Harvard University, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is one of the world’s most prestigious higher education institutions. It was founded in 1636, making it one of the oldest universities in the United States. Harvard has a rich history and is renowned for its rigorous academics, influential faculty, and accomplished alumni.
Harvard University offers a wide range of academic programs spanning various fields of study. It’s organized into several schools, including Harvard College for undergraduate education and multiple graduate and professional schools. With a sprawling campus covering over 5,000 acres, Harvard provides students with state-of-the-art facilities and a wealth of resources for learning and research.
Harvard is consistently ranked among the top universities globally. Its reputation for academic excellence and extensive alumni network contribute to its esteemed status. The university’s commitment to research and innovation has had a significant impact on various fields, making it a hub for intellectual discovery.
At Harvard, students benefit from a diverse and dynamic community of scholars, with a student-to-faculty ratio that ensures personalized attention and support for academic and research endeavors. The university’s core mission is to educate and inspire the next generation of leaders, and it continues to play a vital role in shaping academia, policy, and society at large.
Harvard University Ranking
As one of the most prestigious institutions globally, Harvard University holds an exceptional position in university rankings. Harvard consistently ranks among the top universities in numerous publications and reviews. In recent evaluations, Harvard has achieved the following ranking positions:
- In the 2023 – 2024 edition of the U.S. News & World Report’s Best National Universities, Harvard University ranked #3 among the top institutions in the nation.
- Harvard is renowned for its innovative approaches to education and research, earning its #20th position in the list of Most Innovative Schools.
- Harvard’s commitment to delivering an exceptional undergraduate teaching experience ranks it high in the Best Undergraduate Teaching University rankings at #48.
- The university’s dedication to fostering social mobility and inclusivity is reflected in its ranking as one of the Top Performers in Social Mobility at #84
- Harvard is recognized for offering value through its educational programs, earning it the #1 spot in the Best Value Schools category.
- Harvard’s commitment to ensuring a meaningful first-year experience for its students is reflected in its ranking as one of the Universities with the Best First Year Experience at #32.
These rankings underscore Harvard University’s status as a leading institution that excels in academics, innovation, social impact, and providing students with an exceptional educational journey.
Harvard University Acceptance Rate
Gaining admission to Harvard University is a highly competitive endeavor, given the institution’s prestigious reputation and the exceptional quality of applicants. Meeting the GPA and SAT/ACT requirements is fundamental to progressing through the initial application screening.
As of 2023, Harvard University maintains an acceptance rate of approximately 4.5%. It’s evident that to secure admission, your application must be exceptionally strong and comprehensive, as Harvard is extraordinarily selective.
To enhance your prospects of admission, you should target scores at or above the 75th percentile for national students. A recommended aim is a score of 1500 or higher for the SAT or 33 or higher for the ACT. Additionally, maintaining a GPA of 3.8 or higher is advised. Harvard University fills a significant portion of its freshman class through the early action application process and applicants who apply early gain a notable advantage. The university provides two rounds of early action admission – EA I has a deadline in mid-November, while EA II has a deadline in mid-January.
Harvard University Admission Requirement
Gaining admission to Harvard University is a challenging endeavor, and the institution is known for its exceptionally high standards. With an acceptance rate of approximately 4.5%, Harvard is highly competitive, making it one of the most selective colleges in the United States. Harvard typically admits students with outstanding academic achievements, and most admitted students rank in the top 10 percent of their high school classes.
ACT Score Requirements
Based on available admission data, Harvard University regularly accepts students with ACT scores in the range of 31 to 34. Successful applicants frequently fall within the top 15 percent of ACT scores nationwide. While Harvard considers a minimum ACT composite score of around 30 in some cases, applicants with a composite score of 31 or higher are in the upper echelon of candidates, and those with scores of 34 and above are exceptionally competitive.
SAT Score Requirements
Harvard University typically seeks applicants who score in the top 12 percent of SAT takers. While Harvard’s SAT score requirements are typically around 1340 on a 1600 scale, some students may be accepted with scores as low as 1250. The estimated average SAT composite score for admitted freshmen is approximately 1400 out of 1600, reflecting the institution’s high academic standards.
Harvard University Location
Harvard University, one of the world’s most prestigious institutions of higher learning, boasts a rich history and a diverse array of campuses and locations. Harvard’s primary and most iconic campus is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, just across the Charles River from the heart of Boston. The Cambridge campus, known as Harvard Yard, is where the university’s roots were established, and it spans approximately 210 acres. This historic campus is a vibrant intellectual and cultural hub featuring iconic buildings like Massachusetts Hall and Widener Library, and it’s the heart of Harvard’s academic life.
In addition to its Cambridge campus, Harvard University has various schools and facilities across the Boston area. Harvard Medical School, for example, is located in the Longwood Medical Area, where cutting-edge medical research and education thrive. The Harvard Business School is situated in Boston’s Allston neighborhood, and the Harvard Law School has its own distinct campus in Cambridge. Furthermore, Harvard’s Arnold Arboretum, a living museum of plant life, is spread across 281 acres in the Jamaica Plain neighborhood of Boston.
Harvard’s reach extends beyond Massachusetts, with notable facilities like the Harvard Forest in Petersham, Massachusetts, and the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics in Cambridge. Additionally, Harvard’s presence is felt globally, with international centers and programs from Harvard College’s study abroad opportunities to research initiatives and educational collaborations worldwide. Harvard University’s diverse campuses and locations reflect its commitment to innovation, exploration, and the pursuit of knowledge on a global scale.
Harvard University Notable Alumni
Forbes, a renowned publication, has consistently recognized Harvard University’s impressive track record of producing high-achieving and successful alumni. It ranks Harvard as one of the top institutions with graduates who have gone on to earn significant incomes. Among its notable and accomplished alumni, we find a diverse array of influential individuals who have impacted various sectors.
One of the standout Harvard alumni is John F. Kennedy, who became the 35th President of the United States and played a pivotal role in American history. His legacy continues to inspire and shape the nation. Additionally, Harvard can claim Barack Obama, another U.S. President, whose historic election marked a significant moment in the country’s trajectory.
In the business world, Harvard boasts prominent figures such as Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft and a leading philanthropist, and Mark Zuckerberg, the visionary behind Facebook. Both have redefined technology and entrepreneurship, leaving an indelible mark on the global economy. Harvard’s alumni have excelled not only in the United States but also on the international stage. For instance, Ban Ki-moon, the former Secretary-General of the United Nations, is an alumnus of the university, showcasing its global influence. These examples are just a glimpse into the extensive list of accomplished Harvard graduates who have transformed politics, technology, and various other fields.
Harvard University Undergraduate Tuition and Fee
Here is the 2023-2024 cost of attendance for undergraduate students enrolled full-time at Harvard University:
Freshman Resident
Tuition & Fees – $57,420
Room – $10,300
Board – $6,360
Books – $1,000
Transportation – Variable
Miscellaneous – $2,451
TOTAL – $77,531
Continuing Resident
Tuition & Fees – $57,420
Room – $10,300
Board – $6,360
Books – $1,000
Transportation – Variable
Miscellaneous – $2,451
TOTAL – $77,531
Harvard University Scholarship
Harvard University is committed to providing access to a world-class education for students from diverse backgrounds. They offer a range of scholarship opportunities to help make education more affordable. Harvard provides need-based financial aid to students, and they do not offer merit-based scholarships. The university’s primary focus is ensuring that financial need allows qualified students to attend.
If you’re interested in learning more about the scholarship programs at Harvard University and their specific requirements, you can find detailed information on their official website here. Harvard is dedicated to helping students achieve their academic goals while minimizing the financial burden, and their financial aid programs reflect this commitment.