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Colleges / Harvard University

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA 4-Year Private
Acceptance Rate3%

About Harvard

Harvard University is a prestigious Ivy League university in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Harvard is ranked as one of the top universities in the world and is known for its rigorous academics, world-class faculty, and research opportunities. 

Harvard’s programs are known for providing distinct experiences and opportunities like the Harvard College Research Program, Harvard College Theater, Dance & Media Program, the Harvard College Currier House Film Studio, and the Institute of Politics. Some of the most competitive majors at Harvard include computer science, economics, applied mathematics, chemistry, physics, and neurobiology. 

The campus atmosphere at Harvard is intellectually stimulating and socially tight knit. Finding your place at Harvard is an important part of the student experience. Harvard operates on a house system, grouping undergrads into small groups through which they will have events, activities, and other activities. Additionally, following your interests will lead you to additional social opportunities such as study groups, mentorships, and clubs. 

Harvard has a strong athletic culture on campus, and students are full of school spirit. Harvard is a member of the Ivy League conference and competes at the NCAA Division I level. The most competitive sports at Harvard include football, basketball, soccer, ice hockey, rowing, lacrosse, and track & field. Harvard has several state-of-the-art facilities and arenas on campus including the Harvard Stadium which is the oldest collegiate football stadium in the country. 

Did You Know?

Harvard’s library system holds several records including being the oldest library system in the US, the largest university library in the US, and the largest private library in the world. Widener library holds over 19 million volumes, has 57 miles of shelf space, and is the main research library on campus. 

Read what the CC Community is saying about Harvard

Harvard University is a private, nonprofit university in the city of Cambridge, Massachusetts. Harvard was founded in 1636. The college enrolls around 12,005 students per year, including 7,240 undergraduates.

2022 Acceptance Rate for Harvard University

It is extremely difficult to get into Harvard. Harvard admitted 3% of all applicants in 2022. In 2022, 61,221 students applied to Harvard and 1,984 were admitted.

Harvard University Admissions Facts At-A-Glance
Overall Acceptance Rate 3%
Early Decision Acceptance Rate ED not offered
Early Action Acceptance Rate 8%
Average GPA 4.0
Test Optional Yes
Applicants Submitting ACT scores 8%
Applicants Submitting SAT scores 55%

Choose one of the options below to learn more about Harvard University:

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Student Life

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Tuition & Aid

Harvard University Community Forums

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Visit Harvard University

Harvard University is located in the city of Cambridge, Massachusetts, near Boston.

If you are interested in seeing Harvard for yourself, be sure to plan a visit! The best way to reach campus is to take Interstate 90 to Cambridge, or book a flight to the nearest airport, Logan International.

You can also take a virtual campus tour to get a sense of what Harvard University and Cambridge are like without leaving home.

College Info

86 Brattle Street Cambridge, MA 2138

Campus Setting: Urban

Harvard Application Deadline

First-Year Applications are Due

Jan 1

Transfer Applications are Due

Mar 1

The deadline for Fall first-year applications to Harvard is Jan 1.

The deadline for Fall transfer applications to Harvard is Mar 1.

Check the school website for more information about deadlines for specific programs or special admissions programs

Harvard University is a member of the Coalition for College.

More than an application, the Coalition provides free tools and resources to help students through the college admissions process, beginning as early as 9th grade.

Learn More

Harvard SAT Scores

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Composite SAT Range

Not available

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Math SAT Range

760 - 800

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Reading SAT Range

730 - 780

Harvard Tuition & Fees

Tuition & Fees

$79,450

In State

$79,450

Out-of-State
Cost Breakdown
In State
Out-of-State
State Tuition
$54,269
$54,269
Fees
$4,807
$4,807
Housing
$20,374
$20,374
Books
Unknown
Unknown

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Student Life

Wondering what life at Harvard is like? There are approximately 12,005 students enrolled at Harvard, including 7,240 undergraduate students and 4,765 graduate students. 100% percent of students attend school full-time, 15% percent are from MA and 85% percent of students are from other states.

100%

Full Time

0.47%

Part Time

15%

In State

85%

Out-of-State

Data Source: IPEDs and Peterson's Databases © 2022 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved

Quick Facts

Total Enrollment

12,005

Campus Setting

Urban

Acceptance Rate

3%

Tuition and Fees

In State

$59,076

Out-of-State

$59,076

Fall Freshmen
Application Deadline

Jan 1
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