About Harvard University
Harvard University, established in 1636, is a highly selective private institution located in Massachusetts. With an acceptance rate of 4%, the university has an undergraduate enrollment of 9,579 students and a student-to-faculty ratio of 7 to 1. Harvard boasts a retention rate of 96% and a graduation rate of 97%. Tuition and fees for the 2021-2022 academic year total $55,587, with an average net price for full-time beginning students at $13,910. The university’s prestigious reputation attracts talented individuals from around the world. Harvard offers a multitude of opportunities for its students both inside and outside the classroom through its extensive resources and network. As one of the oldest universities in America, Harvard continues to set the standard for higher education.
Read More +Table of Contents
Acceptance Rate
Application Fee: $75
General Information
Address: Massachusetts Hall, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138
Phone: (617) 495-1000
Website: https://www.harvard.edu/
Student Population: 31,345 (9,579 undergraduate)
Student-To-Faculty Ratio: 7 to 1
Religious Affiliation: None
Degrees Offered
Special Learning Opportunities
Student Services
Admissions
Harvard University had a 4% acceptance rate for the 2021-2022 admissions cycle, with 57,786 applicants submitting their applications and only 2,323 students being admitted. The application fee for Harvard is $75, and 84% of those who were admitted ultimately chose to enroll at the prestigious institution. Harvard’s admissions process is highly selective, considering both academic achievement and personal characteristics in its evaluation of potential students. As one of the most prestigious universities in the world, Harvard continues to attract top students from around the globe while also remaining dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion in its student body.
In addition to its academic excellence, Harvard offers a wide range of extracurricular opportunities and resources for its students. With famous alumni including Harvard graduates Barack Obama and Mark Zuckerberg, it’s no wonder so many ambitious students strive to become part of Harvard’s community. Ultimately, being accepted to Harvard is a highly competitive process, but those who are chosen join an elite group of individuals with access to unparalleled opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Read More +Demographics
Enrollment (Fall 2021)
| Total Enrollment | 31,345 |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Enrollment | 9,579 |
| Undergraduate Transfer-in Enrollment | 14 |
| Graduate Enrollment | 21,766 |
Test Scores
| SAT 25th-75th Percentile | 1,480-1,580 |
| ACT 25th-75th Percentile | 32-36 |
Undergraduate Student Gender
Tuition & Costs
Harvard University is one of the most prestigious and highly-ranked universities in the world, and it also has one of the highest tuition rates for undergraduate students. For the 2021-2022 academic year, tuition and fees alone cost $55,587. This does not include expenses such as books and supplies ($900), room and board on-campus ($18,941), or other expenses such as transportation and personal expenses ($2,600). The total cost for an on-campus student living at Harvard University is $78,028 per year. Off-campus living may be slightly cheaper at $56,487 per year.
Overall, attending Harvard University may come with a high price tag, but the university is committed to making its education accessible to talented students from all backgrounds through financial aid opportunities.
Read More +Estimated 2021-2022 Tuition & Costs
| Estimated Expenses | 2021-2022 |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $55,587 |
| Books and Supplies | $900 |
| On-campus Room and Board | $18,941 |
| On-campus Other Expenses | $2,600 |
| Total Expenses | 2021-2022 |
|---|---|
| On-campus | $78,028 |
| Off-campus | $56,487 |
Financial Aid & Net Price
Harvard University is committed to making world-class education affordable for all admitted students. In the 2020-2021 academic year, a total of 3,660 students received grant or scholarship aid, totaling $182,832,601 in aid. The average amount received was $49,954.
Additionally, 1,073 Harvard students received Pell grants totaling $5,414,692 in aid with an average amount of $5,046 per student.
Although Harvard is known for its hefty price tag and endowment size, only 136 students received federal student loans with an average amount of $5,981 per student. This demonstrates Harvard’s commitment to offering sufficient financial support through grants and scholarships rather than relying heavily on student loans.
Overall, Harvard University offers substantial financial aid to ensure that all admitted students have the opportunity to attend, regardless of their financial background.
Read More +Undergraduate Student Financial Aid (2020-2021)
| Type of Aid | Students | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Grant or Scholarship | 3,660 | $49,954 |
| Pell Grants | 1,073 | $5,046 |
| Federal Student Loans | 136 | $5,981 |
| Full-Time Beginning Students | |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price | $13,910 |
Programs & Majors
Harvard University’s Class of 2021 saw a high number of graduates earning degrees in the fields of social sciences, biology/biological sciences, and mathematics. The popular computer and information sciences field also saw a significant number of graduates.
Other popular majors among Harvard’s 2021 graduating class included history, physical sciences, psychology, engineering, foreign languages and literature, and legal professions and studies.
Overall, these top majors reflect the diverse range of academic disciplines offered at Harvard University and the intellectual curiosity of its students. Harvard’s Class of 2021 is well-equipped to make an impact in a variety of industries.
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