Founded in 1636 as New College and renamed for benefactor John Harvard in 1639, Harvard is the oldest university in the United States and a founding member of the Ivy League. It has produced eight U.S. presidents, dozens of Nobel laureates, and countless leaders in business, law, medicine, science, and the arts. Its faculty and graduate schools consistently rank among the best in the world, and its library system is the largest academic library on the planet.
Harvard College uses a residential House system that organizes undergraduates into close-knit communities after the first year, fostering lifelong friendships and mentorship. Students can choose from a vast range of concentrations, pursue cutting-edge research with leading scholars, and join hundreds of student organizations. The campus along the Charles River offers a vibrant intellectual atmosphere, with access to Boston's cultural and professional opportunities, and an unmatched alumni network.
| Type | Private Research |
| Location | Cambridge, Massachusetts |
| Founded | 1636 |
| Total students | 23,000 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 7:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 4% |
| Graduation rate | 98% |
| Average starting salary | $80,000 |
| In-state tuition | $59,000 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $59,000 |
| Room & board | $20,000 |
| Average financial aid | $75,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 55% |
| SAT range | 1500-1580 |
| ACT range | 34-36 |
| Average GPA | 4.18 |
| Regular deadline | January 1 |
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.