Harvard University
Harvard University
Harvard University overview
Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States, Harvard University is a private Ivy League research university that was established in 1636. Named after its first benefactor, John Harvard, Harvard University is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States of America. Having such a rich history, Harvard University has long been recognized as one of the most reputable universities in the world. Harvard University is famous for its rigorous academic programs, strong commitment to research, and highly competitive admissions process.
Because of its substantial endowment, the university is able to provide considerable financial aid packages to students, ensuring that exceptional individuals from all backgrounds can attend. Harvard University is divided into 11 major academic units, including 10 faculties and the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study. The College (Harvard College) (undergraduate programs), the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Harvard Business School, Harvard Law School, Harvard Medical School, and the John F. Kennedy School of Government are among Harvard's most well-known schools.
Over the past three and a half centuries, Harvard alumni have made substantial and creative contributions to society, the arts and sciences, business, and national and international politics. Harvard's alumni include eight U.S. presidents, 188 living billionaires, 79 Nobel laureates, 7 Fields Medal winners, 9 Turing Award laureates, 369 Rhodes Scholars, 252 Marshall Scholars, and 13 Mitchell Scholars. Harvard students and alumni have won 10 Academy Awards, 48 Pulitzer Prizes, and 108 Olympic medals (including 46 gold medals), and they have founded many notable companies worldwide.
The university also maintains a strong relationship with the neighboring Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and students from both institutions can cross-register for courses. The campus is situated along the Charles River in Cambridge and is known for its historic buildings, such as Widener Library, Memorial Hall, and the iconic Harvard Yard. The university also has an extensive library system, which is one of the largest in the world, and several world-class museums. In addition to its academic reputation, Harvard is known for its active extracurricular scene, with hundreds of student organizations, clubs, and sports teams. The university competes in NCAA Division I athletics as a member of the Ivy League.
About Harvard University
Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States, Harvard University is a private Ivy League research university that was established in 1636. Named after its first benefactor, John Harvard, Harvard University is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States of America. Having such a rich history, Harvard University has long been recognized as one of the most reputable universities in the world. Harvard University is famous for its rigorous academic programs, strong commitment to research, and highly competitive admissions process.
Because of its substantial endowment, the university is able to provide considerable financial aid packages to students, ensuring that exceptional individuals from all backgrounds can attend. Harvard University is divided into 11 major academic units, including 10 faculties and the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study. The College (Harvard College) (undergraduate programs), the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Harvard Business School, Harvard Law School, Harvard Medical School, and the John F. Kennedy School of Government are among Harvard's most well-known schools.
Over the past three and a half centuries, Harvard alumni have made substantial and creative contributions to society, the arts and sciences, business, and national and international politics. Harvard's alumni include eight U.S. presidents, 188 living billionaires, 79 Nobel laureates, 7 Fields Medal winners, 9 Turing Award laureates, 369 Rhodes Scholars, 252 Marshall Scholars, and 13 Mitchell Scholars. Harvard students and alumni have won 10 Academy Awards, 48 Pulitzer Prizes, and 108 Olympic medals (including 46 gold medals), and they have founded many notable companies worldwide.
The university also maintains a strong relationship with the neighboring Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and students from both institutions can cross-register for courses. The campus is situated along the Charles River in Cambridge and is known for its historic buildings, such as Widener Library, Memorial Hall, and the iconic Harvard Yard. The university also has an extensive library system, which is one of the largest in the world, and several world-class museums. In addition to its academic reputation, Harvard is known for its active extracurricular scene, with hundreds of student organizations, clubs, and sports teams. The university competes in NCAA Division I athletics as a member of the Ivy League.
Harvard University faculties and programs
Harvard University scholarships and financial aid
Harvard University offers financial aid to international students in the form of need-based scholarships. The college has a need-blind admission policy for international students, which means that a student's financial status and aid application will never affect a student's chance of being admitted to Harvard. If an international student is admitted to Harvard University and demonstrates financial need, the university is committed to meeting 100% of their demonstrated need. To be considered for need-based financial aid, international students must submit the CSS Profile during the application process. This information helps the university to assess the family's financial situation and calculate the amount of financial aid needed. Financial aid packages at Harvard University typically consist of grants and scholarships that do not have to be repaid. They may also include a work-study component, which provides students with an opportunity to work part-time on campus.
Harvard University
Private - Nonprofit
Acceptance Rate
3.6%
Total Students
7,601
SAT Average
1,553
ACT Median
35
4-Year Graduation Rate
97.6%
Retention Rate (1st year)
98.3%
In-State Tuition (Undergrad)
$61,676
Out-of-State Tuition (Undergrad)
$61,676
Undergraduate Annual Fee
$ 59,320
Master's Annual Fee
$ 56,550
Total Annual Cost
$85,540
Median Earnings After 10 Years
$101,817
Median Debt
$14,000
SAT Math Median
775
Data source: api.data.gov · Last updated: May 7, 2026
Harvard University Exam Requirements
Submitting at least one of the exams below with the required score is a prerequisite for application. The score threshold may vary by program.
How to get into Harvard University
Admission Requirements for International Students
Undergraduate
Application Materials
- Common App or Coalition App Application
- Application Fee
- Secondary School Report
- Midyear School Report
- Teacher Evaluations
- Final School Report and Transcripts
- Supplemental Materials (optional)
Academic Requirements
- Successful completion of basic education
- High School Diploma
- Certificate in English Proficiency (Optional/Strongly Recommended)
- Certificate in English proficiency received through internationally recognized proficiency tests such as IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic.
- High Grade Point Average
- SAT or ACT Standardized Test Score (optional)
- Supplemental Application Essays
Please note that AP and IB exam scores are considered additional pieces of academic information and can help the university understand your level of preparation and potential for college level work. AP and IB exam scores do not guarantee admission to Harvard University.
Graduate
- Bachelor's Degree Diploma
- High Grade Point Average
- Official transcripts of the courses taken by the applicant during college/university education
- Work experience may be required for certain programs
- Certificate in English Proficiency
- Certificate in English proficiency received through internationally recognized proficiency tests such as IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT.
- GRE/GMAT exam score may be required in accordance with the specific admission requirements of certain programs.
Application Deadlines
* These dates are subject to change. Get in touch with our Dream Uni advisors to learn the up-to-date deadlines and all the details about the Harvard University application process.
Take a closer look at Harvard University
Harvard University, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, has a storied history and a picturesque campus that spans over 5,000 acres. Established in 1636, it is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. The campus is divided into several main areas, with a mix of historic and modern buildings, green spaces, and notable landmarks.
Harvard Yard, located at the heart of the campus, is a historic green space surrounded by many of the university's oldest buildings, including Massachusetts Hall, University Hall, and Widener Library. The iconic John Harvard statue, a popular tourist attraction, can also be found here. A series of undergraduate residential houses located along the Charles River, the River Houses form a key part of the student experience at Harvard. These houses are named after notable alumni and prominent figures in Harvard's history.
The Science Center, an important hub for scientific research and education, houses numerous laboratories, classrooms, and lecture halls, as well as the Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments. The Radcliffe Quadrangle, also known as "The Quad," is an area that was originally part of Radcliffe College before its merger with Harvard. The Quad includes several residential houses and is home to the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study.
Harvard Business School, located across the Charles River on the Allston campus, features a collection of Georgian-style buildings, including the iconic Baker Library and Bloomberg Center. Additionally, Harvard has a wide range of athletic facilities, such as the Harvard Stadium, Lavietes Pavilion, and the Blodgett Pool. The Harvard Art Museums, comprising three separate museums—the Fogg Museum, the Busch-Reisinger Museum, and the Arthur M. Sackler Museum—houses an extensive collection of artwork from various periods and regions.
The Harvard Museum of Natural History features exhibits showcasing various aspects of natural history, such as the Glass Flowers collection, the Great Mammal Hall, and the Earth and Planetary Sciences Gallery. Throughout the campus, one can find beautiful green spaces, such as the Arnold Arboretum and the Harvard Forest, offering opportunities for relaxation, study, and recreation. The campus is easily accessible via the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Red Line, which has several stops nearby.
Campus life at Harvard University is vibrant and diverse, offering a wide range of opportunities for students to engage in academic, extracurricular, and social activities. Most undergraduates live on campus in one of Harvard's 12 residential houses or in freshman dormitories in Harvard Yard. Each house has a unique character and culture, offering students a strong sense of community and support. House life includes dining together, participating in intramural sports, attending social events, and enjoying various house traditions.
Harvard has over 400 student-run clubs and organizations that cater to a wide range of interests, including academic, cultural, political, artistic, and service-oriented pursuits. These groups provide opportunities for students to connect with others who share their passions, develop leadership skills, and make an impact on the community. Moreover, Harvard offers 42 varsity sports teams and numerous club and intramural sports, providing opportunities for students of all skill levels to participate in athletic activities. The university also has various recreational facilities, such as gyms, pools, and playing fields, for students to stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
The campus is rich in artistic and cultural resources, including museums, galleries, and performance spaces. Students can participate in theater, dance, music, and visual arts through various student groups and university-sponsored programs. Harvard hosts a variety of social events throughout the year, such as formal dances, concerts, and cultural celebrations. Some notable events include the Harvard-Yale football game (also known as "The Game"), Housing Day, and the annual Harvard Arts First Festival. In addition to rigorous academics, Harvard offers numerous opportunities for intellectual engagement through guest lectures, panel discussions, conferences, and workshops featuring renowned scholars and industry leaders.
Harvard provides a wealth of resources to support students' well-being, including academic and career advising, mental health and wellness services, and affinity and identity-based support centers. Many students participate in community service and volunteer opportunities, both on-campus and in the greater Boston area, through various organizations and programs. Students have access to various dining options on campus, ranging from residential dining halls to cafes and food trucks. The university's location in Cambridge also offers a plethora of restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions within walking distance or a short subway ride away.
Since the day it was established, Harvard University has produced alumni who have made creative and significant contributions to society, the arts and sciences, business, and national and international affairs. Notable alumni of Harvard University include;
- John Adams
- John Quincy Adams
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
- Henry David Thoreau
- Rutherford B. Hayes
- Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr.
- Charles Sanders Peirce
- Theodore Roosevelt
- W. E. B. Du Bois
- Franklin D. Roosevelt
- Helen Keller
- T. S. Eliot
- J. Robert Oppenheimer
- Paul Samuelson
- Leonard Bernstein
- John F. Kennedy
- Mary Robinson
- Al Gore
- Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
- Chuck Schumer
- Benazir Bhutto
- Ben Bernanke
- George W. Bush
- John Roberts
- Bill Gates
- Ban Ki-moon
- Elena Kagan
- Michelle Obama
- Jennifer Doudna
- Barack Obama
- Ketanji Brown Jackson
- Mark Zuckerberg
Harvard University cost of living
Harvard University awards and achievements
- 8 U.S. Presidents
- 79 Nobel Laureates
- 7 Fields Medal Winners
- 9 Turing Award Laureates
- 369 Rhodes Scholars
- 252 Marshall Scholars
- 13 Mitchell Scholars
- 10 Academy Award Winners
- 48 Pulitzer Prize Winners
- 108 Olympic Medal Winners
- 188 Billionaires
Harvard University Frequently Asked Questions
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Harvard University Location
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Harvard University Contact
Harvard University
Take a Closer Look
How to Get Into Harvard University
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