Harvard University

Harvard University Massachusetts Hall Cambridge, MA 02138

University Type

Private

Massachusetts,

United States

Year Established:

1636

Harvard University is a private Ivy League research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Established in 1636 and named for its first benefactor, the Puritan clergyman John Harvard, Harvard is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States and among the most prestigious in the world.

The university is composed of ten academic faculties plus the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study. Arts and Sciences offer to study in a wide range of academic disciplines for undergraduates and for graduates, while the other faculties offer only graduate degrees, mostly professional. Harvard has three main campuses: the 209-acre (85 ha) Cambridge campus centered on Harvard Yard; an adjoining campus immediately across the Charles River in the Allston neighborhood of Boston; and the medical campus in Boston's Longwood Medical Area. Harvard's endowment is valued at $53.2 billion, making it the largest of any academic institution. Endowment income helps enable the undergraduate college to admit students regardless of financial need and provide generous financial aid with no loans. The Harvard Library is the world's largest academic library system, comprising 79 individual libraries holding about 20.4 million items.

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Rankings

#4

QS

#1

USNews

Harvard University Program Rankings

  • Economics (PhD) - Rank #1 (US News)

  • Technology & Operations Management (PhD) - Rank #1 (US News)

  • Mathematics (PhD) - Rank #2 (US News)

  • Astronomy & Astrophysics (PhD) - Rank #3 (QS)

  • Marketing (PhD) - Rank #6 (US News)

  • Statistics (PhD) - Rank #6 (US News)

  • Mathematics (UG) - Rank #9 (US News)

  • Statistics (UG) - Rank #9 (US News)

  • Computer Science (PhD) - Rank #16 (US News)

  • Engineering Sciences (Environmental Science & Engineering) (UG) - Rank #30 (QS)

  • Applied Mathematics (UG) - Rank #30 (US News)

  • Biomedical Engineering (UG) - Rank #30 (US News)

  • Chemical & Physical Biology (UG) - Rank #30 (US News)

  • Chemistry (UG) - Rank #30 (US News)

  • Chemistry & Physics (UG) - Rank #30 (US News)

  • Computer Science (UG) - Rank #30 (US News)

  • Economics (UG) - Rank #30 (US News)

  • Electrical Engineering (UG) - Rank #30 (US News)

  • Engineering Sciences (Bioengineering) (UG) - Rank #30 (US News)

  • Engineering Sciences (Biomedical Sciences & Engineering) (UG) - Rank #30 (US News)

  • Engineering Sciences (Electrical & Computer Engineering) (UG) - Rank #30 (US News)

  • Engineering Sciences (Mechanical & Materials Science & Engineering) (UG) - Rank #30 (US News)

  • Environmental Science & Engineering (UG) - Rank #30 (US News)

  • Mechanical Engineering (UG) - Rank #30 (US News)

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Harvard University Highlights

What's Inside Harvard University? | Harvard Campus Tour

Harvard University Tour

Take a student-led tour of Harvard University

A Day in the Life of a Harvard Student

FAQs

What are the most popular graduate programs offered at Harvard University?

Harvard University offers a diverse range of popular graduate programs renowned worldwide. Notable among them are Business Administration through Harvard Business School, Law through Harvard Law School, Medicine at Harvard Medical School, and Public Health through the T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Additionally, programs in Education, Government, and Engineering are highly sought after for their depth and comprehensive curriculum.

What is the Annual Cost of attendance at Harvard University?

For the academic year 2023-2024, Harvard University estimates the total cost of attendance, including tuition and living expenses, to be approximately $78,200 USD. Converting this to Indian Rupees at a rate of 1 USD = 82 INR (subject to fluctuations), the total cost amounts to approximately ₹6,412,400 INR, rounded to the nearest hundreds.

What Financial aid and scholarship options are available at Harvard University?

Harvard University offers robust financial aid programs, aiming to make education accessible regardless of financial background. Prospective students can apply for aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the CSS Profile. Aid packages typically include grants, scholarships, and the possibility of work-study programs, with approximately 55% of students receiving need-based scholarships.

What is the reputation and ranking of Harvard University?

Harvard University consistently ranks among the top universities globally. Notably, it has been ranked as the top institution for Law, Business, Medicine, and Education by various academic ranking entities. Its business school, Harvard Business School, often ranks first in MBA program rankings, while Harvard Law School leads in legal education rankings, underscoring its prestige and high academic standards across disciplines.

What is the campus culture like at Harvard University?

Campus culture at Harvard University is vibrant and intellectually stimulating. Students have access to numerous clubs, organizations, and cultural societies that cater to a wide range of interests. Major events like the Harvard-Yale football game, Arts First Festival, and Cultural Rhythms showcase the school's spirit and diversity. Additionally, the Harvard Innovation Labs provide a platform for student entrepreneurs to explore and develop their ideas.

What are the housing options at Harvard University?

Harvard University offers a variety of housing options including dormitories and apartment-style residences for graduate students. Freshmen are required to live on campus, while upperclassmen have the option to reside in one of the 12 residential houses. For off-campus housing, popular areas include Harvard Square, Porter Square, and Davis Square, all of which are bustling with student activities and are conveniently located near public transportation.

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Harvard University Fun Facts

  • Housing System

    Harvard's housing system assigns students to one of 12 residential houses after freshman year, creating a tight-knit community and lifelong camaraderie among housemates.

  • Harvard-Yale Rivalry

    The annual football match between Harvard and Yale, known as "The Game," is a celebrated tradition, showcasing fierce rivalry and school spirit since 1875.

  • Famous Dropouts

    Harvard has an intriguing list of dropouts who became extraordinarily successful, including Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg, both of whom left to found tech giants.

  • Primal Scream

    A quirky Harvard tradition, the "Primal Scream," occurs at midnight on the last night before final exams start, where students run naked around Harvard Yard to relieve stress.