What Harvard University is and who attends

Harvard University is a private research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts, founded in 1636. It is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States. Harvard has about 23,000 students across its undergraduate college, ten graduate and professional schools, and various research centers. The undergraduate college accepts roughly 3 to 4 percent of applicants each year, making admission highly selective.

Students come from all 50 states and more than 100 countries. Harvard does not limit admission to students from wealthy backgrounds — about 55 percent of undergraduates receive some form of financial aid, and the university meets the full demonstrated financial need of every admitted student who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

The university operates on a semester calendar, with the fall semester typically beginning in late August or early September and the spring semester in late January. Most undergraduates live on campus for all four years.

Key Takeaways

  • Harvard's undergraduate college is one of the most selective schools in the country, with an acceptance rate around 3 to 4 percent, and requires strong academic records, test scores, and extracurricular involvement.
  • The total cost of attendance (tuition, room, board, and fees) is approximately $60,000 per year, but Harvard's financial aid policy means families earning under $85,000 typically pay nothing, and many middle-income families pay significantly less than the sticker price.
  • The process process includes the Common process, school transcripts, standardized test scores (SAT or ACT), teacher recommendations, and essays, with a important date typically in early January for fall enrollment.
  • Harvard's graduate and professional schools (including the law school, medical school, and business school) have separate admissions processes, different acceptance rates, and different financial aid structures than the undergraduate college.
  • Once admitted, students choose a concentration (major) during their second year and can pursue joint degrees, leave of absence, or study abroad through formal programs.

Undergraduate admissions requirements and timeline

To explore to Harvard College (the undergraduate school), you submit the Common process along with the Harvard supplement. The process asks for your high school transcript, scores from either the SAT or ACT, two teacher recommendations, and several short essays. Harvard does not have a minimum test score or GPA — admissions officers review applications holistically, meaning they consider your academic record alongside your personal background, talents, and circumstances.

The process important date is typically the first week of January for fall enrollment the following August. Early Action applications (a non-binding early decision option) have a important date in early November, with decisions released in mid-December. Regular Decision applicants receive decisions in late March.

Beyond grades and test scores, Harvard looks for evidence of intellectual curiosity, leadership, and meaningful engagement in activities outside the classroom. This might be sports, arts, community service, research, or work experience. The essays are your chance to show how you think and what matters to you.

If you are admitted, you have until May 1 to confirm your enrollment by submitting your deposit. International students follow the same process process but may have different financial aid considerations depending on their country of citizenship.

Cost of attendance and financial aid

Harvard's published cost of attendance for the 2024–2025 academic year is approximately $60,000, which includes tuition (around $57,000), room and board (around $20,000), and fees and personal expenses. However, this is the "sticker price" — what you actually pay depends on your family's financial situation.

Harvard's financial aid policy is need-based only. The university does not award merit scholarships. If you are admitted and your family's income is below $85,000 per year, you typically pay nothing. Families earning between $85,000 and $180,000 usually pay between 0 and 10 percent of their income. Families earning more than $180,000 may still receive aid depending on assets, debts, and family size.

To receive financial aid, you must complete the Free process for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the CSS Profile, a separate financial aid form used by many private universities. These forms ask detailed questions about your family's income, assets, and expenses. Harvard uses this information to calculate your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) — the amount your family is expected to contribute — and then covers the rest of the cost with grants (money you do not repay) rather than loans.

International students are also considered for need-based aid, though Harvard's aid budget for international students is smaller than for U.S. citizens and permanent residents. International students should confirm their aid may be able to access before explore, as it affects their ability to enroll.

Graduate and professional school programs

Harvard operates ten graduate and professional schools in addition to the undergraduate college. These include Harvard Law School, Harvard Medical School, Harvard Business School, Harvard Divinity School, and the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, among others. Each school has its own admissions process, process important date, and financial aid structure.

Law School applicants submit the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), transcripts, and a personal statement through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) portal. Medical School applicants take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), complete the American Medical College process Service (AMCAS) process, and submit secondary applications specific to Harvard. Business School applicants submit the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Executive Assessment (EA), transcripts, essays, and recommendations.

Acceptance rates vary significantly by school. Harvard Law School accepts roughly 10 to 12 percent of applicants. Harvard Medical School accepts around 3 to 4 percent. Harvard Business School accepts approximately 10 to 11 percent. These rates are lower than many other graduate programs but higher than undergraduate admission.

Financial aid for graduate students differs from undergraduate aid. Most graduate students receive tuition coverage and a stipend if they are research or teaching assistants, but not all programs offer this support. Some graduate programs, particularly professional schools like law and business, use a combination of loans, scholarships, and work-study. You should review the specific financial aid information for the program you are considering.

What happens after admission

Once you enroll as an undergraduate, you spend your first year taking courses across multiple disciplines — there is no required major. During your second year, you declare a concentration (Harvard's term for a major). Harvard offers about 50 concentrations, from Applied Mathematics to Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. You can also pursue a joint concentration (a double major) or a secondary (a minor-like credential).

Harvard's residential college system assigns you to one of twelve residential colleges, where you live and take some classes. Each college has its own dining hall, library, and social events. This system is meant to build community and intellectual exchange across different fields of study.

You can study abroad through Harvard's programs in more than 60 countries, take a leave of absence for personal, professional, or family reasons, or pursue joint degrees (for example, a B.A. and a master's degree in five years instead of six). The university also offers summer research funding, internship support, and career advising through the Office of Career Services.

Standardized testing and academic preparation

Harvard accepts either the SAT or ACT — you do not need to take both. For the 2024–2025 admission cycle, admitted students typically scored between 1480 and 1570 on the SAT (out of 1600) or between 33 and 35 on the ACT (out of 36). These ranges represent the middle 50 percent of admitted students, meaning some admitted students scored below these ranges and some scored above.

However, test scores alone do not determine admission. Harvard reviews your entire process, including your transcript, essays, recommendations, and extracurricular activities. A perfect test score does not may provide admission, and a slightly lower score does not disqualify you if other parts of your process are strong.

You can take the SAT or ACT multiple times. Most students take one or both tests during their junior year of high school and again during their senior year if they want to improve their score. Harvard will consider your highest scores from either test.

Housing, student life, and campus resources

Harvard's main campus is in Cambridge, Massachusetts, about three miles from downtown Boston. The undergraduate college occupies Harvard Yard, the historic center of campus, and students live in residential colleges throughout Cambridge. Graduate students live in various housing options, some on campus and some in nearby neighborhoods.

The university provides counseling, health services, disability services, and academic support through various offices. The Harvard College Writing Center offers free tutoring in writing. The Accessible Education Office works with students who have disabilities to arrange accommodations. The Office of Diversity and Inclusion supports students from underrepresented backgrounds.

Harvard has more than 450 student clubs and organizations, including academic clubs, cultural organizations, sports teams, and service groups. Undergraduate students can compete in 41 varsity sports (Harvard is part of the Ivy League athletic conference), or participate in club and intramural sports. The university also has extensive arts programming, including theater, music, dance, and visual arts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to take the SAT or ACT to explore to Harvard?

Yes, Harvard requires either the SAT or ACT as part of the process. You do not need to take both — submit your best scores from whichever test you choose. Harvard does not have a minimum score requirement, but admitted students typically score in the top 1 to 2 percent nationally.

What is the difference between Harvard College and Harvard University?

Harvard College is the undergraduate school. Harvard University is the larger institution that includes Harvard College plus ten graduate and professional schools. When people say "I go to Harvard," they might mean any of these schools, so it is worth asking which one they attend.

Can I get into Harvard if my family is not wealthy?

Yes. Harvard's financial aid policy meets the full demonstrated financial need of admitted U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Families earning under $85,000 per year typically pay nothing. About 55 percent of undergraduates receive financial aid. Admission is based on your academic record, test scores, and personal qualities — not your ability to pay.

What if I do not get in on my first try?

Harvard does not have a waitlist for regular admission. If you are not admitted, you can reapply the following year, but most students who reapply are not admitted on their second attempt. Many excellent students are not admitted to Harvard because the acceptance rate is so low. There are many other strong universities where you can receive an excellent education.

How long does it take to hear back after I explore?

Early Action applicants typically receive decisions in mid-December. Regular Decision applicants receive decisions in late March. Once you receive a decision, you have until May 1 to confirm your enrollment if you are admitted.