Quick Summary
Since 1636, Harvard University has been one of USA's prominent privates, based in Cambridge. Ranked #4 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 25276 students including 25% from outside USA. Known for strengths in Life Sciences and Medicine, Social Sciences and Management, Arts and Humanities, it maintains an acceptance rate of 3.4%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
Harvard offers an unparalleled academic reputation, massive financial resources for research, and a lifelong network of world leaders.
Subject Strengths
Life Sciences and MedicineSocial Sciences and ManagementArts and HumanitiesNatural SciencesEngineering and TechnologyLaw and Legal StudiesBusiness and Management
Founded1636
TypePrivate
Total Students25276
Intl Students25%
Faculty Ratio7:1
CampusUrban
Campus Size5079 acres
Affiliated HospitalsMassachusetts General Hospital,Brigham and Women's Hospital,Boston Children's Hospital,Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center,Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
AccreditationNew England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#4
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#4
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#1
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Undergraduate,Master's,Doctoral,Professional Certificates,Continuing Education
Programs
105
PhD Programs
Harvard Online,Harvard Extension School,Harvard Business School Online
Online Programs
100
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate3.4%
IELTS7.5
TOEFL100
Min GPA4.1
GREOptional/Department-specific
GMATOptional/Required for MBA
SAT1490-1580
ACT34-36
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · January 1
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Focus on intellectual curiosity, community impact, and authenticity in your personal statement. Harvard seeks students who will contribute to the diversity of perspective within the House system.
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Cost Ledger
Annual estimate
UG Tuition
$56,550/yr
per year · USD
Living Cost
$24,000/yr
per year · USD
PG Tuition
$54,032/yr
per year · USD
Application Fee
$85
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
$82,866/yr
tuition + living + essentials · USD
Scholarships AvailableAvailable
Avg Scholarship$62,000
Financial AidAvailable
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Undergraduate,Master's,Doctoral,Professional Certificates,Continuing Education programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Economics | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Computer Science | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Political Science and Government | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Cell/Cellular and Molecular Biology | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Social Sciences | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| History | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$89,000
Average Salary After Graduation
96%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementExcellent
Industry Connections
Unmatched global network across politicstechfinanceand academia.
Notable Alumni
Barack Obama,John F. Kennedy,Bill Gates,Mark Zuckerberg,Natalie Portman,Ruth Bader Ginsburg
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Harvard Stadium,Malkin Athletics Center,Murr Center,Blodgett Pool
Student Clubs
450
Library Resources
The largest academic library system in the world, with over 20 million volumes.
Exchange Programs
Available
Summer Programs
Harvard Summer School