About

About Harvard University

ultra selective admissionsivy leaguehigh research activityneed blind admissionsstrong graduate programs

Harvard University is a private research university in Cambridge, MA, known for its Ivy League membership, need blind admissions, and strong graduate programs. With an acceptance rate of 3%, Harvard is one of the most selective colleges in the United States, typically enrolling around 1,646 students each year. Admitted students typically score between 1510–1580 on the SAT and 34–36 on the ACT. Harvard meets 100% of demonstrated financial need and has replaced loans with grants; for families earning under $100,000, the net cost is often $0.

Admissions

Harvard University acceptance rate and admitted student profile

one of the most selective colleges in the United States

3%
Overall Accept Rate
4.00
Typical Admitted GPA
1545
Median Admitted SAT
GPATypical admitted range: 3.75 – 4.00 unweighted

Build your free list to see where your GPA lands at Harvard University

SATSubmitted score range: 1510 – 1580

Build your free list to see where your scores land →

Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Harvard University

Essay Strategy
Harvard's essays reward genuine intellectual curiosity, so use your personal statement to show how you think, not just what you have done. Pick one idea or question that genuinely obsesses you and trace how it has shaped the way you engage with the world.
Extracurriculars
Harvard's admissions readers look for students who have pursued something deeply rather than collecting activities for the sake of a long list. Focus your activities section on showing a coherent through line or a single extraordinary commitment rather than spreading yourself across many clubs.

Financial Aid & Cost

What Harvard University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Loan-free financial aid: Harvard University has replaced all loans with grants. For families earning under $100,000, the average net annual cost is $0. Harvard University's sticker price of ~$78k/year bears almost no resemblance to what most families pay.
Family IncomeSticker PriceAvg. Net Cost / yr
0-30kOften $0~$78k/yr~$0 / yr
30k-48kOften $0~$78k/yr~$0 / yr
48k-75kOften $0~$78k/yr~$0 / yr
75k-110k~$78k/yr$9.9k
110k+~$78k/yr$53.3k

Not sure what Harvard University would cost your family? Build your free SpearMatch list. We show estimated net cost for every college on your list based on your income bracket.

Unlock real pricing for Harvard University and matching colleges →

Personalize this page

Compare your profile to Harvard University's admitted class

SpearMatch builds a tiered college list from your actual grades, scores, and preferences — and shows where you stand at every college. Free, no account, 4 minutes.

Build My Free List →

✓ Free forever  ·  ✓ No account  ·  ✓ 1,300+ four-year US colleges

Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

97%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$100k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
5:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
9,221
Undergrad Enrollment

Student Body

Student body composition

Race & Ethnicity

31%White
22%Asian
15%International
12%Hispanic
9%Black / African American
7%Two or More Races
4%Unknown / Unreported
0%American Indian / AK Native
0%Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander
Gender46% Men · 54% Women
Citizenship / Immigration Status85% Citizens and Immigrants · 15% International
Harvard, Cambridge Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch