# Harvard University

Cambridge, MA. Source page: https://www.dreamschool.co/colleges/harvard-university

Harvard University is a private nonprofit college in Cambridge, MA with 7,601 undergraduates. It admits 3.7% of applicants, and admitted students average 1553 on the SAT. The average net price after aid is $19,148 per year ($2,542 for families earning under $30,000). 97% of students graduate, and graduates earn a median of $121,957 ten years after enrolling.

## Key facts

| Measure | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Admission rate | 3.7% (Fall 2024) |
| Testing policy | Test scores required (Fall 2024) |
| Applicants | 56,937 (Fall 2023) |
| Admitted | 1,965 (Fall 2023) |
| SAT Reading & Writing (middle 50%) | 740–780 (Fall 2024) |
| SAT Math (middle 50%) | 770–800 (Fall 2024) |
| ACT Composite (middle 50%) | 34–36 (Fall 2024) |
| Cost of attendance | $89,279 (2024-25) |
| Average net price | $19,148 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $0–30k | $2,542 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $30–48k | $2,070 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $48–75k | $4,126 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $75–110k | $9,995 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $110k+ | $51,128 (2024-25) |
| Undergraduates | 7,601 (Fall 2024) |
| Graduation rate | 97% (Fall 2019) |
| Median earnings 10 years after enrolling | $121,957 (2023) |
| Median debt at graduation | $17,559 (FY2024) |

## What Harvard University considers in admissions (Fall 2023)

- High school record: Required
- High school GPA: Considered
- College-prep coursework: Considered
- Class rank: Considered
- Essay or personal statement: Required
- Recommendations: Required
- Demonstrated competencies: Considered
- Legacy status: Considered
- Work experience: Considered
- English proficiency test: Considered

## FAQ

**What is Harvard University's acceptance rate?**

Harvard University admits 3.7% of applicants, which makes it extremely selective.

**What SAT score do you need for Harvard University?**

The middle 50% of admitted students scored 740–780 on SAT Reading and Writing and 770–800 on SAT Math; the average total is 1553.

**What ACT score do you need for Harvard University?**

The middle 50% ACT composite range for admitted students is 34–36.

**Is Harvard University test optional?**

Test scores required.

**How many students apply to Harvard University?**

In Fall 2023, 56,937 students applied to Harvard University and 1,965 were admitted; 1,645 enrolled.

**Does Harvard University consider legacy status?**

Yes. Harvard University reported that legacy status is considered in admissions (Fall 2023).

**Does Harvard University require an essay?**

Harvard University reported that an essay or personal statement is required for admission (Fall 2023).

**How much does Harvard University cost?**

The sticker cost of attendance is $89,279 per year, but the average net price after grants and scholarships is $19,148.

**What is Harvard University's graduation rate?**

97% of full-time students graduate within 150% of normal time.


## Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (Most Recent Institution-Level Data), released 2026-10-15: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/data/
- IPEDS Admissions survey (ADM2023): https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/datacenter/DataFiles.aspx
- IPEDS unit ID 166027. Methodology: https://www.dreamschool.co/methodology