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Harvard University

Overview

Founded in 1636, Harvard University is a private institution with an undergraduate enrollment of 7,110 (fall 2023) and a sprawling 5,667-acre campus. It follows a semester-based academic calendar. In the 2025 Best Colleges rankings, Harvard holds the #3 spot among National Universities. Tuition and fees stand at $61,676.

Harvard University Rankings

To get a full picture of what Harvard offers, check out where it lands in various rankings:

  • #3 in National Universities
  • #2 in Best Value Schools
  • #27 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs (tie)

Engineering Specializations (Doctorate-Level Schools)

  • Biomedical
  • Electrical / Electronic / Communications
  • Mechanical
  • Computer Science

Computer Science Rankings

  • #11 in Artificial Intelligence
  • #5 in Biocomputing/Bioinformatics/Biotechnology (tie)
  • #9 in Data Analytics/Science
  • #10 in Mobile/Web Applications (tie)
  • #12 in Software Engineering (tie)
  • #7 in Theory (tie)

Other Key Rankings

  • #2 in Psychology Programs (tie)
  • #5 in Economics (tie)
  • #12 in Writing in the Disciplines (tie)
  • #33 in Study Abroad (tie)
  • #7 in Undergraduate Research/Creative Projects
  • #20 in Senior Capstone
  • #14 in Co-ops/Internships (tie)
  • #31 in Best Undergraduate Teaching (tie)
  • #17 in Most Innovative Schools
  • #82 in Top Performers on Social Mobility (tie)

Ranking Methodology

Harvard ranks #3 out of 436 National Universities. These rankings are based on widely accepted indicators of excellence.

U.S. News Overall Score: 98/100

  • Graduation Rates:
    • 98% average 6-year graduation rate
    • 96% for Pell Grant recipients
    • 98% for non-Pell Grant recipients

Harvard University Admissions

With an acceptance rate of just 3%, Harvard is highly selective. The early acceptance rate is slightly higher at 7.6%.

Test Scores (Middle 50% of Admitted Students)

  • SAT: 1500–1580
  • ACT: 34–36

(Note: 25% of admitted students scored above these ranges, and 25% scored below.)

Application Details

  • Deadline: January 1
  • Fee: $85

What Admissions Considers

  • GPA is a key academic factor.
  • High school class rank is not considered.
  • Letters of recommendation are important.

Harvard University Tuition & Financial Aid

  • Tuition & Fees: $61,676 (2024–25)
  • Total Cost (incl. housing, books, etc.): $82,950
  • Average Net Price (after aid): $14,634

Harvard University Academics

  • Student-Faculty Ratio: 7:1
  • Small Classes: 73.4% have fewer than 20 students.
  • Top Majors (2023 Graduates):
    1. Social Sciences (29%)
    2. Biological & Biomedical Sciences (12%)
    3. Mathematics & Statistics (11%)
    4. Computer & Information Sciences (10%)
    5. History (9%)
    6. Physical Sciences (8%)
    7. Psychology (5%)
    8. Engineering (5%)
    9. Visual & Performing Arts (3%)
    10. English Language/Literature (2%)
  • Freshman Retention Rate: 92%

Harvard University Student Life

  • Undergraduate Enrollment (Fall 2023): 7,110
    • Gender Breakdown: 47.1% male, 52.9% female
  • Housing: 97% live on campus.
  • Athletics: NCAA Division I

Total Enrollment (Fall 2023)

  • Undergraduate: 7,110
  • Graduate: 14,168
  • Total: 21,278
  • Pell Grant Recipients (2022–23): 19%

Harvard University Campus

Student Services

  • Tutoring, women’s center, career placement, health services, and health insurance.

Campus Safety

  • 24/7 patrols (foot & vehicle)
  • Late-night transport/escort service
  • Emergency phones, lighted pathways, student patrols
  • Controlled dorm access (key/security card)
  • Alcohol permitted for legal-age students

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