Harvard University Overview
Harvard University, established in 1636, is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States. Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, it is renowned globally for its rigorous academic programs, distinguished faculty, and extensive research contributions. Harvard’s commitment to excellence has solidified its position as a leader in higher education.
Harvard University Offered Programs
- Undergraduate Programs
- Arts and Humanities
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Business, Economics, and Management
- Engineering and Applied Sciences
- Health Professions
- Physical Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Computer Science
- Environmental Science
- Graduate Programs
- Business Administration (Harvard Business School)
- Law (Harvard Law School)
- Medicine (Harvard Medical School)
- Public Health (Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health)
- Education (Harvard Graduate School of Education)
- Design (Harvard Graduate School of Design)
- Divinity (Harvard Divinity School)
- Government and International Affairs (Harvard Kennedy School)
- Arts and Sciences (Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences)
Harvard University Tuition Fees
| Program Level | Tuition Fee (USD) per Year | Room & Board (USD) | Total Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | $56,550 | $20,374 | $82,866 |
| Graduate (Arts & Sciences) | $55,656 | Varies by program | Varies by program |
| Graduate (Engineering & Applied Sciences) | $63,624 | Varies by program | Varies by program |
Note: These figures are for the 2025-26 academic year and are subject to change. Financial aid may significantly reduce these costs for eligible students.
Harvard University Required Documents and Admission Requirements
- Undergraduate
- Common Application or Coalition Application
- Harvard College Questions for the Common Application
- School Report and Counselor Recommendation
- Two Teacher Evaluations
- Mid-Year School Report (if available)
- SAT or ACT scores (optional for 2025-26)
- TOEFL, IELTS, or Cambridge English scores (for non-native English speakers)
- Application Fee or Fee Waiver
- Graduate
- Completed application form
- Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
- Letters of recommendation (typically three)
- Statement of purpose
- Standardized test scores (GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT, depending on program)
- TOEFL or IELTS scores (for non-native English speakers)
- Application fee
Harvard University Deadlines
| Application Type | Application Deadline | Registration Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Early Action (Undergraduate) | November 1, 2025 | Mid-December 2025 |
| Regular Decision (Undergraduate) | January 1, 2026 | Late February 2026 |
| Graduate Programs | Varies by program | Varies by program |
Note: Deadlines for graduate programs vary by school and program. Applicants should consult the specific program’s website for exact dates.
Harvard University Scholarships Offerings
- Harvard College Financial Aid
- Need-blind admission for all applicants
- 100% of demonstrated financial need met
- Families with incomes below $85,000 pay nothing; those earning up to $150,000 pay no more than 10% of their income
- Graduate Scholarships
- Varies by program
- Includes fellowships, research assistantships, and teaching assistantships
- Some programs offer full tuition coverage and stipends
Harvard University Rankings
| Ranking Category | Rank |
|---|---|
| World University Ranking (THE 2025) | 3rd |
| National (U.S.) | 1st |
| Engineering & Technology (QS 2025) | 3rd |
| Business & Economics (QS 2025) | 1st |
Note: Rankings are subject to change annually. These are based on the 2025 rankings.
Harvard University Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate for the Class of 2028 was 3.59%, reflecting the highly competitive nature of admissions at Harvard University.
Harvard University Student Campus Life
Harvard offers a vibrant campus life with over 450 student organizations, 42 varsity sports teams, and a rich array of cultural and academic events. Approximately 75% of undergraduates live in on-campus housing, which includes 17 freshman dorms and 12 upperclass Houses. Each House serves as a residence to 350-500 students and fosters a strong sense of community.
Harvard University Cost of Living
Living in Cambridge can be expensive, but Harvard’s financial aid packages are designed to make attendance affordable for all admitted students.
| Expense Category | Estimated Annual Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Room & Board | $20,374 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,000 |
| Personal Expenses | $6,255 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $86,705 |
Note: These figures are for the 2025-26 academic year and are subject to change.
Harvard University Contact Information
- Website: www.harvard.edu
- Phone: +1 (617) 495-1000
- Email: college@fas.harvard.edu
- Address: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
Harvard University Online Application
Applications for undergraduate programs are submitted through the Common Application or Coalition Application. Graduate program applications are submitted through the respective Harvard Graduate School’s application portal. Detailed instructions and requirements can be found on the Harvard College Admissions website and the individual graduate school websites.