Quick Facts
Top-ranked Ivy League university
Location
Cambridge, MA
Degrees
Certificates, Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate
Popular Majors
Business, Science,  Education, Medicine, Public Health, Public Administration, Law, Psychology, Architecture
Total Students	Undergrad Students
31,566	9,915
Tuition	Room and Board
$53,948 (Undergraduate) $52,816 (Average Graduate)	$17,160
Selectivity	Average Net Price *
High	$17,950
Distance from Boston	School Website
-
* Average Net Price is is the actual average cost to students for attending the college.  This is calculated by adding the cost of attendance (tuition, fees and room and board where applicable) and subtracting the average amount of federal, state/local government, or institutional grant or scholarship.

Harvard University is probably the most acclaimed Ivy League university in the country. Established in 1636, it is the oldest institution of higher learning. Eight U.S. presidents have been graduates, and 144 Nobel Laureates have been students, faculty, or staff affiliates. Harvard's endowment of some $36 billion is the largest of any university in the world.

Harvard University is organized into 11 schools, including the Arts and Sciences, Business, Law, and Medical schools. The school offers comprehensive bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs, as well as post-grad certificates. It also provides continuing education programs through the Harvard Extension School.
 
The four-year, full-time undergraduate program emphasizes instruction with an "arts and sciences focus." Undergraduate students are required to complete courses in eight general education categories: aesthetic and interpretive understanding, culture and belief, empirical and mathematical reasoning, ethical reasoning, science of living systems, science of the physical universe, societies of the world, and the United States in the world.
 
One of the foundations of the undergraduate experience at Harvard is the house system. Ninety-seven percent of all undergraduates live in one of the 12 residential houses. A 13th House, Dudley House, serves non-residents and includes graduate student members. Each house accommodates 350–500 students with its own dining hall, common rooms, and facilities for academic, recreational, and cultural activities. The Houses maintain robust cultural and social opportunities. Houses are home to their own film, music, art, and drama that range from small-scale jam sessions to a full opera. In addition, houses also field a variety of sports teams that compete in an intramural program. A variety of social functions, such as Masters’ Open Houses, formal dances, and coffee hours, provide students with an opportunity to relax and interact with members of their house community.
 
Harvard’s athletic teams compete in the Ivy League, and every football season ends with "The Game," an annual match-up between storied rivals Harvard and Yale. The school offers twenty different sports for both men and women, including baseball, basketball, football, ice hockey, field hockey, tennis, skiing, and more. 
 
Harvard's 210-acre main campus is centered on Harvard Yard in Cambridge and extends into the surrounding Harvard Square neighborhood. The Harvard MBTA station provides public transportation via bus service and the Red Line subway. The school is steps away from Harvard Square, with many options in entertainment, shopping, and cultural venues.

Benefits of a Harvard Education

 A Harvard education offers numerous benefits, starting with access to world-class faculty, cutting-edge research opportunities, and a rigorous academic environment that challenges students to think critically and creatively. The university provides a wide array of resources—from libraries and labs to mentorship and interdisciplinary programs—designed to help students explore their interests and develop a deep understanding of their chosen fields. The diverse student body also fosters global perspectives and encourages meaningful dialogue across cultures and disciplines.

Beyond academics, Harvard’s name carries significant prestige, opening doors to competitive job markets, top graduate programs, and influential networks. Alumni gain lifelong access to the Harvard community, which includes leaders in business, politics, science, and the arts. This powerful network can provide mentorship, career opportunities, and support long after graduation. A Harvard education not only equips students with knowledge and skills but also instills confidence, resilience, and a commitment to making a positive impact on the world.

How to get into Harvard

Getting into Harvard requires more than just top grades and test scores—it demands a combination of academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and personal distinction. Most successful applicants are at the top of their class and have taken the most challenging courses available to them. While standardized test scores such as the SAT or ACT are optional, high scores can still strengthen an application. Harvard also values demonstrated passion for learning, original thinking, and a willingness to push beyond the classroom through research, competitions, or independent projects.

Equally important are the personal qualities and life experiences that applicants bring. Harvard seeks students who are not only high achievers but also leaders, innovators, and individuals with a strong sense of purpose. Meaningful extracurricular involvement, community service, and a commitment to making a difference can help an applicant stand out. Personal essays and recommendation letters provide insight into an applicant's character, values, and potential to contribute to the Harvard community. Authenticity, clarity of purpose, and a unique voice often make the strongest impression.

Online Programs from Harvard University via Edx

Even if you don't physically attend Harvard,University there are opportunities to benefit from a Harvard education. Harvard’s edX Online offerings provide high-quality, flexible, and accessible education. With a wide range of courses spanning fields like computer science, business, data science, health, and humanities, learners can gain cutting-edge knowledge and practical skills at their own pace. Many courses are available for free, with the option to earn a verified certificate for a fee, making Harvard’s world-class content accessible to anyone globally. These courses not only enhance professional skills but also provide an opportunity to build credibility through a renowned institution, giving learners a competitive edge in their careers.
 

Course		School	Price	Details
CRISPR: Gene-editing Applications	Short course, 8 weeks, Cohort learning, 7–10 hours per week, Start date, 05 November 2025		$1941
Cybersecurity: Managing Risk in the Information Age	Short course, 8 weeks, Cohort learning, 8–11 hours per week, Last chance, Start date, 02 July 2025, Late registrations close soon!		$3198
Global Health Delivery	Short course, 10 weeks, Cohort learning, 8–10 hours per week, Start date, 03 September 2025		$1941
Higher Education Teaching Certificate	Short course, 8 weeks, Cohort learning, 8–10 hours per week, Start date, 06 August 2025		$2911
FinTech Online Short Course	Short course, 6 weeks, Cohort learning, 8–10 hours per week, Start date, 20 August 2025		$3396

Ten Most Popular Undergrad Programs at Harvard

Economics – Consistently the most popular major, known for its rigorous approach to markets, policy, and quantitative analysis.

Computer Science – Rapidly growing due to interest in software, AI, data science, and tech entrepreneurship.

Government – Harvard’s political science major, covering domestic and international politics, law, and public policy.

Psychology – Focuses on behavior, brain function, and cognitive science, often chosen by students pursuing research or clinical paths.

Applied Mathematics – Offers flexibility by integrating math with fields like economics, biology, or computer science.

Social Studies – An honors-only, interdisciplinary major combining economics, political theory, history, and sociology.

History – A strong liberal arts foundation emphasizing critical thinking, research, and global perspectives.

Molecular and Cellular Biology – A core science major for pre-med and research-focused students.

Neuroscience – Blends biology and psychology to study the brain and nervous system, popular among pre-med students.

Biology – A broader major covering evolution, ecology, genetics, and organismal biology, often with a research focus.

Ten Most Popular Graduate Programs at Harvard

Harvard Business School (MBA) – One of the most competitive and respected business programs in the world, known for its case study method and leadership focus.

Harvard Law School (JD) – Consistently ranked among the top law schools globally, attracting students interested in public service, corporate law, and academia.

Harvard Medical School (MD) – Renowned for its cutting-edge research, clinical training, and partnerships with top hospitals in Boston.

Graduate School of Education (Ed.M., Ed.D.) – A leading program for future educators, policymakers, and researchers focused on transforming education.

Harvard Kennedy School (MPP, MPA) – Specializing in public policy, international affairs, and government, it attracts global leaders and public service professionals.

Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS, PhD and Master’s) – Offers hundreds of programs in humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, often chosen by future academics and researchers.

Harvard School of Public Health (MPH, DrPH, PhD) – A top program for global health, epidemiology, policy, and health systems.

Harvard Divinity School (MDiv, ThM, MTS) – One of the oldest and most diverse centers for theological study and interfaith scholarship.

Harvard Graduate School of Design (MArch, MLA, MUP) – Leading in architecture, urban planning, and landscape design.

Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS, MS, PhD) – Rapidly growing in areas like computer science, bioengineering, and data science.

Visiting Harvard University

To visit Harvard, start by heading to Harvard Yard in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the historic heart of the university. The campus is easily accessible by public transportation, especially via the Red Line on the MBTA, with the Harvard Square station just steps away. Once there, you can take a self-guided walk or join an official campus tour offered through the Harvard Visitor Center, which provides insight into the university’s history, architecture, and student life. Be sure to check Harvard’s website for tour schedules, visitor guidelines, and any required registrations. A visit is a great way to get a feel for the academic atmosphere and vibrant campus culture.  More Details...