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5 min read·Dec 2, 2025·Last updated on Dec 10, 2025

Harvard University Admissions, Tuition, Courses, Campus & Ranking

When you look for a university that fosters your ambition, one that enhances leadership traits and prepares you to do something great for the world, the name of the university is far less important than whether or not the university truly meets your goals as a student. In fact, with regard to prestige versus an enabling university, check out all that students at Harvard University also evolve into critically thinking human beings, activists, and leaders of the future.

This article aims to provide details on several important aspects of what it means to join the Harvard community.

Harvard University Ranking

Harvard University's esteem for academic brilliance, global impact, and transformative innovation always reflects on its ranking. Harvard's always ranked as one of the best universities in the world, whether it is for academic excellence, faculty research, or alumni success.

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Ranking CategoryRankSource
Global Universities#1U.S. News & World Report
National Universities (U.S.)#3U.S. News & World Report
Best Value Schools#1U.S. News & World Report
Graduate Business Schools#5U.S. News & World Report
QS World University Rankings#4QS Rankings
Times Higher Education (World)#4THE Rankings
Research Impact#1CWTS Leiden Ranking

Harvard University continues to receive top-tier placements in almost every significant category due to the caliber of its research programs and the scope of its international partnerships. Its rankings demonstrate a strong dedication to high-quality education, equity, and innovation.

Harvard University Degrees and Programs

If you are looking for a university with toughest courses in the world, this might be it, but it also offers the most fulfilling education. Academic programs at Harvard University aim to equip leaders, thinkers, and advanced practitioners in a wide range of fields. Whether pursuing careers in the arts, sciences, law, medicine, or public policy, all schools at Harvard University emphasize academic excellence, interdisciplinary learning, and real-world problem-solving as part of the educational experience. Beyond mastery of knowledge, each program emphasizes primary research, team dispute resolution, and global engagement.

The Harvard University acceptance rate ranks among the most selective acceptance rates in the world due to the excellent standards, commitment, and academic qualities involved in the admissions process. When considering admission for potential students, aspects of academic performance, leadership, personal involvement outside of academics, and demonstrated curiosity are all taken into account. Harvard online courses offer a flexible, Harvard-quality education in areas such as business, science, and the humanities to professionals and lifelong learners around the world.

Here is a look at some of the core pathways of degrees and learning at Harvard University:

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Degree ProgramDescription
Undergraduate Degrees (A.B./S.B.)Offered in over 50 concentrations, including Government, Computer Science, Economics, and Psychology.
Master’s ProgramsGraduate degrees in Law, Education, Public Health, Design, Engineering, and more, across 12 Harvard schools.
Doctoral Programs (Ph.D.)Research-focused programs with strong funding support in disciplines like Physics, History, and Biomedical Sciences.
Harvard Online CoursesShort-term, non-degree programs in areas like Data Science, Leadership, Artificial Intelligence, and Humanities.
Joint and Dual Degree ProgramsOpportunities to combine disciplines, such as JD/MBA, MD/PhD, or Public Policy with Business or Education.

Students have access to state-of-the-art labs, interdisciplinary institutes, and international collaborations through its in-person or Harvard University research programs, putting them in a position to influence and shape the future.

Harvard University Admissions Process

Harvard University has a very competitive admissions process and seeks candidates with leadership potential, creativity, and a commitment to service in addition to academic excellence. Whether you are an international applicant, a first-year undergraduate, or a graduate student, the Harvard University admissions process is thorough.

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Program LevelExam Requirement
UndergraduateSAT or ACT (Test-Optional)
Graduate ProgramsGRE or GMAT (Varies by Program)
Law SchoolLSAT
Medical SchoolMCAT
International StudentsTOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test

Eligibility Criteria and Required Documents

Students must fulfill strict eligibility requirements and submit important documents for evaluation in order to apply to Harvard University. 

For applicants who are undergraduates, this usually consists of:

  • A high school degree or its equivalent

  • Academic record and competitive GPA

  • SAT or ACT results (not required, but recommended)

  • Supplementary essays and personal essays

  • Two suggestions from teachers

  • Report from school and recommendation from the counselor

  • Honors and extracurricular activities

Graduate and professional applicants must submit:

  • A bachelor's degree from a recognized university

  • Test results specific to a program (e.g., GRE, GMAT, LSAT)

  • A statement of purpose

  • Transcripts of academic work

  • Letters of recommendation

  • CV or resume

  • Research proposal (for degrees requiring a lot of research)

Applying early can increase your chances of getting financial aid or being considered for special programs, especially if you're an undergraduate. Harvard also assesses candidates' potential contributions to the larger Harvard community, such as their leadership in service projects or participation in Harvard University research programs.

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Harvard University Tuition

Although attending Harvard requires a significant financial commitment, the university is dedicated to making sure that financial situation never prevents someone from pursuing an education. Although the cost of tuition at Harvard University varies depending on the school and program, students from all socioeconomic backgrounds can attend thanks to generous financial aid policies and scholarships.

Estimated Annual Tuition

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Program TypeAnnual Tuition (Approx.)
Undergraduate (Harvard College)$56,000
Graduate (GSAS, etc.)$52,000–$58,000
Harvard Law School$75,000
Harvard Business School MBA$76,000
Medical School (MD)$69,000
Online Programs (Harvard Extension School & edX)$1,500–$2,500 per course

The total cost of attendance usually increases by $20,000 to $30,000 per year due to additional costs such as books, room and board, health insurance, and fees.

Harvard University Scholarships and Financial Aid

The Harvard University financial aid programs are one of the world's most generous programs. Need-based scholarships are awarded to about 55% of Harvard undergraduates. Eligibility for these scholarships is solely determined by family income and assets, not academic merit, and they are not repayable.

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Scholarship TypeDetails
Harvard College Financial Aid100% need-based aid; families earning under $85,000 typically pay nothing
Graduate FellowshipsOffered through GSAS, Kennedy School, and other divisions
Endowed ScholarshipsFunded by alumni and donors; awarded based on need or area of study
International Student AidAvailable at both undergraduate and graduate levels based on need
Medical School (MD)$69,000
Online Programs (Harvard Extension School & edX)$1,500–$2,500 per course

Harvard also provides graduate students with fellowships and work-study opportunities. Limited financial aid and payment plans are offered to students who sign up for Harvard online courses through the Extension School.

Harvard University scholarships guarantee that gifted students from all backgrounds can obtain a top-notch education without incurring crippling debt by combining strong financial support with a strong dedication to affordability.

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Student Housing Near Harvard University

To accommodate the needs of both undergraduate and graduate students, Harvard University provides a variety of on-campus housing options. One of the twelve historic residential Houses, which offer dining, advising, and social opportunities in addition to living quarters, is usually occupied by undergraduate students. On campus, graduate students may live in apartment-style housing or designated dorms.

Below is a list of typical Harvard University on-campus housing options:

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Housing TypeDescriptionAverage Cost (Per Semester)
Undergraduate HousesShared rooms with common dining halls and student services$5,000–$7,500
Graduate DormitoriesPrivate or shared rooms, mostly for first-year graduate students$6,000–$8,000
Apartment-Style HousingPrivate studios or one-bedroom units, often for graduate or married students$8,500–$11,000

Although living on campus offers a more immersive Harvard experience, many students opt to live off campus in order to have greater freedom and flexibility. Cambridgeport, Allston, and Harvard Square are well-liked local communities that provide convenient access to the university and active student bodies.

Here are some examples of typical off-campus housing in the vicinity of Harvard University:

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Housing TypeDescriptionAverage Cost (Per Semester)
Shared ApartmentsPrivate rooms with shared kitchen/living spaces$6,500–$9,000
Studio ApartmentsPrivate unit with bath and kitchenette$9,000–$11,000
1–3 Bedroom ApartmentsOptions for solo or shared living, often furnished$10,500–$13,500+

For students looking for top-rated off-campus housing near Harvard University, here are some of the best options:

These residences maintain students' connections to Harvard's academic and social life while providing a harmonious blend of privacy, convenience, and contemporary conveniences.

Notable Alumni of Harvard University

One of the most prominent and powerful alumni networks in the world is that of Harvard University. Harvard graduates have influenced every industry imaginable, from Nobel laureates to tech pioneers, political figures to renowned writers. Their achievements are a testament to the university's history of leadership, scholarly distinction, and social influence.

Here are a few notable Harvard University alumni:

  • Barack Obama – 44th President of the United States and Nobel Peace Prize laureate

  • Mark Zuckerberg – Co-founder and CEO of Meta (formerly Facebook)

  • Ruth Bader Ginsburg – Former Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court

  • Ban Ki-moon – Former Secretary-General of the United Nations

  • Natalie Portman – Academy Award-winning actress and scholar

  • Bill Gates – Co-founder of Microsoft and global philanthropist

  • Sheryl Sandberg – Former COO of Meta and founder of LeanIn.Org

This international Harvard University alumni network offers unmatched professional, networking, and mentoring opportunities, highlighting the university's lasting worth outside of the classroom.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Harvard University?

With an acceptance rate of about 3.4%, Harvard University is among the most selective universities in the world.

Are there any online courses available at Harvard University?

Indeed, Harvard Online and edX offer both free and paid programs in a variety of subject areas.

What is the annual tuition at Harvard University?

Undergraduate tuition at Harvard University, not including room and board, is about $56,000 annually.

Which kinds of scholarships are available at Harvard University?

Up to 100% of proven financial need may be covered by Harvard University scholarships, which are primarily need-based.

Is Harvard a good place to do research?

Indeed, with more than 100 research centers spanning disciplines and cutting-edge labs, Harvard University's research programs rank among the most cutting-edge in the world.

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