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A+
Overall Niche Grade
How are grades calculated?
  1. Academics
    A+
  2. Value
    A+
  3. Diversity
    A
  4. Campus
    A
  5. Athletics
    B
  6. Party Scene
    A-
  7. Professors
    A+
  8. Location
    A
  9. Dorms
    A
  10. Campus Food
    B
  11. Student Life
    A+
  12. Safety
    B
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Harvard University is ...
Private not-for-profit
Athletic Division
NCAA Division I-FCS
Athletic Conference
Ivy League
Address
Massachusetts Hall
Cambridge, MA 02138
Website
harvard.edu
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Harvard University Rankings

Niche rankings are based on rigorous analysis of key statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and millions of reviews.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate
5%
Application Deadline
January 1
SAT Range
1430-1600
ACT Range
32-35
Application Fee
$75
SAT/ACT
Required
High School GPA
Recommended
Early Decision/Early Action
Yes
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Cost

Net Price
$16,205/ year
National
$15,523
Average cost after financial aid for students receiving grant or scholarship aid, as reported by the college.
Net Price by Household Income
  • <$30k
    $3,294/ year
  • $30-48k
    $1,665/ year
  • $49-75k
    $6,577/ year
  • $76-110k
    $11,222/ year
  • $110k+
    $44,238/ year
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Academics

Professors
A+
Based on faculty accomplishments, salary, student reviews, and additional factors.
Student Faculty Ratio
7:1
Evening Degree Programs
Yes
80%
of students agree that professors put a lot of effort into teaching their classes.65 responses
88%
of students agree that it is easy to get the classes they want.68 responses
51%
of students agree that the workload is easy to manage.68 responses
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Majors

Most Popular Majors
  • Economics
    338 Graduates
  • Computer Science
    230 Graduates
  • History
    170 Graduates
  • Political Science and Government
    165 Graduates
  • Social Sciences
    160 Graduates
  • Mathematics & Statistics
    146 Graduates
  • Research and Experimental Psychology
    138 Graduates
  • Public Health
    107 Graduates
  • Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
    92 Graduates
  • Computational and Applied Mathematics
    81 Graduates

Students

Full-Time Enrollment
7,151Undergrads
Undergrads Over 25
4%
Pell Grant
16%
Varsity Athletes
15%
Poll
What one word or phrase best describes the typical student at this school?
Based on 42 responses
Report
  • Passionately committed
    31%
  • Smart
    31%
  • Brilliant
    24%
  • Stressed
    5%
  • Average
    2%
  • Empathetic
    2%
  • Nice
    2%

Campus Life

Freshmen Live On-Campus
100%
Poll
58%
of students say Greek life is pretty low-key and has little effect on the social scene.57 responses
Poll
54%
of students say varsity sporting events are attended, but not a huge part of campus life.71 responses
Poll
What one word or phrase best describes your school?
Based on 44 responses
Report
  • Intense, Passionate, Diverse and Life Changing
    50%
  • It's Harvard
    25%
  • Intense
    18%
  • In between a fantasy and reality
    5%
  • Realistic and not magical
    2%

After College

Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation
$90,900/ year
National
$33,028
Graduation Rate
97%
National
49%
Employed 2 Years After Graduation
91%
National
83%
95%
of students feel confident they will find a job in their field after graduation.37 responses
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Harvard University Reviews

652 reviews
All Categories
Harvard University offers the most incredible experience for its students. From the rich history to the esteemed faculty to the vibrant atmosphere of Harvard Square, it is truly one of a kind and inspiring. During my time at Harvard, I got to dance to Gangnam Style with Psy, read a Gutenberg Bible, study and work under my hero, perform fMRIs, and eat brunch in what is essentially the Great Hall of Hogwarts. I cannot begin to tell you the opportunities available here nor what you will learn from working and studying alongside people from all over the world. Harvard also tries to promote diversity further by offering a needs-blind application process and a financial aid package that guarantees you will not have to turn down your acceptance due to financial hardship! Harvard truly takes care of its students, giving them every opportunity imaginable and giving them an experience they will never forget.
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Just a preppy college full of sweaty nerds, whats new! This college is nice and all but it just gets annoying when the only thing most of the students can do here is read a book (eye-roll). A couple of weeks ago I asked my friend Chin if he wanted to hangout and drink. He said sure and that he would bring the drinks since I was hosting him. Long story short, he brought Hi-C...
The academics aren't really more difficult than your average college, but I think the high ability level of the students makes the grading harsher than your average college. I think a B at Harvard would be an A at the average college in America.

Some of the professors are very rude and arrogant toward undergrads. I experienced that firsthand on at least four occasions (four different professors).

The place can feel overwhelming and lonely at times, and there's no hand-holding. Also, when it comes to finding a job at graduation, you're on your own. Nobody's going to knock on your door with a job offer. Career Services exists, of course, but they aren't going to knock on your door either, and they're primarily only useful if you want to work on Wall Street. If you want any help at Harvard (job-seeking help, mental health help...any help), you have to seek it out.