Harvard University: Rankings, Courses, Cost, Campus Life, and More

Before we start, here is a question you probably know the answer to - What are the top 5 Universities in the World? Names like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the University of Oxford, Harvard University, and the University of Cambridge will probably pop up in everyone’s mind.

But if we ask, which city hosts the most universities that rank in the World’s Top 5, would you know? With MIT and Harvard, it’s the Cambridge City of Massachusetts State of America. Situated across the Charles River, Cambridge has been long known as one of the Innovation Cities of the World, all thanks to MIT and Harvard University which are ranked 1^st and 4^th respectively. 

Among these two World’s Top Universities to study in USA, today our focus would be on America’s oldest university. So, join along as we enter the Johnston Gate to explore Harvard University.

Table of Content

1. About Harvard University
2. Ranking and Recognition
3. Course Offerings
4. Colleges and Schools
5. Eligibility Criteria 
6. Application Process
7. Cost of Education at Harvard University 
8. Scholarships to Study at Harvard University
9. Campus Life
10. Career Support
11. FAQs 

About Harvard University

For Harvard, there's a saying: "Through that gate enters a student and emerges a visionary." This legacy has been alive since Harvard’s founding in 1636. As an Ivy League research university, Harvard is renowned for its influence, reputation, and academic pedigree, often considered one of the leading universities in the world. And why not? Eight U.S. Presidents, including George W. Bush, John F. Kennedy, and Barack Obama, have studied here. So have hundreds of scientists, astronauts, and innovators like Robert Oppenheimer, Anil Menon, Neil deGrasse Tyson, etc. Thousands of Influential figures like Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, Natalie Portman, and Ratan Tata are also proud alumni of its lecture halls.

Notably, the university has moulded more than 400,000 alumni over these four centuries. Among these are 161 Nobel laureates, 48 Pulitzer Prize winners, and 14 Turing Award recipients among its alumni and faculties. If we were to list all the Harvard alumni who have shaped the world, we’d endlessly fill pages of this webpage because Harvard truly is a temple where students and scholars come in the pursuit of truth, knowledge, and a better world!

Ranking and Recognition

Do you want to know a surefire way to find Harvard’s Ranking? Well, just pick up any list and look among the very top! Because no matter which ranking index you check out online, Harvard will always be right there - perched at the peak of the mountain that is full of global universities. For a university like Harvard whose reputation comes from the accomplishments of its amazing community and belief in ‘Veritas’, the list of rankings would be endless. 

So enlisted below is the ranking of Harvard from the most respected and renowned ranking indexes:

• Webometrics Ranking 2024: Ranked No. 1 in the World
• Times Higher Education 2024: Ranked 4^th Globally
• US News & World Report 2024: Ranked 3^rd among top universities in USA
• QS World University Ranking 2025: Ranked 4^th Worldwide
• ARWU Shanghai Ranking 2023: Ranked No. 1 Globally

After looking at the rankings, we know that you might wonder what all the programs to study at Harvard would be. So below we have listed some of the top programs that most international students look forward to enrolling in.
 

Course Offerings

At Harvard, it is not just you who is striving for your success all alone, the faculty here are way more determined towards each and every student’s goal. We say this because, for over 25,000 international students each year, there are more than 19,639 faculty and staff members. It sounds unbelievable but it's true! This means there is almost one faculty member for every student, ensuring you receive personalized guidance. 

Additionally, some degrees offered here are exclusive to just Harvard. So, listed below are some of the top bachelor’s and master’s Degrees offered at Harvard University:

The major intake for studying bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Harvard University is the Fall intake but some courses may also have a different intake period. Also, all these programs are taught in the various colleges at the Harvard vast campus. So, let us have a look at the list of Colleges & Schools in Harvard.
 

Colleges and Schools

Harvard University comprises of 1 Harvard College for undergraduates, 12 graduate and professional schools, and the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, all within its 209-acre campus: 

• Harvard College
• Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
• Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
• Harvard Extension School
• Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences
• Harvard Business School
• Harvard School of Dental Medicine
• Harvard Graduate School of Design
• Harvard Divinity School
• Harvard Graduate School of Education
• Harvard Kennedy School
• Harvard Law School
• Harvard Medical School
• Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
• The Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study

‘Harvard’s not hard’ said no one ever! To get in here, you have to be excellent from your high school days, maintain good grades, and participate in various co-curricular activities. That is how you would become eligible to enter into this World’s Most Renowned University. So, moving on to the eligibility criteria in detail for different study levels. 
 

Eligibility Criteria 

Below is a breakdown of the eligibility requirements for both bachelor's and master's degree programs at Harvard University.

- For Bachelor's Programs:

Here is what you will need if you are looking to apply for an undergraduate program at Harvard:

• High School Transcripts and Marksheets: Your academic records from grades 9-12 are necessary to assess your performance.
   
• GPA Requirement: A minimum GPA of 3.0 is expected.
   
• Standardized Test Scores: While standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT are usually required, keep in mind that submitting them is optional for applicants to the Class of 2025.
   
• English Proficiency Tests: If you are an international student, you might need to provide proof of English proficiency with a TOEFL score of at least 80, though IELTS is also acceptable.
   
• Additional Academic Documents: You will need to prepare a resume and obtain 2-3 Letters of Recommendation (LORs). These documents help provide a comprehensive view of your academic journey and character.
   

- For Master's Programs:

If you are applying for a master's degree at Harvard, you should meet the following criteria:

• Bachelor’s Degree: A 4-year bachelor’s degree from a recognized university is required. However, if you have a 3-year degree, it is accepted if your previous institution has a NAAC A Accreditation.
   
• GPA Requirement: A minimum GPA of 3.0 is expected, just like undergraduate applications.
   
• Standardized Test Scores: You might need to take the GMAT or GRE. For GMAT, a score of 680+ is typically required, while for the GRE, a score of 310+ is generally expected.
   
• English Proficiency Tests: Similar to bachelor’s applications, a TOEFL score of 80+ is required for international students. IELTS scores are also accepted as proof of proficiency.
   
• Additional Academic Documents: Your application should include a resume, transcripts, passing certificates, a Statement of Purpose (SOP), and 2-3 Letters of Recommendation (LORs).

Note: For applicants to the Class of 2025, standardized test scores such as the SAT, ACT, GMAT, or GRE are optional. Harvard has indicated that choosing not to submit these test scores will not negatively impact your chances of admission. They are focusing more on a holistic review process.
 

Application Process

Just understanding the eligibility is not enough to get admitted into this prestigious university as the application process is quite detailed. So, here’s a brief to make your process more streamlined. 

After having a closer look at Harvard’s Course Offerings, Colleges, Eligibility Criteria, and Application Process, you might be wondering how much it costs to study at the World’s 3^rd Best University. Below we have provided the breakdown of all the costs associated with studying at Harvard University.
 

Cost of Education at Harvard University 

When it comes to Harvard University, one thing is certain - a world-class education doesn't come cheap. But for ambitious minds looking to join the Harvard elite, it will be worth the investment.

Let us understand the numbers:

• Bachelors Yearly Cost: $ 59,076 depending on the course
• Masters Yearly Cost: $ 56,550 to $ 76,410 varies from program to program 

However, consider the potential return on this investment:

• Average Starting Salary for Graduates: $91,700
• Total Earnings Over Four Years: $383,639
• Return on Investment (ROI): 9.67%

As Sheryl Sandberg, Harvard alum and former Facebook COO, said, "Harvard is a phenomenal investment and an incredibly great education." The numbers seem to back it up. Also, if you are among those brilliant 24% of students at Harvard, you pay nothing!  

Furthermore, some research shows that the Percentage of Harvard Graduates Earning at Least $ 110,000 Right Out of School is more than 41%.

While the cost to study in USA, especially at Harvard Higher Education may seem a bit expensive, some potential rewards and scholarships at Harvard are undeniable. Remember - for those with the ambition, intellect, and resources to secure a spot at Harvard, the investment could pay dividends for years to come!

So, here is a brief about the scholarships you can check.
 

Scholarships to Study at Harvard University

Did you know that Harvard could be more affordable than many public universities for 90 percent of Americans? The best part is that international students receive the same financial aid as American students. 

Here are a few popular scholarships available for international students:

At Harvard, fostering global leaders isn't just a goal—it is a commitment backed by impressive resources. And guess what? 1 out of every 5 students there receives need-based scholarships. Seems like that’s the University’s way of saying that – ‘Talent matters more than money.’ 

And here is a jaw-dropping fact: With its rich and influential alumni base, Harvard's got the biggest academic endowment in the world! How big? A whopping $ 41.9 billion! With such vast resources and a mission to inspire greatness, Harvard’s Campus is all about turning bright minds into change-makers, no matter where you come from and what your financial background is. So, let us have a peep into Harvard’s Campus Life.
 

Campus Life

Every student who steps foot on Harvard’s campus will tell you—Harvard’s campus life is unforgettable! Because this place has it all. A Harvard education extends far beyond the classroom. It is more about late-night chats in the dining hall, drama productions, and friendly yet intense athletic competitions, and not to forget, it is home to 14+ museums.

Engaging in extracurricular activities is a big part of life here. How? Well, you will meet new people, pursue your interests or discover new passions, and deepen your understanding of the world. 

• 500+ Student Organizations
• 28+ Libraries with 20 Million Books
• 125+ Active Service Programs through Phillips Brooks House during the academic year
• 400+ students engaged in Summer Service Projects through Phillips Brooks House
• 3,400+ students participating in the Arts

Did you know Harvard hosts the world’s largest university library? The Widener Memorial Library boasts 57 miles of bookshelves and over 3.5 million books, 6 million digitalized items, 1 million maps and spatial datasets, and 400 million rare items including letters, photographs, and manuscripts. And for a taste of fierce athletic spirit, just ask anyone about the legendary Yale vs. Harvard Crimson soccer game—the biggest rivalry football game, played at what they call ‘Harvard’s Colosseum!’ 

So, campus life, programs, eligibility, and all other aspects we discussed are about studying at Harvard University. You must have already gauged how bright your career prospects will be after earning a degree from a university that major corporations around the world seek for top-level management professionals, such as CEOs, COOs, and CFOs. Here’s a sneak peek into what kind of career support would you get to step into the professional world out there as a Harvard pass-out. 
 

Career Support

Whether it is about the tech titans like Microsoft, Apple, and Amazon, or world movers like NASA and Alphabet, Harvard grads are in high demand. At Harvard, they don't just teach you to be hired; their career support programs instil in you the drive to be the change the world craves. 

Also, you see at Harvard, ‘Impossible’ isn't a word – it's just another option. And for many of these ambitious minds, the first love is entrepreneurship. Because why settle for working for someone else when you can create your own empire?

In conclusion, there you have it all about the university which is made of dreams and ambitions rather than concrete and bricks. But let’s be real, getting into Harvard is no cakewalk. Except for those who make the cut, the payoff is worth everything! Because once you are part of the Crimson Crew, the world is your oyster! From rubbing shoulders with future world leaders to joining the ranks of tech royalty or building your own empire, Harvard University can be called the Production House of Intelligent and Genius Minds!

If you plan to get into Harvard or any such world-renowned university, navigating the application process, figuring out finances, and making sure that you tick all the right boxes of the application process can be a headache! But just like Harvard, KC Overseas Education is dedicated to turning your educational aspirations into reality! So, if you aim for higher education in USA, in Harvard or another US University, KC Overseas Education ensures you have all the guidance and support you need to get that admit and achieve your goals.

So, why not book a free counseling session right away and let us be your guide to academic excellence abroad?
 

FAQs

1. Is financial aid available for international students?

Yes, international students can receive financial aid just like American students. While they cannot access federal funding, Harvard College offers its own job and scholarship opportunities to support international students.
 

2. How do international students apply for Bachelors at Harvard University?

International students follow the same application process as domestic students. All first-year applicants must complete either the Common Application or the Coalition Application, along with the required supplements. The Admissions Committee treats all applications equally. You can check out the detailed application requirements here.
 

3. Are there quotas for international applicants?

No, there are no quotas or limits for international applicants. Every student, regardless of their citizenship or the high school they attend, is considered in the same applicant pool. Your chances for admission and financial aid are the same no matter where you're from.
 

4. Is there a minimum GPA requirement to apply?

No, there is no minimum GPA requirement. While many Harvard students have strong GPAs, the Admissions Board looks at many other factors when evaluating applications. GPA is just one piece of the puzzle.
 

5. What is the process for recommenders?

Applicants need to provide the names and email addresses of their recommenders in their online application. Recommenders will then get an email with a link to submit their recommendations. These recommendations are submitted separately and will be included in the application automatically once submitted. Applicants don’t need to wait for recommendations to submit their applications.
 

6. What documents are required for admission to Harvard?

The documents required for admission can vary by program, but typically include: an online application form, application fee, statement of purpose, personal statement, three letters of recommendation (submitted electronically), transcripts, CV or resume, and standardized test scores including English proficiency tests.