Harvard
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About Harvard
Harvard University is a private Ivy League research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts, established in 1636 — the oldest institution of higher education in the United States. Harvard has an endowment of $50.7 billion (2023), the largest of any university in the world. Harvard is consistently ranked #1-3 globally and is associated with 162 Nobel laureates, 32 heads of state (including 8 US presidents), and 188 billionaires (more than any other university). It comprises 12 degree-granting schools including Harvard College, Harvard Business School (HBS), Harvard Law School, Harvard Medical School, and Harvard Kennedy School. Undergraduate acceptance rate has fallen below 3.4% (class of 2027), making it the most selective university in the US. The undergraduate tuition is ~$59,950/year, though Harvard's generous financial aid program means students from families earning under $85,000 pay nothing. Harvard's alumni network is considered the most powerful in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
How hard is it to get into Harvard?
Harvard's acceptance rate was 3.4% for the class of 2027 (down from 5.2% in 2018). Most admitted students have near-perfect GPAs and test scores — the middle 50% SAT range is 1580-1600. Academic excellence is necessary but not sufficient; demonstrated leadership, unique accomplishments, and compelling essays matter significantly.
Is Harvard worth the cost?
For most students, Harvard costs less than state schools due to its generous financial aid. Families earning under $85,000/year pay nothing; those up to $150,000 pay at most 10% of their income. Harvard's network, brand, and education opportunities offer exceptional lifetime ROI — graduates earn a median early career salary of ~$65,000-$85,000 and gain access to one of the most powerful alumni networks globally.