Cambridge, MA
Harvard University is a private nonprofit institution with an acceptance rate of 3.6% and undergraduate enrollment of 7,601 students. The university maintains a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio and reports a 6-year graduation rate of 97.5%. The annual cost of attendance is $89,315, with a median salary of $99,572 for graduates six years after enrollment.
Harvard University admits 3.6% of applicants, making it highly selective. With 7,601 undergraduates, a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and a 97.5% six-year graduation rate, it represents an extremely competitive institution.
| Applied | Admitted | Rate | Enrolled | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Men | 26,301 | 914 | 3.5% | 765 |
| Women | 30,636 | 1,051 | 3.4% | 880 |
Harvard University admits 3.6% of applicants — a typical similar college admits 74%.
Each bar is the median of that group, with the number of schools in brackets. “Similar colleges” means the same control and the same predominant degree awarded. Groups of fewer than 15 schools are not shown.
Harvard's cost of attendance is $89,315 annually. With 16.4% of students receiving Pell grants and a substantial $53.2 billion endowment, the university serves low-income students while maintaining strong financial resources.
* One or more income brackets show an unusually low net price, reflecting need-based aid that can reduce cost to near zero for families in that range.
Graduates who borrowed carry a median monthly repayment of about $148.
After aid, Harvard University costs $19,066 a year — about 16% less than a typical similar college.
Each bar is the median of that group, with the number of schools in brackets. “Similar colleges” means the same control and the same predominant degree awarded. Groups of fewer than 15 schools are not shown.
Harvard University has a 97.5% six-year graduation rate. Graduates earn a median of $99,572 six years after enrollment and $101,817 ten years after enrollment.
| Major | Graduates |
|---|---|
| Econometrics and Quantitative Economics | 242 |
| Computer Science | 184 |
| Social Sciences, General | 163 |
| Political Science and Government, General | 139 |
| Applied Mathematics, General | 128 |
| Neuroscience | 88 |
| Evolutionary Biology | 73 |
| Experimental Psychology | 69 |
| History, General | 58 |
| History and Philosophy of Science and... | 53 |
Median earnings eight years after entering Harvard University are $101,095, and 88% of former students earn more than $25,000 six years after entry.
Six years after entry, former Harvard University students earn $99,572 — 119% more than at a typical similar college.
Each bar is the median of that group, with the number of schools in brackets. “Similar colleges” means the same control and the same predominant degree awarded. Groups of fewer than 15 schools are not shown.
Harvard University is a private nonprofit institution with 7,601 undergraduates and a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio. As an NCAA Division I-FCS school, it maintains a competitive athletics program alongside its highly selective 3.6% acceptance rate.
Average head coach salary by program gender.
Graduate and professional students outnumber undergraduates here, which shapes class sizes, housing and campus life in ways an undergraduate figure alone doesn't show.
1,023 of 7,233 undergraduates, counting each athlete once regardless of how many sports they play.
1,222 of 9,095 undergraduates study entirely at a distance, against 6,528 of 21,291 graduate students.
Harvard University is accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education and operates its own medical school.
Harvard University spends $30,395 per student on research — about 5× a typical similar college.
Each bar is the median of that group, with the number of schools in brackets. “Similar colleges” means the same control and the same predominant degree awarded. Groups of fewer than 15 schools are not shown.
Harvard University is in Cambridge, MA, in what IPEDS classifies as a midsize city setting. The campus sits about 0.1 miles from the center of Cambridge. There are 42 other colleges within 25 miles, and Boston, MA is 5.7 miles away.
Middlesex County scores 12.0 out of 20 on the EPA National Walkability Index — above average walkable. The index is a county-wide average of block groups, so it describes the surrounding area rather than the campus itself.
Undergraduates make up about 14.2% of Cambridge's residents.
Every college that receives federal financial aid must publish its crime statistics each year under the Clery Act. These are the figures Harvard University reported for 2024.
Read these numbers carefully. A Clery figure counts reports, not incidents. A university with active reporting channels, a large campus police force and a teaching hospital will record more offenses than one where the same events go unreported — so a higher count is not evidence of a more dangerous campus, and a low count is not evidence of a safe one. In 2024, 833 campuses with more than 1,000 students reported no offenses at all. Use these figures to ask a college questions, not to rank one against another.
Separately, Harvard University reported 7 disciplinary referrals for weapons, drug and liquor law violations on campus. Referrals for alcohol violations are usually the largest category at residential colleges and reflect how a school handles student conduct internally.
Common questions about Harvard University admissions, costs, and outcomes.
Harvard's acceptance rate is 3.6%, making it highly selective. In the Fall 2023 admissions cycle, the university received 56,937 applications, admitted 1,965 students, and enrolled 1,645.
While specific test score minimums aren't listed, Harvard is extremely selective and typically admits students with excellent SAT or ACT scores. Most admitted students have scores in the 99th percentile. Contact Harvard's admissions office for current testing requirements and recommendations.
The cost of attendance at Harvard is $89,315 per year, which includes tuition, fees, room, and board. However, Harvard's generous financial aid program means many students pay significantly less based on family income. The university is committed to making education affordable for admitted students.
Yes, Harvard provides substantial financial aid. Approximately 16.4% of undergraduates receive Pell Grants, indicating significant support for low-income students. With a $53.2 billion endowment, Harvard ensures financial need is not a barrier to admission.
Approximately 25.7% of Harvard's undergraduate student body are first-generation college students—those whose parents did not attend college. This reflects Harvard's commitment to socioeconomic diversity and expanding access to higher education.
Harvard's 6-year graduation rate is 97.5%, one of the highest in the nation. Notably, Pell Grant recipients graduate at a rate of 94.7%, while non-Pell students graduate at 100%. This demonstrates Harvard's strong support for all students regardless of financial background.
Harvard graduates earn a median of $99,572 six years after enrollment and $101,817 ten years after enrollment. These figures reflect the strong career outcomes and earning potential associated with a Harvard degree across various fields.
Harvard has 7,601 undergraduate students, making it a relatively small university compared to many state schools. With a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio, students benefit from close relationships with professors and personalized education.
Approximately 53.8% of Harvard's undergraduate student body are women, representing near gender parity. This reflects the university's commitment to building a diverse and balanced student community.
Harvard offers a unique blend of rigorous academics, strong athletics (NCAA Division I-FCS), and residential college living. With an enormous endowment supporting student programs and an intellectually diverse body including 25.7% first-generation students, Harvard creates an unparalleled educational experience.