Harvard University, founded in 1636, is a prestigious Ivy League research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Named after its first benefactor, John Harvard, the university is the oldest in the United States and one of the most prestigious institutions of higher learning.
In 2019, 1,159,798 international students enrolled in American colleges and universities, with Harvard ranking 22nd in popularity among international students. The university offers exceptional resources and opportunities, making it an ideal place for high school students to learn and grow. International students should consider available opportunities in their dream school and host country to secure admission into their dream university.
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In this article, you will get all the information you need if you intend to study at Harvard University. Also, you will learn about their tuition, cost of living, admission, and scholarships. This information, I believe will help you put up a plan that helps you through all the processes as they relate to your stay, accommodation, feeding, study, and lastly, why the school stands to be a great choice.
Are you ready? Here we go!
Table of Contents
Faculties of Harvard University
As the strongest educational and research center, the school has excelled in teaching humanities, natural, technical, and medical sciences. In total, there are 11 academic departments at Harvard situated at the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study and 10 other faculties.
Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the largest division of the school. This is the only faculty that offers training at two levels of training — undergraduate and graduate. Within the framework of the FAS, the following departments are present:
- Harvard College for Bachelors’;
- Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) for master’s and doctoral students;
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (awarding degrees on behalf of the college and GSAS);
- Continuing Education Department (includes Harvard Summer School and Continuing Education School).
The remaining faculties and corresponding schools where design, education, medicine, dentistry, theology, and law are being taught have only master’s and doctoral programs. Likewise, students can also earn MBA or Ph.D. in business offered by the highly renowned Harvard Business School. Furthermore, The School of Management named after John F. Kennedy, and the Harvard School of Public Health of T. H. Chan occupy a great place of honor.
The most popular areas of the university include medicine, economics, business, law, and political science.
List of Courses Offered at Harvard University
Engineering & Technology
- Chemical Engineering
- General Engineering
- Electrical & Electronic Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
Social Sciences
- Sociology
- Politics & International Studies (including Development Studies)
- Communication & Media Studies
- Geography
Business & Economics
- Accounting & Finance
- Economics & Econometrics
- Business & Management
Arts & Humanities
- Architecture
- Art, Performing Arts & Design
- Languages, Literature & Linguistics
- History, Philosophy & Theology
- Archaeology
Psychology
- Psychology
Physical Sciences
- Geology, Environmental, Earth & Marine Sciences
- Chemistry
- Physics & Astronomy
- Mathematics & Statistics
Life Sciences
- Biological Sciences
- Agriculture & Forestry
Law
- Law
Clinical, Pre-clinical & Health
- Medicine & Dentistry
- Other Health
Computer Science
- Computer Science
Education
- Education
Harvard University Ranking
Harvard University has consistently ranked among the top ten world’s best universities, thanks to its historic legacy, academic resources, financial aid, and world-class research opportunities. The university’s ranking is attributed to its long-standing reputation among other US colleges.
Harvard Business School is ranked #5 by US News in 2021, while Harvard Law School ranks #3rd. The university also holds top positions in Impact Rankings, Reputation Rankings, Excellency, and Best Value Schools. The Harvard University Ranking for 2019, 2020, and 2021 is displayed below.
Tuition Fees at Harvard University
The annual fixed cost of attending Harvard’s bachelor’s program is 49,653 USD. The cost of graduate education can range from 29,728 to 73,440 USD year, while some institutions set a lower price starting in the second or third year of study.
Nevertheless, these amounts are approximate and should be used only as a guide because your costs will vary depending on your personal needs and lifestyle.
Despite the extremely high prices, it should be noted that Harvard offers a large number of scholarships and grants, and 70% of students receive financial assistance. Furthermore, this is due to the university’s policy, which does everything in its ability to provide exceptional students with the chance to pursue their educational goals.
Cost of Living at Harvard University
Housing and dining are cost separately at Harvard University. Meanhwile, the on-campus housing expense for any standard student was $10,927 in 2019 – 2020, and the cost of an average meal plan was $6,755. Get an idea of what the costs at the University will likely be for dining, on-campus housing, and other expenses from the below table.
| Expense | Estimated cost (per session) |
| Room and Board | $17,682 |
| Housing | $10,927 |
| Meals | $6,755 |
| Other Living Expenses | $3,193 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 |
| Total | $21,875 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Harvard University
Her are some of the questions prospective students might have about the Harvard University:
What makes Harvard University so special?
Harvard University was the first institution of higher education established in the new world. Being the first university in America, its reputation was established as the sole place where one could get a degree. Moreover, the university produces high-impact research in many fields, from the sciences, medicine, law, and humanities.
How can I get into Harvard University for free?
If your family’s income is less than $65,000, you’ll pay nothing.
- Families who earn more than $150,000 may still qualify for financial aid.
- For more than 90% of American families, Harvard costs less than a public university.
- All students receive the same aid regardless of nationality or citizenship.
What CGPA is required at Harvard University?
In truth, you need close to a 5.0 CGPA to get into Harvard. That means nearly perfect results on every level. However, students with a 3.0 CGPA still have a chance to get into Harvard, provided the applicant can demonstrate that they are what the university is looking for. In some instances, hooks, such as being an athlete, allow applicants to get admitted into Harvard, even with a low CGPA.
Are there required first-year classes For Harvard University?
Harvard requires all first-year students to fulfill the expository writing requirement, a one or two-semester course depending on placement. Otherwise, you may enroll in any Harvard College courses in which you are interested and for which you are prepared.
Is on-campus housing guaranteed At Harvard University?
Harvard guarantees housing for all four years. First-year students live in one of the 17 dormitories in or adjacent to the historic Harvard Yard. Self-selected groups of students are assigned to one of 12 residential Houses for the final three years of undergraduate study. About 350 to 500 students live in a House, each of which includes its own dining hall, library, advising staff, and many other resources.
Does Harvard University provide services for people with disability?
Yes! The Accessible Education Office (AEO) assists students with any impairment limiting their ability to walk, see, hear, speak, learn, or write. Based on each student’s successful strategies, the Center collaborates with faculty and staff to ensure individualized accommodation. Accessible housing and transportation are also available.
What type of students does Harvard University look for?
Generally, Harvard prefers hard-working, exceptional students who exhibit potential for success in the future. They admit students who are passionate, well-rounded, and can get used to the immense study load.
Will Harvard University consider my application if I cannot take SAT or ACT in my country?
The SAT and ACT are standardized and are now offered in almost all countries. You may have to travel some distance or plan for testing long in advance, but these test results are required tools in the review of applications. Students without test results are at a considerable disadvantage in the competitive pool of applicants. However, Students applying to the class of 2025 are not required to submit standardized test scores.
Why should I Study at Harvard University?
Harvard provides students with access to courses, research institutes, and faculty mentors from all parts of the world. With world-renowned faculty, state-of-the-art resources, and individualized instruction, it’s the perfect place to pursue your favorite and still-to-be-discovered academic interests and potentials.
Below are 5 Reasons to study in the United States at Harvard University
- Affordable: Financial aid program makes Harvard affordable for every family throughout the world. The financial aid officers will make sure that finances will not be the reason you would not choose Harvard University.
- Housing: About 98% of students live on campus all four years, which is different than most schools. Awesome!
- The people: While Harvard students are generally pretty driven, they’re incredibly diverse. So many people doing so many different things, which is pretty cool.
- Location: Harvard is located in some of the most beautiful and best of all world cities. Boston and Cambridge are both really awesome places. There is a ton of stuff for college students to do.
- Prestigious and world-class degree: Degrees from universities in the United States are unarguable and prestigious. However, one gotten from Harvard is even more prestigious.
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Scholarships at Harvard University
The scholarships at Harvard University are structured entirely upon meeting students’ needs. Offering various aids in the forms of grants, awards, and endowment funds, the scholarships meet 100% of the demonstrated financial needs of its students. You may consider applying for the scholarship below. It is generous and need-based and is equally available for both domestic and international students.
Other Scholarships in the USA
- Fulbright Foreign Scholarships
- MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program
- Georgetown University Scholarships for African Students
- American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship
