Harvard University
Harvard University has an acceptance rate of 3.6%, average net price of $19,066, and a national rank of #7 (Grade A+), with a 97.6% six-year graduation rate, and median earnings of $99,572 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Harvard University is a private nonprofit university in Cambridge, MA. Students most often pursue Statistics and Computer Science.
Day to day, students benefit from a 7:1 student-faculty ratio. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 107.5%, roughly 57.6 points higher than typical outcomes. It's well-suited to ambitious students who thrive in an elite, research-powered setting and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is Harvard University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Harvard University graduates 97.6% of students within six years and does not report first-year retention. Affordability earns a B- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Harvard University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | Not reported |
| Books and Supplies | Not reported |
| On-Campus Room and Board | Not reported |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | Not reported |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $85,540 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: Only 0.0% of Harvard University students receive Pell Grants — far below the national average, underscoring equity challenges.
ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $99,572
- 10-Year Median Earnings $99,572
- Average Years to Graduate 4.9 years
- Average Student Debt $12,500
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 70.7%
- Employment Rate 63.6%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Harvard University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Harvard University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Harvard University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Harvard University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: Harvard University graduates report median earnings of $99,572 six years after enrollment, +128% above the national median. The 107.5% ROI indicates solid long-term value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 740-780
- SAT Math 770-800
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 34-36
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 0
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate Not reported
- Graduation Rate 97.6%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 7:1
How to Get Into Harvard University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Harvard University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 3.6%, Harvard University is extremely selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 3.6% acceptance rate, Harvard University is extremely selective. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their class. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1510 and 1580 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Harvard University undergraduates. Economics, Computer Science, and Social Sciences, General draw the most students.
- Economics 11.1%
- Computer Science 9.8%
- Social Sciences, General 8.1%
- History 7.5%
- Political Science and Government 5.2%
- Applied Mathematics 5.0%
See more majors
- Research and Experimental Psychology 4.0%
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences 3.9%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Statistics $229,811
- 2. Computer Science $219,550
- 3. Applied Mathematics $178,318
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Economics $161,251
- 5. Political Science and Government $117,484
- 6. Research and Experimental Psychology $102,305
- 7. History $94,015
- 8. Sociology $89,947
- 9. Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences $87,380
- 10. Engineering Science $86,477
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Business Administration, Management and Operations (First Professional Degree) $283,798
- 2. Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences (Graduate/Professional Certificate) $281,043
- 3. Law (First Professional Degree) $250,647
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences (Master's Degree) $231,040
- 5. Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology (Master's Degree) $208,695
- 6. Public Health (Master's Degree) $204,275
- 7. Computer Engineering (Master's Degree) $177,890
- 8. Dentistry (First Professional Degree) $172,732
- 9. Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degree) $158,673
- 10. Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology (Doctoral Degree) $147,362
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Statistics grads earn $229,811—166% more than Engineering Science ($86,477). Graduate: Business Administration, Management and Operations programs lead with $283,798 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Harvard University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree, 1,061 graduates)
- Education, General (Master's Degree, 596 graduates)
- Law (First Professional Degree, 570 graduates)
- Public Health (Master's Degree, 339 graduates)
- Public Administration (Master's Degree, 287 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (65 programs)▼
- Economics
- Computer Science
- Social Sciences, General
- History
- Political Science and Government
- Applied Mathematics
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Statistics
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Mathematics
- Sociology
- English Language and Literature, General
- Chemistry
- Engineering Science
- Physics
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- Philosophy
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Natural Sciences
- Anthropology
- Area Studies
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Mechanical Engineering
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Music
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Turkic, Uralic-Altaic, Caucasian, and Central Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- Southeast Asian and Australasian/Pacific Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- South Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Public Health
- Psychology, General
- Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Medieval and Renaissance Studies
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Education, General
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Celtic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Biology, General
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Behavioral Sciences
- Archeology
- African Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Sustainability Studies
- Marketing
- Intelligence, Command Control and Information Operations
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Business/Corporate Communications
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
Online Master's Degrees (111 programs)▼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Education, General
- Public Health
- Public Administration
- Public Policy Analysis
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Economics
- Computer Engineering
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Engineering Science
- Educational/Instructional Media Design
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Area Studies
- City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
- Psychology, General
- Museology/Museum Studies
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Political Science and Government
- Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies
- History
- Computer Science
- Bioethics/Medical Ethics
- Biotechnology
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Applied Mathematics
- Physics
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Medical Illustration and Informatics
- Real Estate
- Statistics
- Engineering-Related Fields
- Biology, General
- Journalism
- Information Science/Studies
- English Language and Literature, General
- Anthropology
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Historic Preservation and Conservation
- Business/Commerce, General
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Philosophy
- Design and Applied Arts
- Engineering Physics
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Landscape Architecture
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Music
- Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
- Sustainability Studies
- Sociology
- Business/Managerial Economics
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Architectural History and Criticism
- Systems Science and Theory
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate)
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Architecture
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Classical and Ancient Studies
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Behavioral Sciences
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- South Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Modern Greek Language and Literature
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Medieval and Renaissance Studies
- Mathematics
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- International and Comparative Education
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Education, Other
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Celtic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
- Social Sciences, General
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Philosophy and Religious Studies, General
- Natural Resources Management and Policy
- Marketing
- Literature
- Intelligence, Command Control and Information Operations
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Computer Programming
- Business/Corporate Communications
- Accounting and Related Services
Online Doctoral Degrees (64 programs)▼
- Biology, General
- Economics
- Physics
- Education, General
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Public Health
- Public Policy Analysis
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Engineering Science
- Chemistry
- Area Studies
- Political Science and Government
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- History
- Engineering Physics
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Computer Science
- Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Mathematics
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Architecture
- Anthropology
- Music
- English Language and Literature, General
- Statistics
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Sociology
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Biotechnology
- Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education
- Philosophy
- Medical Illustration and Informatics
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Genetics
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Applied Mathematics
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
- Theology and Religious Vocations, Other
- Celtic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Behavioral Sciences
- Modern Greek Language and Literature
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Classical and Ancient Studies
- City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Psychology, General
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Business/Managerial Economics
- Architectural History and Criticism
- Demography and Population Studies
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (6 programs)▼
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
- Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Education, General
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
Online First Professional Degrees (6 programs)▼
- Law
- Medicine
- Dentistry
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Education, General
- Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 0
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 0.0%
- Female Students 0.0%
- Caucasian 30.9%
- Asian 22.4%
- Hispanic 11.9%
- Black 8.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients 0.0%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Harvard University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Harvard University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Harvard University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Harvard University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Harvard University has a diverse student body, with 30.9% identifying as White. About 16.4% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Harvard University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Harvard University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Harvard University stands among the nation's most elite, delivering a strong 107.5% ROI though 805 institutions deliver higher returns at lower costs.
The institution achieves 55.7% four-year and 97.6% six-year completion ratesand maintains 98.3% first-year retention. However, the $19,066 annual net price positions this institution at the higher end of college costs. Post-graduation median earnings of $99,572 reflect strong career outcomes typical of selective institutions.
Value Analysis: Is Harvard University Worth It?
Ranking #7 of 6119, Harvard University delivers a A+ overall grade with 99.7/100 on EDsmart's national index (0–100 vs. all ranked schools; not a raw point total).
For High-Achieving Students: Applicants pursuing careers where institutional prestige and professional networks drive opportunities—such as finance, consulting, law, and academia—benefit most from Harvard University's brand value and alumni connections. The school's reputation provides career acceleration that may justify the premium cost for specific fields.
Financial Aid Recipients: Students receiving substantial need-based aid (bringing actual costs below $9,533 annually) access elite education at a competitive price point. Pell-eligible students often pay less here than at many public universities.
Alternative Considerations: Students in fields where skills and credentials matter more than brand name—particularly STEM, healthcare, and technical fields—should compare outcomes against public research universities offering similar education at 40-60% lower cost. Our data shows 805 institutions deliver superior ROI metrics.
Bottom Line: Harvard University excels in reputation and student experience, reflected in its 98.3% retention rate. However, value-conscious students should weigh the $19,066 annual investment against 805 alternatives offering stronger financial returns. The "best" choice depends on your field, financial situation, and career goals—not rankings alone.
Key Takeaways
- 97.6% six-year graduation rate sits 35.1 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 98.3% first-year retention is 21.5 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 107.5% return on investment is 57.6 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $99,572 run about 128% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $19,066 is roughly $1,640 higher than the national median of $17,426.
Helpfulness for Students
- 7:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 98.3% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 63.6% employment rate within three years sits 4.6 points below national outcomes.
- Average net price of $19,066 is about $1,640 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in Cambridge, MA, Harvard University operates as a private nonprofit university and receives a A+ from EDsmart. It stands at #7 among 6119 schools Category results include Completion (A+), Support (A), Career Outcomes (A+), and Affordability (B-).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
The six-year graduation rate hovers around 97.6%. The reported ROI is 107.5%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $19,066 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $85,540.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $66,474 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $12,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
Pell Grant participation data is not reported.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $99,572 six years after entry. This is roughly 128% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
Roughly 63.6% of graduates are employed three years out.
EDsmart lists the ROI at 107.5%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
3.6% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Harvard University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Harvard University's acceptance rate?
Harvard University's acceptance rate is 3.6%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Harvard University cost?
At Harvard University, the average net price after aid is $19,066. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Harvard University's ranking?
Harvard University ranks #7 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of A+, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Harvard University's graduation rate?
At Harvard University, the six-year graduation rate is 97.6%.
What are Harvard University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Harvard University report median earnings of $99,572 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
Contact Information
- Address Cambridge, MA 02138
- Website www.harvard.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationNew England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE)
- Endowment$50.75B
- Transfer Enrollment Rate0.1%