About Harvard University

Founded in 1636, Harvard University. is a Private college. Located in Massachusetts, which is a city setting in Massachusetts, the campus itself is Urban. The campus is home to 9,915 full time undergraduate students, and 19,993 full time graduate students. The Harvard University Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 7:1. There are 1755 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Harvard University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate5%
Application Deadline
Application Fee75
SAT Range1430-1600
ACT Range32-35
Admissions at are considered Most Selective, with ,104% of all applicants being admitted. In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 4 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling. 99% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 98% were in the top quarter, and 95% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Harvard University.

1%
“We”re apathetic”
19%
“We know about current events and vote”
64%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
16%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
2%
“We save it for the classroom”
19%
“Sometimes, but not often”
38%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
40%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
2%
“I only go out in groups”
38%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
61%
“I feel extremely safe”
15%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
63%
“We bought the gear”
23%
“We live for the big game”
2%
“It”s not really our thing”
34%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
49%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
15%
“We”re a very artistic group”
6%
“Haven”t met them”
25%
“Available in class”
56%
“They keep regular office hours”
14%
“They”re always available”
38%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
37%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
20%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
6%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
6%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
13%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
67%
“We only party on weekends”
13%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
30%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
54%
“There might be people who do”
14%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
2%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
1%
“We”re apathetic”
19%
“We know about current events and vote”
64%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
16%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
2%
“We save it for the classroom”
19%
“Sometimes, but not often”
38%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
40%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
2%
“I only go out in groups”
38%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
61%
“I feel extremely safe”
15%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
63%
“We bought the gear”
23%
“We live for the big game”
2%
“It”s not really our thing”
34%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
49%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
15%
“We”re a very artistic group”
6%
“Haven”t met them”
25%
“Available in class”
56%
“They keep regular office hours”
14%
“They”re always available”
38%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
37%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
20%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
6%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
6%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
13%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
67%
“We only party on weekends”
13%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
30%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
54%
“There might be people who do”
14%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
2%
“There”s a huge drug scene”

Harvard University REVIEWS

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  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    154 Students rated on-campus housing 4.3 stars. 42 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate off-campus housing?

    90 Students rated off-campus housing 2.4 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus food?

    155 Students rated campus food 3.6 stars. 28 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus facilities?

    157 Students rated campus facilities 4.5 stars. 56 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate class size?

    157 Students rated class size 4 stars. 34 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate school activities?

    156 Students rated school activities 4.6 stars. 67 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate local services?

    155 Students rated local services 4.2 stars. 43 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate academics?

    157 Students rated academics 4.5 stars. 59 % gave the school a 5.0.

What's your overall opinion of Harvard University?

54 Students rated Harvard University

Mariana - 05/04/2023

I learned of Harvard's Extension School while looking for continuing education programs and a potential master's in UX. I was drawn to the Digital Design Media program, as it touched on UX but really explored other creative avenues. This summer I will be taking the first of two prerequisite courses to be accepted into the master's program.

Eshan - 06/21/2022

Overall, I really enjoy Harvard University. I am currently studying economics and the university has offered me great support and guidance in the direction I plan to go in. As far as housing, Harvard has a great system built-in for all 4 years so there is no need to find off campus housing.

lay - 12/02/2021

it's good. i nd jenjffjsesfjefnskejfefsfnjsfjsjnsdnsfncs,,fnjcsdnjsdnjsjdlkdjldjejdwjnfdlwjawndwkdjwdjwdjlwadkdkewdjkdjdjdjjdjddjndlkf.lfk;qfm;d;ff;qf;qjqi'jiiqw;fjdjffjfjwqjfjf;jdfjfeefjfj;fkjfjiewjfiewjeijjeiefjffffnnjnfjfnnfjfnfjnfnfnjffjfjjffjfjf

Nyasha - 09/14/2021

Its brilliant

Harvard University FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at Harvard University?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Harvard University is 5%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.

  2. What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

    In the application process, cast a wide net, since it's harder to get into school than ever. Don't be afraid to apply to a few reaches (you might get lucky, like I did), as long as you have some safeties. Don't be too hasty to rely on an out-of-school counselor, especially one who charges a lot of money. Much of this process is a crapshoot, and no one can predict who wins. If they claim to be able to, they are probably lying. College is the only time in life totally dedicated to indulging one's mind and spirit. I advise going some place a little far from home, really making yourself vulnerable. I've found one of the best things about college is that I no longer feel pressure to do things I'm not totally passionate about. So, pick the extracurriculars in which you truly wish to participate. Speak up in class, study abroad, read books for fun (and for class). See plays and concerts. Develop a taste for beer and not hard alcohol. Be safe, make enigmatic friends, and take time to write down your experiences, so you won't forget them.

    Read all  124 answers
  3. Describe the students at your school.

    My classmates are driven and intelligent, although sometimes a little too caught up in their ambitions for personal success.

    Read all  110 answers
  4. What are the academics like at your school?

    Classes are taught by professors who are all top of their field. Even the course assistants are amazing at what they do.

    Read all  97 answers
  5. What is your overall opinion of this school?

    I couldn't be happier anywhere else. It's not the perfect school for everyone, since no school can be that, and applicants shouldn't idealize it as the be-all end-all of education. I think it's a difficult place for people who can flourish beautifully given nurturing conditions, but are sensitive to anything that falls short of that. Harvard's better for cactuses than orchids. However, as I said, it's as close to perfect for me as a school could get. I'm extremely happy that I've made close friends with some of the brightest and most interesting people I've ever met, which was always a problem for me in high school. (I didn't make a lot of lasting friendships in high school.) I'm also really happy with the quality of the education and the attention I've seen from professors. My best friend and I are both on let's-go-get-coffee terms (although hers prefers Burdick's for hot chocolate) with two of the most famous professors in our respective fields, and we're only first-semester sophomores. The extracurriculars are beyond amazing, as well. I think that's what happens when you stuff this many former national champions into one campus. The number and professionalism of the events hosted by the charity clubs is beyond belief. I myself belong to a publication which owns its own building, which is ridiculous and wonderful.

    Read all  94 answers
  6. What is the stereotype of students at your school?

    Students study too much and don't have enough fun.

    Read all  88 answers
  7. What are the most popular student activities/groups?

    I am on the marathon team and I conduct systems biology research.

    Read all  88 answers
  8. Is the stereotype of students at your school accurate?

    Probably 50{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} accurate.

    Read all  88 answers
  9. Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

    Harvard has the most diverse student body. Students come from every background. This includes variety in home state, home country, ethnic origins, socioeconomic backgrounds, religion, hobbies and interests. Thus, learning never stops at the classrooms and lecture halls here; you are constantly learning from the poeple around you. Academically, Harvard offers courses that expand your mind to all areas of the subject. This really is the ultimate educational experience. Not only are they cross-disciplanary and comprehensive, they are also taught by the masters in the field--the best in the world. Thus, they really stir enthusiasm in the subject.

    Read all  67 answers
  10. Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

    Harvard is a place that draws you into the midst of the best students and professors from around the world in order to inspire you, expand you, and even push you a little bit.

    Read all  30 answers
  11. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    That students who take their classes solely on campus tend to snub distance option students as inferior. I also dislike that distance students can't live in dorms for a semester if they wish to take their classes in person. Otherwise, I have no complaints.

    Read all  29 answers
  12. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    Being the best school in the world.

    Read all  26 answers
  13. What's unique about your campus?

    The resources available. Basically, if you want to do something, it's there. And in the off chance that it's not, you can use the university's resources to make it happen.

    Read all  26 answers
  14. What kind of person should not attend this school?

    Someone who isn't motivated.

    Read all  23 answers
  15. What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

    I wish I had known how large the amount of workload is.

    Read all  23 answers
  16. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    Meet my five suite-mates: Hilary, a die-hard ice hockey player from Minnesota; Gaga, our resident step dancer from Maryland with a touch of medical research experience on the side; Anna, an American who has spent most of her life in Japan and wakes up before six to run more miles than I can count; Sofia, a Chinese-Canadian artist who speaks French fluently and can draw a flawless portrait of Johnny Depp; and Natalie, our southern belle from Memphis who constructed a giant turkey out of soup cans to benefit the homeless. You can't beat that.

    Read all  20 answers
  17. What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

    There is too much to do. I'm depressed that I'm more than halfway done, and I've only scratched the surface. Now that I am a junior, I realize that there are so many other paths I could have taken here, and I sometimes wish I had more time to try more of them out. It saddens me to know that I'll never have the chance, but I'm thankful that I've had so many opportunities.

    Read all  16 answers
  18. What kind of person should attend this school?

    Students at Harvard have to be independent, self-motivated, and willing to actively pursue all the opportunities available on campus. They should have a sense of direction in life, both in terms of their college major and their career goals. Prospective students should develop strong leadership skills in high school.

    Read all  14 answers
  19. What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?

    The stereotype is that the average Harvard student is socially inept and spends 16 hours a day in the library. While it is true that those types of students do exists, there are in fact people who have interests other than school work. In fact, what drew me to Harvard was the passion that students had for their extra-curriculars.

    Read all  10 answers
  20. When you step off campus what do you see?

    Harvard does a great job keeping us all wanting to stay on campus, but when we do venture off, there are about 35 other colleges within a 30 mile radius! Boston really is a college town! We also have a China town and Korea town right next to us.

    Read all  7 answers
  21. Describe the dorms.

    Freshman dorms are decent, you will usually spend one semester living with someone, then the second semester by yourself. As you move through the grades, the rooms become better and better.

    Read all  5 answers

Student Body

Students

48%

female

52%

male

9,915

Total Undergrad Enrollment

19,993

Total Grad Students

73%

Out-Of-State

13%

In-State

14%

International

Organizations

447

Student Organizations

N/A

Fraternities

N/A

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

47%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
N/A
% Asian/Pacific Islander
17%
% Black or African-American
7%
% Hispanic/Latino
11%
% White or Caucasian
43%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

72% of students attending Harvard University receive some sort of financial aid. 16% were awarded federal grants. While 2% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$47,074

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$1,000

Books and Supplies

$15,951

Room and Board

64,025

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$3,294
$30 - $48K
$1,665
$48 - $75K
$6,577
$75 - $110K
$11,222
$110K & UP
$44,238

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

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