Harvard University

University Overview

Harvard University is a private research university founded in 1636, making it the oldest institution of higher education in the United States. Harvard is recognized internationally for its academic excellence, research output, and alumni network across every major professional and academic field.

Harvard operates multiple graduate and professional schools alongside its undergraduate college, including the Harvard Business School, Harvard Law School, Harvard Medical School, Harvard Kennedy School, and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Location

Primary Campus: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Additional Locations: Boston (Medical and Dental Schools), Allston (Business School and Athletics), and affiliated research facilities across Greater Boston

Degrees Offered

Harvard offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees across multiple schools and divisions.

  • Arts and Sciences (Harvard College)
  • Engineering and Applied Sciences
  • Business (Harvard Business School)
  • Law (Harvard Law School)
  • Medicine (Harvard Medical School)
  • Public Health (T.H. Chan School)
  • Government (Harvard Kennedy School)
  • Education (Harvard Graduate School of Education)
  • Design (Harvard Graduate School of Design)
  • Divinity (Harvard Divinity School)
  • Dental Medicine

For complete program listings, visit the official academics page.

Admissions Overview

Harvard's undergraduate admissions are among the most selective in the United States. The holistic review process considers academic achievement, personal qualities, extracurricular involvement, and recommendations. Graduate and professional admissions vary significantly by school and program.

Official Admissions Portal: college.harvard.edu/admissions

For guidance on admissions processes and visa requirements, see the Admissions & Visa Guide.

Tuition & Fees

Tuition varies by school and program. Harvard College undergraduate tuition is approximately $54,000-$60,000 per year before financial aid. Current tuition and fee schedules are published on the official website.

Official Tuition Information: Harvard Cost of Attendance

For cost planning resources, visit Cost of Studying in Massachusetts.

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Harvard is need-blind in admissions for U.S. citizens and permanent residents and meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted students. The university's substantial endowment supports extensive financial aid programs. Approximately 55% of Harvard undergraduates receive financial aid.

International students are also eligible for Harvard's need-based financial aid program through need-blind admissions regardless of citizenship.

Financial Aid Office: college.harvard.edu/financial-aid

Additional scholarship information: Scholarships in Massachusetts

International Students

Harvard enrolls international students from over 150 countries across all programs. The Harvard International Office provides support for visa processing, immigration compliance, and cultural adjustment.

International Office: ois.harvard.edu

Accreditation

Accrediting Body: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

Official Website

Data Source Links

All information on this page is compiled from official university publications. Students must confirm details directly with the institution.

Last reviewed: January 2026