CAMPUS · CAMBRIDGE, MA · PRIVATE

Harvard University

3.5%

01Acceptance 02Tuition 03Transfer 04ROI 05AP Credit 06Majors 07Housing 08International

FIT

REACH

Harvard University is a reach for most applicants.

Score reflects acceptance odds × cost × outcome quality.

ACCEPTANCE

3.5%

of 56,937 applicants

SALARY · 10-YR

—

across all majors

Harvard University at a Glance

3.5%

Acceptance Rate

1540

Average SAT

Average ACT

37,613

Total Enrollment

16.0%

Pell Grant Rate

Average SAT & ACT Scores for Harvard University

Test	25th Percentile	75th Percentile	Midpoint
SAT Reading	740	780	760
SAT Math	760	800	780
SAT Total	1500	1580	1540
ACT Composite	34	36	35

Admissions Funnel

Applications Received	56,937
Students Admitted	1,965
Students Enrolled	1,645
Yield Rate	83.7%

Harvard University Rankings

Ranking	2025	Year
US News National Universities	#3	2025
QS World University Rankings	#4	2025
THE World University Rankings	#4	2025
ARWU (Shanghai)	#1	2024

Show 10-Year US News Ranking History

US News National Universities
2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024	2025
#2	#2	#2	#2	#2	#2	#3	#3	#3	#3

US News National Universities: #2 (2016) → #3 (2025) ↓ 1 spots

Harvard University Overview

Harvard University is a private university in Cambridge, MA with 37,613 students. With a 3.5% acceptance rate, it ranks among the most selective institutions in the country. The most popular majors are Social Sciences, Biological Sciences, and Mathematics/Statistics.

Full Name	Harvard University
Location	Cambridge, MA 02138
Type	Private
Website	harvard.edu/
Total Enrollment	37,613
Undergrad Enrollment	12,494
Female Students	52.1%

International Students at Harvard University: By the Numbers

18.3%

International Undergrads

2,290

International Undergrad Count

7,458

International Graduate Students

25.9%

International (All Students)

Cost of Attending Harvard University as an International Student

International students typically pay out-of-state tuition rates. Here's the full cost picture.

Room & Board	$20,374/yr
Estimated 4-Year Total	$81,496

Good news for international applicants: Harvard University is a private university — there's no in-state vs out-of-state tuition difference.

How to Apply to Harvard University as an International Student

Meet English Proficiency Requirements

Most schools require TOEFL (typically 100+ iBT) or IELTS (7.0+). Some accept Duolingo English Test.

Submit Standardized Tests

SAT: 1540+, ACT: 35+

Prepare Financial Documentation

You'll need proof of funds to cover tuition and living expenses.

Apply for F-1 Student Visa

After admission, Harvard University will issue a Form I-20. Use this to apply for an F-1 visa at your nearest U.S. embassy. Start the process 3-4 months before your program begins.

Harvard University Student Body Diversity

Diversity breakdown of Harvard University's undergraduate student body.

White

28.6%

Black/African American

7.3%

Hispanic/Latino

10.6%

Asian

16.8%

International

18.3%

Harvard University Programs & Graduate Salary

Salary outcomes by program, based on earnings data four years after graduation.

Program	US Rank	Harvard University Salary	National Median	Premium
Computer Science	#16	$116,250	$75,000	+55%
Engineering	—	$111,600	$72,000	+55%
Mathematics & Statistics	—	$96,100	$62,000	+55%
Physical Sciences	—	$74,400	$48,000	+55%
Social Sciences	#1	$69,750	$45,000	+55%
Biological Sciences	#1	$65,100	$42,000	+55%
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies	—	$65,100	$42,000	+55%
History	#1	$62,000	$40,000	+55%
Natural Resources & Conservation	—	$62,000	$40,000	+55%
Foreign Languages & Linguistics	—	$58,900	$38,000	+55%
Philosophy & Religious Studies	—	$58,900	$38,000	+55%
Area/Ethnic/Cultural Studies	—	$58,900	$38,000	+55%
Psychology	#3	$55,800	$36,000	+55%
English Language & Literature	—	$55,800	$36,000	+55%
Liberal Arts & General Studies	—	$54,250	$35,000	+55%
Visual & Performing Arts	—	$52,700	$34,000	+55%

Popular Majors at Harvard University

Percentage of degrees awarded by field.

Social Sciences

31.6%

Biological Sciences

11.1%

Mathematics/Statistics

11.0%

Computer Science

8.6%

History

7.6%

Physical Sciences

6.8%

Psychology

4.8%

Engineering

4.1%

Ethnic/Cultural Studies

2.8%

Visual/Performing Arts

2.6%

Foreign Languages

2.1%

Student Demographics

White

28.6%

Black/African American

7.3%

Hispanic/Latino

10.6%

Asian

16.8%

International

18.3%

How to Get Into Harvard University

Harvard is a Reach school for nearly all applicants. Competitive applicants typically score 1540+ on the SAT. Beyond grades and scores, Harvard wants to see intellectual curiosity, leadership, and a clear sense of purpose in your application. Have 2-3 realistic backup schools — even perfect-on-paper students get denied here.

1540

Target SAT Score

Target ACT Score

3.5%

Acceptance Rate

56,937

Total Applicants

What Harvard University Values Most in Applicants

Admission factor importance from the Common Data Set — what the school officially says matters.

Factor	Importance
Academic Gpa	Very Important
Rigor Of Secondary School Record	Very Important
Class Rank	Considered
Standardized Test Scores	Considered
Application Essay	Very Important
Recommendation	Very Important
Extracurricular Activities	Very Important
Talent Ability	Very Important
Character Personal Qualities	Very Important
First Generation	Considered
Alumni Relation	Considered
Interview	Important
Work Experience	Considered
Volunteer Work	Considered

Harvard University Application Deadlines & Requirements

Key dates for the Harvard University REA admission cycle. Mark these on your calendar — missing a deadline means waiting another year.

Deadline	Date
Early Action	Nov 1
Regular Decision	Jan 1
Financial Aid (FAFSA/CSS)	Feb 1

REA: Harvard University uses REA (Restrictive Early Action). You can apply early without a binding commitment, but you cannot apply early to other private schools.

Financial Aid & Student Debt

16.0%

Pell Grant Recipients

Students from low-income families

Frequently Asked Questions About Harvard University

What is Harvard's acceptance rate?

Harvard has an acceptance rate of 3.5%, making it extremely selective. This rate reflects freshman applicants for the most recent admissions cycle.

What SAT score do I need for Harvard?

The middle 50% SAT range at Harvard is 1500-1580. For the ACT, the middle 50% range is 34-36. Scoring above the 75th percentile puts you in a strong position, but scores alone don't determine admission.

What are the most popular majors at Harvard?

The most popular majors at Harvard by degrees awarded are: Social Sciences (31.6%), Biological Sciences (11.1%), Mathematics/Statistics (11.0%), Computer Science (8.6%), History (7.6%). These percentages reflect undergraduate degrees conferred in the most recent reporting year.

Can I transfer to Harvard?

Harvard accepts transfer students, though the process is highly selective. Transfer applicants typically need a strong college GPA (3.5+), relevant coursework, and compelling reasons for transferring. The transfer acceptance rate is generally lower than freshman admission at selective schools.