose from dormitory-style housing or apartments in Harvard-affiliated properties.Does Harvard have a medical center on campus?
Yes, Harvard University Health Services provides medical care and mental health support for students.
