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 ultra selective admissions, ivy league, and high research activity. 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. Harvard is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1510–1580, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. 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

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SATSubmitted score range: 1510 – 1580 (test optional)

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ACTScore range: 34 – 36

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Harvard University

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

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.
Test Score Strategy
Since Harvard is test optional and your score falls below where most admitted students land, withholding it lets your academic record, essays, and activities speak for themselves without introducing a potential weakness.

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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 PriceEst. 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

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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
Harvard University Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch