The oldest university in the United States and a byword for academic prestige. Harvard combines a vast endowment, elite faculty, and an unrivaled alumni network across every field.
What is the acceptance rate at Harvard University?
Harvard University admits approximately 3.4% of applicants, making it "Highly Selective" in our directory.
How much does Harvard University cost per year?
Tuition is approximately 56,550 USD per year before aid. See the Tuition tab for a full cost-of-attendance breakdown.
Does Harvard University offer scholarships or financial aid?
Yes — Harvard University offers Harvard Financial Aid, Need-based Grants, and about 55% of students receive some form of financial aid.
When is the application deadline for Harvard University?
The application deadline is Jan 01. We recommend submitting all materials at least two weeks ahead of that date.
What can I study at Harvard University?
Harvard University offers 5 broad fields of study: Medicine, Law, Business, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences.
How big are classes at Harvard University?
The average class size is 12 students, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 7:1, across a large campus of about 23,000 students.
Harvard University
🇺🇸 Cambridge, MA, United States · USA
#3
Global Ranking
Detailed admissions profile compiled by UniPath on June 24, 2026. Figures are directory estimates intended for planning purposes — always confirm exact requirements and costs with the official admissions office at https://www.harvard.edu.
At a Glance
Established
1636
Student Population
23,000
Faculty Ratio
7:1
Average Class Size
12
Acceptance Rate
3.4%
Annual Tuition
$56,550
Financial Aid Recipients
55%
Application Deadline
Jan 01
Website
https://www.harvard.edu
About Harvard University
The oldest university in the United States and a byword for academic prestige. Harvard combines a vast endowment, elite faculty, and an unrivaled alumni network across every field.
Highly competitive admissions mean a tightly selected, high-achieving peer group.
Generous aid — 55% of students receive financial support.
Small average class size (12 students) for close faculty access.
A large campus with broad program variety and a vibrant student scene.
An active, well-funded research culture.
Admissions — Highly Selective
With only 3.4% of applicants admitted, every part of the application needs to be deliberate — academics, essays, and activities all carry weight.
This school is more selective than approximately 96% of schools in our directory, ranks better than 99% of them, and is more affordable than 15% (out of 172 schools compared).
Typical requirements:
Completed online application
Official academic transcripts
Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) for non-native speakers
3 letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors
Personal statement plus 2+ supplemental essays
Standardized test scores (optional at many schools, but top-decile scores strengthen the file)
Demonstrated depth in 1-2 extracurriculars rather than breadth across many
Test-optional, but admitted students who submit scores typically land in the 90th percentile or above.
Cost of Attendance (Estimated, per year)
Tuition
$56,550
Housing & Living
$19,793
Books & Supplies
$2,262
Personal Expenses
$4,524
Total Cost of Attendance
$83,129
Est. Average Grant / Aid
- $18,662
Est. Net Price
$37,888
4-Year Total (before aid)
$332,516
Estimates for international students; actual aid varies by applicant profile.
Scholarships
Harvard Financial Aid
Need-based Grants
Majors & Career Outcomes
Medicine — $80,000 avg. starting salary
Common careers: Physician, Surgeon, Nurse Practitioner, Pharmacist
Law — $75,000 avg. starting salary
Common careers: Attorney, Corporate Counsel, Judge, Policy Advisor
Business — $65,000 avg. starting salary
Common careers: Financial Analyst, Marketing Manager, Management Consultant, Entrepreneur
Social Sciences — $54,000 avg. starting salary
Common careers: Policy Analyst, Economist, Counselor, HR Specialist
Natural Sciences — $58,000 avg. starting salary
Common careers: Research Scientist, Lab Manager, Biotech Specialist, Environmental Consultant
Campus Life
Historic Cambridge campus with a rich house system, 450+ organizations, and Division I athletics.
Suggested Application Timeline
12+ weeks before: Request transcripts and letters of recommendation; start drafting your personal statement.
8 weeks before: Finalize essays, gather standardized test scores, and complete the online application form.
4 weeks before: Submit early — leave buffer time for technical issues or late-arriving documents.
Jan 01 — deadline: Hard deadline. All materials must be received by the admissions office.
After submitting: Track your applicant portal and respond promptly to any requests for more information.
Similar Universities to Consider
School
Rank
Tuition
Acceptance
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
#1
$57,590
4%
Stanford University
#5
$58,416
3.9%
California Institute of Technology
#10
$60,864
3%
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Harvard University?
Harvard University admits approximately 3.4% of applicants, making it "Highly Selective" in our directory.
How much does Harvard University cost per year?
Tuition is approximately 56,550 USD per year before aid. See the Tuition tab for a full cost-of-attendance breakdown.
Does Harvard University offer scholarships or financial aid?
Yes — Harvard University offers Harvard Financial Aid, Need-based Grants, and about 55% of students receive some form of financial aid.
When is the application deadline for Harvard University?
The application deadline is Jan 01. We recommend submitting all materials at least two weeks ahead of that date.
What can I study at Harvard University?
Harvard University offers 5 broad fields of study: Medicine, Law, Business, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences.
How big are classes at Harvard University?
The average class size is 12 students, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 7:1, across a large campus of about 23,000 students.