Harvard University

Harvard consistently ranks among the top universities worldwide, maintaining a position within the top five in major global rankings. It is ranked #4 in the QS Rankings, #3 in the THE rankings, and #3 in the US News rankings, reflecting its strong global reputation.

Here's how Harvard University performs across rankings:

Subject-wise rankings can help you understand how your chosen program performs. Let's look into the details.

Harvard University: Top Course-wise Ranking 2024-25

In subject-wise rankings, Harvard performs exceptionally well, with engineering ranked #9, business at #1, and humanities at #1 in the QS rankings. Similarly, health sciences (#2) and law (#2) in the THE rankings highlight its excellence across diverse fields. 

Here's a look at how different subjects perform at Harvard University:

Unsure how Harvard performs in your chosen subject? Check out Harvard University Ranking 2025 for detailed insights and see how it stands globally!

Harvard's consistent performance in global rankings for programs like engineering and business reflects its academic excellence and outcomes-based education. Now, let's explore its campuses.

Harvard University has three campuses: the Harvard Yard (main campus), Longwood Campus, and Allston Campus. It has 12 graduate and professional schools, along with an institute for advanced study, offering degrees in medicine, engineering, business, arts, humanities, law, and design.

Here's an overview of Harvard University Campuses.

• Harvard Yard: 
  • Harvard Yard hosts the Widener Library, one of the world's largest university libraries, with 3.5 million volumes.
  • It is home to the Memorial Church, which hosts annual lectures by Nobel laureates and Pulitzer Prize winners.
  • Harvard Yard’s historic gates and buildings date back over 370 years, making it the birthplace of American higher education.
• Longwood: 
  • It is home to Harvard Medical School, the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and the Harvard School of Dental Medicine. 
  • The Harvard Medical School, located on this campus, has 16 Nobel Prize winners among its faculty.
  • It is the site where CRISPR gene-editing technology was first developed.
  • Leads U.S. biomedical research funding, receiving over $1 billion annually from the NIH.
• Allston: 
  • It houses the Harvard Business School, ranked #1 globally for its MBA program and executive education.
  • Hosts the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, a leader in quantum computing and sustainable technology research.
  • It is home to Harvard Innovation Labs, which incubates over 150 startups annually.

After exploring Harvard University's campuses, let's examine the details of the admission process.

Harvard is one of the most competitive schools, with an overall acceptance rate of 3.64% across programs. Highly competitive programs like medicine and computer science have even lower acceptance rates. 

You can apply through either Restricted Early Action or Regular Decision by submitting required documents, such as transcripts and letters of recommendation.

Below is a breakdown of the admission requirements and deadlines for Harvard University:

Admission Requirements

Harvard requires SAT or ACT scores, along with academic records such as the final school transcript. International students can also submit English language test scores, like TOEFL, although it's not compulsory. Once admitted, international students must apply for a U.S. student visa to study in the United States.

Here's a look at the different admission criteria for Harvard University:

Academic Qualification

Academic criteria include a GPA score along with documents such as transcripts and recommendation letters. Additionally, programs like MBA or Architecture may require a resume or portfolio.

Here are the academic requirements:

Note: Requirements vary by course. Please check the official website for more details.

Language Proficiency

Strong English proficiency is crucial for studying at Harvard. While an English proficiency exam (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.) is not required, you may choose to submit scores.

Competitive Exams

ACT and SAT scores must be submitted for undergraduate admissions, while GRE or GMAT scores are required for graduate programs such as MS and MBA. Harvard University does not specify minimum score requirements for these exams.

Here are the competitive exams required for Harvard University:

Note: The ACT and SAT are standard test options for admission. Other exam scores must be submitted only if requested.

Visa Requirements 

In recent years, there has been a 38% reduction in student visas issued to Indian applicants, reflecting stricter requirements. To avoid rejection, be sure to submit documents such as the letter of acceptance and apply for an F-1 student visa by providing your passport and proof of funds.

Here are the visa requirements to study at Harvard University:

The above criteria generally apply to different programs at Harvard University. For program-specific requirements, check out the Harvard University Admissions page.

Now, let's check out the admission dates and intakes for Harvard University.

Admission Dates and Deadlines

Currently, Harvard has 24,596 students enrolled. You can apply through Harvard's Restrictive Early Action or Regular Decision programs. This allows you to compare admission and financial aid offers from other schools and wait until May 1 to make your final college decision.

Here's a look at the admission deadlines for international students to get into Harvard from India:

Now that you’ve reviewed the admission requirements and application deadlines for studying at Harvard University, let’s take a look at the different programs offered.

Harvard University offers 3700 courses in streams ranging from sciences, business, engineering, arts, and humanities. Besides STEM programs (computer engineering, medicine, mathematics), Harvard offers courses in emerging fields like cybersecurity and biochemistry.

Here are some popular courses in different streams:

After reviewing some of the programs offered at Harvard University, let's take a look at the tuition fees for different courses.

Understanding the total cost, such as tuition, living expenses, travel, and insurance, helps you choose which universities fit your budget. Harvard's tuition fees are relatively high, making it one of the world's top private institutions. The total cost of studying at Harvard can go up to $82,950 (INR 71.3L)

Living expenses, including housing, transportation, and miscellaneous costs, make up approximately 23% to 25% of the annual cost of study in the US.

Here are the tuition fees for different streams: 

Note: The currency conversions are based on the current exchange rate.

Beyond tuition fees, you will need to factor in the cost of accommodation, meals, and course materials. Let's take a look at these expenses.

About 55% of students receive need-based scholarships, and 1 in every 4 students studies at Harvard with little or no cost. Harvard offers individualized financial aid packages based on students' needs, including university scholarships and federal grants such as the Federal Pell Grant.

Below is a breakdown of both internal and external scholarships available, including fully funded scholarships in the USA for international students:

Internal Scholarships

Internal scholarships are funded from Harvard's own resources or provided by more than 2000 individual endowments. Harvard students can apply for internal scholarships, such as Harvard scholarship funds, and government-funded scholarships, like Pell Grants.

Here are some internal scholarships to study at Harvard for Indian students:

Apart from the university's own scholarships, students can explore awards offered by external foundations, such as the Inlaks Scholarship.

External Scholarships

External scholarships are funded by either the government or private foundations. Indian students studying at Harvard can apply for scholarships like the Fulbright scholarships and the Inlaks scholarships, which cover tuition fees and living expenses.

Below are some external scholarship options:

These scholarships help reduce your financial burden, ensuring you can complete your studies without any issues. Now, let's take a look at placement at Harvard.

The Mignone Center for Career Services at Harvard provides comprehensive career counseling and placement opportunities for students across all disciplines. 

The most job-oriented degree at Harvard is the MBA. About 85% of job applicants have received an offer, with a median salary of $175,000.

To help students succeed, Harvard offers placement services, including:

• Internship Exploration: It offers workshops and guidance to help students find internships that align with their academic interests and career goals.
• Building Your CV: The center offers one-on-one advising and workshops to help students craft strong resumes and CVs that highlight their skills, experience, and accomplishments. 
• Engaging with Employers: Harvard students have access to various employer networking events, career fairs, and recruiting events organized by the Mignone Center. 
• Access to Resources: The center provides a wealth of resources, including a career library, job boards, and online platforms where students can explore job postings, access career advice, and connect with alumni.
• Negotiating Offers: Career advisors help students navigate salary negotiations, benefits, and other terms to ensure they make informed decisions when accepting job offers.

Placement services at Harvard University prepare students for job opportunities with top companies such as Amazon, JPMorgan Chase, Google, and other leading firms. 

Top Recruiters

Harvard ranks among the top 1% of universities worldwide. It is known for its rigorous academics and influential research. This strong reputation drives high demand for its graduates in roles like software engineer, investment banker, and management consultant.

Here are some top recruiters:

• Deloitte: Graduates are hired for roles in technology, strategy, and risk management.
• Bain & Co.: Business, economics, and engineering students are hired for consulting positions.
• McKinsey & Company: Individuals with strong academic backgrounds in business, economics, or engineering are chosen for strategy and management consulting roles.
• JPMorgan Chase: Students from finance, economics, and STEM backgrounds are hired for management roles.
• Google: Targets students from computer science, engineering, and data science for roles in software engineering, product management, and data analysis.
• Boston Consulting Group (BCG): Targets students interested in business, economics, or engineering.

Now, let's look at internship and co-op opportunities available for students at Harvard University.

Internship and Co-op Opportunities

About 85% of Harvard students participate in internships and co-ops during their studies, gaining valuable experience in fields such as engineering, management, and consultation.

Here's how you can begin your internship search:

• Explore Crimson Careers: Harvard's dedicated career platform for current students and recent alumni to find internship listings tailored to various fields.
• Perfect Your Resume and Cover Letter: Make sure your application documents are polished and customized for each opportunity.
• Craft a Professional LinkedIn Profile: A strong LinkedIn presence helps with networking and getting noticed by potential employers.
• Connect with Alumni via MCS Firsthand Advisors: Use Harvard's alumni network to gain insights, mentorship, and potential referrals.
• Attend Career Fairs and Networking Events: Engage directly with recruiters and industry professionals at Harvard-hosted events.
• Consult with an MCS Advisor: Meet with a career advisor to create a personalized internship plan and get expert guidance.

International students can improve their internship search by using Interstride, a platform that provides webinars on visa regulations and work authorization.

Beyond these, Harvard College undergraduates have additional opportunities, such as Harvard-funded summer programs that include internships, research projects, and study abroad.

After checking out the placement services offered at the university and the top recruiters, let's compare Harvard University with its competitors.

Harvard University Vs Yale University Vs Stanford University 

Comparing similar universities helps prospective students make informed decisions by evaluating tuition fees, top courses, and potential career outcomes. For example, Harvard graduates have an average starting salary of $175,000 (INR 1.5 crore), which is higher than Yale graduates' average of $160,000 (INR 1.3 crore).

To get a clear picture, here's a comparison of Harvard University with similar ones like Yale University and Stanford University.

Note: The tuition fee is calculated as the average for top courses.

Harvard's QS rank of #4 is significantly higher than Stanford (#6) and Yale (#23), reflecting its stronger global reputation. Harvard also offers a competitive undergraduate tuition fee of $56,550, which is lower than Stanford's $86,836 but higher than Yale's $67,250. 

After comparing features such as tuition fees, placements, and popular courses with similar universities, let's look at campus life.

Comparing similar universities helps prospective students make informed decisions by evaluating tuition fees, top courses, and potential career outcomes. For example, Harvard graduates have an average starting salary of $175,000 (INR 1.5 crore), which is higher than Yale graduates' average of $160,000 (INR 1.3 crore).

To get a clear picture, here's a comparison of Harvard University with similar ones like Yale University and Stanford University.

Note: The tuition fee is calculated as the average for top courses.

Harvard's QS rank of #4 is significantly higher than Stanford (#6) and Yale (#23), reflecting its stronger global reputation. Harvard also offers a competitive undergraduate tuition fee of $56,550, which is lower than Stanford's $86,836 but higher than Yale's $67,250. 

After comparing features such as tuition fees, placements, and popular courses with similar universities, let's look at campus life.

Education at Harvard extends beyond the classroom. With over 450 student clubs and organizations, intramural athletics, and numerous leadership and service opportunities, there are plenty of ways to get involved.

Here are some activities you can explore:

• Sport and Athletics: The Harvard Crimson teams compete in the Ivy League, and students can participate in sports like football, basketball, rowing, and soccer.
• Music and Visual Arts: You can be part of the Harvard College Opera Society, Harvard-Radcliffe Orchestra, and Harvard Jazz Band. Additionally, the Harvard Dance Program provides a range of courses and performance opportunities in dance.
• Public Service: Through Harvard Public Service Network, you can get involved in local community service, education outreach, or international development projects.
• Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC): Harvard offers ROTC programs in partnership with the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force, allowing students to receive military training while earning their degrees.
• Leadership and Service: The Harvard Leadership Institute and student organizations, such as Harvard Student Agencies, offer leadership skills and opportunities to make an impact.

Through extracurricular activities, Harvard strives for holistic development in addition to academic excellence. Now, let's explore popular alumni from Harvard.

With 420,000 alumni from over 200 countries, Harvard graduates have made significant contributions across fields ranging from business to the arts. Notable alumni include political leaders like John F. Kennedy, tech pioneers such as Bill Gates, and acclaimed artists like Matt Damon.

Here are some popular Harvard alumni.

Beyond tuition fees, expenses like transport, housing, food, and course materials add to the overall cost of studying in the US. The amount spent on living expenses can vary depending on the city. Living in Boston may cost less compared to San Francisco but more than Dallas.

Here are the additional costs associated with studying at Harvard University:

To help ease the burden of tuition costs, Harvard offers scholarship opportunities for eligible students. Let's check out some popular scholarships.

The average tuition fee at Harvard is $61,676, which is 22% higher than the national average of $47,890. Despite this, the university enrolls students from diverse backgrounds. An MS program costs you around $65,536 (INR 56.3L), whereas an MBA costs $78,700 (INR 67.6L).  

Here are details of intakes at Harvard for different programs:

Note: 

• Fees may vary depending on the specialization. Please refer to the official Harvard University website for the most up-to-date information.
• The currency conversions are based on the current exchange rate.

Now that you’ve reviewed the programs offered and admission details, let’s explore the tuition fees for different courses.