Harvard University : Rankings, Fees & Courses Details | Top Universities
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Harvard University

Location

Harvard College, Cambridge United States

Ranking

# 4QS World University Rankings

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25Undergrad. & Postgrad. Programmes

University Profile

About Harvard University

Established in 1636, Harvard is the oldest higher education institution in the United States, and is widely regarded in terms of its influence, reputation, and academic pedigree as a leading university in not just the US but also the world. 

Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, three miles north-west of Boston, Harvard’s 209-acre campus houses 10 degree-granting schools in addition to the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, two theaters, and five museums. It is also home to the largest academic library system in the world, with 18 million volumes, 180,000 serial titles, an estimated 400 million manuscript items and 10 million photographs. 

Like most of the United States’ pre-Civil War colleges, Harvard was founded to train clergy, but Harvard’s curriculum and student body quickly secularized, and in the 20th century admissions policy was opened up to bring in a more diverse pool of applicants. 

Now, a total of 21,000 students attend the university, each of whom at some point can be seen bustling past the famous statue of John Harvard, the university’s first benefactor and founder, which looks on benignly in the center of the campus. The bronze statue’s gleaming foot is due to almost incessant rubbing by tourists and students, who believe the act brings good luck. 

Only the academic elite can claim a place at Harvard, and the nominal cost of attendance is high – though the university’s hefty endowment is such that it can offer generous financial aid packages, which around 60 per cent of students take advantage of. 

As freshmen, students live in one of the dormitories in Harvard Yard, a prime location, and eat in the historic and picturesque Annenberg dining hall. Harvard students are active around and beyond campus, with over 400 official student societies including extracurricular, co-curricular and athletic opportunities. Whether playing on the field in Harvard Stadium, fostering entrepreneurial activities at the Harvard innovation lab or writing and editing at the daily newspaper the Harvard Crimson, student life is a rich and rewarding experience. 

Harvard\'s alumni include eight US presidents, several foreign heads of state, 62 living billionaires, 359 Rhodes Scholars, and 242 Marshall Scholars. Whether it be Pulitzer Prizes, Nobel Prizes, or Academy Awards, Harvard graduates have won them. Students and alumni have also won 108 Olympic medals between them. The university is regularly ranked number one in the world, and the consistency of its chart-topping performances shows that success is yet to breed complacency. 


About Harvard University

Established in 1636, Harvard is the oldest higher education institution in the United States, and is widely regarded in terms of its influence, reputation, and academic pedigree as a leading university in not just the US but also the world. 

Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, three miles north-west of Boston, Harvard’s 209-acre campus houses 10 degree-granting schools in addition to the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, two theaters, and five museums. It is also home to the largest academic library system in the world, with 18 million volumes, 180,000 serial titles, an estimated 400 million manuscript items and 10 million photographs. 

Like most of the United States’ pre-Civil War colleges, Harvard was founded to train clergy, but Harvard’s curriculum and student body quickly secularized, and in the 20th century admissions policy was opened up to bring in a more diverse pool of applicants. 

Now, a total of 21,000 students attend the university, each of whom at some point can be seen bustling past the famous statue of John Harvard, the university’s first benefactor and founder, which looks on benignly in the center of the campus. The bronze statue’s gleaming foot is due to almost incessant rubbing by tourists and students, who believe the act brings good luck. 

Only the academic elite can claim a place at Harvard, and the nominal cost of attendance is high – though the university’s hefty endowment is such that it can offer generous financial aid packages, which around 60 per cent of students take advantage of. 

As freshmen, students live in one of the dormitories in Harvard Yard, a prime location, and eat in the historic and picturesque Annenberg dining hall. Harvard students are active around and beyond campus, with over 400 official student societies including extracurricular, co-curricular and athletic opportunities. Whether playing on the field in Harvard Stadium, fostering entrepreneurial activities at the Harvard innovation lab or writing and editing at the daily newspaper the Harvard Crimson, student life is a rich and rewarding experience. 

Harvard\'s alumni include eight US presidents, several foreign heads of state, 62 living billionaires, 359 Rhodes Scholars, and 242 Marshall Scholars. Whether it be Pulitzer Prizes, Nobel Prizes, or Academy Awards, Harvard graduates have won them. Students and alumni have also won 108 Olympic medals between them. The university is regularly ranked number one in the world, and the consistency of its chart-topping performances shows that success is yet to breed complacency. 


Available programmes

University information

24,347
33%
67%
6,470
17%
83%
4,422
73%
27%

Cost of Living

Accomodation
$27,650
Food
$4,180
Transport
$1,070
Utilities
$2,930

Scholarships

Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.

To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:

Rankings & Ratings

Harvard University is one of the top private universities in Cambridge, United States. It is ranked #4 in QS World University Rankings 2025.

QS World University Rankings

  • 2012
    #3
  • 2014
    #2
  • 2015
    #4
  • 2016
    #2
  • 2017
    #3
  • 2018
    #3
  • 2019
    #3
  • 2020
    #3
  • 2021
    #3
  • 2022
    #5
  • 2023
    #5
  • 2024
    #4
  • 2025
    #4

QS World University Rankings

  • 2012
    #3
  • 2014
    #2
  • 2015
    #4
  • 2016
    #2
  • 2017
    #3
  • 2018
    #3
  • 2019
    #3
  • 2020
    #3
  • 2021
    #3
  • 2022
    #5
  • 2023
    #5
  • 2024
    #4
  • 2025
    #4

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Frequently Asked Questions

Harvard is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in the United States of America but also has facilities such as the Harvard Medical School based in Boston.

Harvard College and Harvard University are related, but they're not the same thing.

Harvard University: This is the larger institution that encompasses a variety of schools, including Harvard College. It offers programmes for all kinds of students, from undergraduates just starting their academic journey to professionals seeking advanced degrees.

Harvard College: This is the undergraduate college within Harvard University. It focuses on educating students who are earning their bachelor's degrees (BA or BS). This is the part of Harvard most people think of when they talk about applying to ‘Harvard’.

So, if you're applying to Harvard as an undergraduate, you'll be applying to Harvard College.

Harvard University boasts an impressive graduation rate . For Harvard College, home to Harvard’s undergraduate degrees, the typical graduation rate is 98% placing it among the highest in the country. Harvard is committed to supporting its students and helping them achieve their academic goals. The high graduation rate reflects this commitment and the success of their programmes.

Admission to Harvard is highly selective, and requirements vary by course and degree level. Here are some key factors that can help your application, whether you’re a student from the US or an international student:

  • Strong academic record: Excellent grades in a rigorous curriculum are essential.
  • Standardised testing (required starting fall 2025): Starting with students applying to the Harvard College Class of 2029 (entering fall 2025), submission of SAT or ACT scores is required. In exceptional cases where testing is inaccessible, alternative assessments may be considered.
  • Extracurricular activities : Demonstrate your passions, leadership skills, and well-roundedness.
  • Essays : Showcase your unique voice, intellectual curiosity, and future goals through your essays.
  • English language proficiency : TOEFL scores are not essential for first-year or transfer applicants. However, a strong grasp of English is crucial, so you can submit TOEFL scores if you wish.

Yes, Harvard offers generous need-based funding to admitted students. In fact, over half (55%) of students receive financial aid in the form of scholarships and grants and one in five students don’t pay anything. This means your financial situation won't prevent you from attending Harvard if you're admitted.

What this means for you:

  • Financial aid is available: Regardless of your family's financial background, Harvard is committed to making your education affordable.
  • Focus on your application: You can concentrate on putting together your strongest application for admission without worrying about the cost.

For Postgraduates

Many of Harvard’s graduate programmes offer funding packages for a set period (often the first five years). These packages may include a combination of fellowships, assistantships, and scholarships.

Funding comes from various sources, including internal fellowships, external grants, teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and other academic employment opportunities.

Harvard University basic Private Very High 6 no 6470 L 253