Harvard University
Harvard University is a private non-profit institution located in Cambridge, MA, offering 175 distinct degree programs across various fields of study. The institution maintains a strong graduation rate of 97.33%, demonstrating a commitment to student success and completion. Financial aid significantly reduces the cost of attendance, with the average net price after aid at $16,816.
Key Facts
- 2024 Undergraduate Tuition: $59,076
- 2024 Average Net Price: $16,816 After Financial Aid
- 2024 Acceptance Rate: 3.45% Highly Selective
- 2024 Enrolled Students: 7,755 93.6% Full-Time
- 2024 Graduation Rate: 97.33%
- Average SAT Score: 1553
Costs
Tuition Costs
$59,076
2024 Undergraduate Tuition
In 2024, the cost of tuition at Harvard University was $59,076.
Tuition comparison with similar institutions.
Average Net Price
$16,816
2024 Value
In 2024 Harvard University had an average net price — the price paid after factoring in grants and loans — of $16,816.
Average net price comparison with similar institutions.
Total Cost of Attendance
$67,264 Estimated 4-Year Total Cost
$16,816 Average Annual Net Price (after aid)
$236,304 4-Year Tuition
Costs include tuition and fees. Room & board, books, and other expenses are additional.
4-year total cost breakdown for Harvard University.
Financial Aid by Income Level
15.79% Undergraduates Receiving Financial Aid through Grants
4.88% Undergraduates Receiving Financial Aid through Loans
Financial aid distribution by income level.
Student Loan Default Rate
0.00%
3-year cohort default rate (College Scorecard)
The published 3-year cohort default rate for borrowers at Harvard University was 0.00%.
Cohort default rates account for borrowers who default in the first three years.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
3.45% Acceptance Rate
This institution is extremely selective, accepting fewer than 1 in 10 applicants.
Acceptance rate compared to national average.
Test Scores
SAT Average: 1553
Average SAT and ACT scores for admitted students.
Academic Requirements
Estimated GPA Range: 3.9 - 4.0
Estimated Median GPA: 4.00
Note: GPA requirements are estimated based on admission selectivity and test scores. Actual requirements may vary.
Estimated GPA and test score ranges.
Enrollment
Full-Time vs Part-Time Enrollment
93.6% Full-Time Enrollment
The total enrollment at Harvard University in 2024 is 7,755 students.
Full-time vs part-time enrollment comparison.
Retention Rate over Time
98.3%
2024 Retention Rate
Retention rate measures the number of first-time students who began their studies the previous fall and returned to school the following fall.
Retention rate over time compared to similar institutions.
Graduates & Outcomes
Time to Complete
65.80% 100% Completion Time
97.33% 150% Completion Time
In 2024, 65.80% of students graduating from Harvard University completed their program within 100% "normal time".
Completion rates over time compared to similar institutions.
ROI & Programs
Financial value and program information for Harvard University.
Return on Investment
$14,000 Median Student Debt
$101,817 Median Annual Earnings (10 years)
13.75% Debt-to-Earnings Ratio
1413.69% Return on Investment
1.4 years Estimated Payback Period
Financial value analysis for Harvard University.
Top Programs by Completions
10 Programs Reporting Data
Business Administration and Management, Other: 1,023 completions
Law (JD): 622 completions
General Economics: 423 completions
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other: 379 completions
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs: 356 completions
Educational Statistics and Research Methods: 293 completions
Computer Science: 290 completions
Educational Evaluation and Research: 288 completions
Public Administration: 263 completions
Other/Unknown Programs: 11,143 completions
Most popular programs at Harvard University.
Employment Outcomes
$99,572 Median Earnings (6 years after entry)
$101,095 Median Earnings (8 years after entry)
$101,817 Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
Earnings outcomes for Harvard University graduates.
About
Harvard University is a private non-profit institution located in Cambridge, MA, offering 175 distinct degree programs across various academic disciplines. The institution enrolls approximately 7,755 students. It is highly selective, with an admission rate of 3.45%. Average SAT scores for admitted students are 1553. The institution maintains a 97.33% graduation rate. Approximately 15.79% of students receive Pell Grants.
Institution Type
Private Non-profit
Location
Cambridge, MA 02138
Region: New England
Insights and Analysis
Exceptional Graduation Rate: With a 97.33% graduation rate, Harvard University demonstrates strong student retention and completion. This rate significantly exceeds the national average, indicating effective academic support and student services.
Strong Career Outcomes: Harvard University graduates report median earnings of $101,817 ten years after entry, placing them among the higher-earning college graduates nationally. This strong earnings potential reflects both the quality of education and the career opportunities available to graduates.
Diverse Program Offerings: With over 175 distinct degree programs, Harvard University provides students with a wide range of academic options. This diversity allows students to explore various fields and find programs that align with their interests and career goals.
Data Sources
This page uses data from the following sources:
- College Scorecard - U.S. Department of Education
- Institutional characteristics, costs, completion rates, and earnings data
- Data years: 2015-2024
- Source: collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)
- Employment and wage data by occupation
- Latest data: May 2024
- Source: bls.gov/oes
- O*NET Online - U.S. Department of Labor
- Occupational skills, knowledge, abilities, and work activities
- Database version: 28.0 (August 2023)
- Source: onetcenter.org
- IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) - National Center for Education Statistics
- Institutional data, completions, enrollment, and financial aid
- Data years: 2015-2024
- Source: nces.ed.gov/ipeds
- Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS)
- Demographic and workforce data
- Latest data: 2023 ACS 5-Year Estimates
- Source: census.gov/acs
Data Processing: All data has been processed, cleaned, and aggregated for presentation. Where specific data points are unavailable, estimates are based on available data and clearly marked.
Last Updated: Data reflects the most recent available information as of January 2025.
Methodology
Data for this profile is sourced from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard dataset, which provides comprehensive information on institutions of higher education in the United States.
All financial figures are adjusted for inflation and represent the most recent available data. Graduation rates and completion times are calculated according to federal standards.