PrivateUrbanHarvard University
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Among the most selective in the Northeast — top graduate earnings
Harvard University is a private institution in Cambridge with particular strength in biology and computer science. With an average SAT of 1553, the school attracts a competitive applicant pool.
A mid-sized campus of 7.8K undergraduates with a 7:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
97% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $101,817 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $16,816.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports
History & Fun Facts
- •Its first headmaster, Nathaniel Eaton, took office the following year.
- •In 1638, the university acquired English North America's first known printing press.
- •In 1650, the charter for Harvard Corporation, the college's governing body, was granted.
- •From 1681 to 1701, Increase Mather, a Puritan clergyman, served as Harvard's sixth president.
- •In 1708, John Leverett became Harvard's seventh president and the first president who was not also a clergyman.
Source: Wikipedia
Notable Alumni
John Adams '55
2nd President of the United States
John F. Kennedy '40
35th President of the United States
Barack Obama (Law '91)
44th President of the United States
Mark Zuckerberg
Co-founder and CEO of Facebook (attended)
Bill Gates
Co-founder of Microsoft and philanthropist (attended)
T.S. Eliot '10
Nobel Prize-winning poet
Yo-Yo Ma '76
Renowned cellist
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Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1553
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Admissions
Application Platforms
Early Action (Restrictive)
November 1
Decision by Mid-December
Regular Decision
January 1
Decision by Late March
Reply by May 1
Harvard has extended its test-optional policy through the Class of 2030. Students may submit SAT or ACT scores if they choose.
Harvard requires several short essays in addition to the Common App or Coalition personal statement
Deadline Calendar
Typical Application Requirements
Decision Notifications
Transfer Admission
Fall Transfer
March 1
Need-blind for transfer applicants. Full financial need met.
International Students
English Proficiency Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Financial Aid
Harvard's financial aid packages consist entirely of grants and do not include loans
Harvard is need-blind for all applicants, including international students
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
95.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.9%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$12,500
Academics
Harvard has a General Education program requiring courses across different areas of knowledge
Research: Harvard offers extensive undergraduate research opportunities across all disciplines
Thesis: Senior thesis required for honors in most concentrations
Programs (305)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
99%
Campus Life
Harvard fields the most varsity teams of any NCAA Division I school
Housing & Residential Life
Housing Styles
Harvard Yard
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
59
Peer Average
37
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from MA state average + city premium
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Getting Around
Walkability
Highly walkable campus and neighborhood with excellent public transit access via MBTA Red Line
Visit Planning
Nearby Hotels
Plan Your Visit
Nearby Attractions
Harvard Squarewalkable
Vibrant commercial district with bookstores, cafes, and shops
Harvard Art Museumswalkable
World-class collection spanning ancient to contemporary art
Boston Common
America's oldest public park
Faneuil Hall
Historic marketplace and meeting hall
MIT Museumwalkable
Science and technology museum across the Charles River
Days out near Cambridge
NewTwo or three colleges you can see in one day around Boston, from real bookable tour times.
- Merrimack College · Southern New Hampshire UniversityTwo states46 days
- Gordon College · Northeastern UniversityBig and small44 days
- University of Massachusetts-Amherst · Amherst CollegeBig and small24 days