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Colleges / MA / Cambridge
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Harvard University

Private nonprofit Cambridge, MA · Urban · New England · 100% data reported · Agent Insights
97%
Graduation Rate
$101,817
Earnings (10yr)
$19,066
Net Price
4%
Acceptance Rate

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Overview

With an acceptance rate of just 4%, Harvard University is a place where the most driven and ambitious students find their footing. It’s especially suitable for those drawn to rigorous academic programs like Social Sciences, Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Mathematics, Computer Science, and Physical Sciences. The environment here encourages intellectual curiosity and a commitment to excellence, attracting a diverse group of scholars who are ready to engage deeply with their studies.

After graduation, the financial outlook is promising, with alumni earning an average of $101,817 within ten years. This level of earning power is a significant motivator for students considering their future. While the cost of education is an important factor, many graduates see a strong return on their investment, which makes the financial commitment worthwhile for those who can navigate the admissions process.

When we look at the practical aspects, the net price after aid stands at $19,066, and the median debt is relatively manageable at $14,000. This financial structure allows students to focus on their education without being overwhelmed by debt. Those who thrive at Harvard often share a passion for learning and a desire to make a difference in the world, making the most of the resources and opportunities available to them.

Rankings

How Harvard Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation97%Earnings 10yr$102KNet Price$19KRetention98%Median Debt$14KPell Grant Rate16%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$9K$0-30K$3K$30-48K$2K$48-75K$53K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%304.7%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%5774.2%MOBILITY175.92%

Cost & Financial Aid

$61,676
In-State Tuition
$61,676
Out-of-State
$19,066
Avg Net Price
$14,000
Median Debt
16%
Pell Grant Rate
4%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$8,697
Family Income $0–$30K
$2,991
Family Income $30K–$48K
$2,091
Family Income $48K–$75K
$53,337
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$99,572
6 Years After Entry
$101,095
8 Years
$101,817
10 Years
0.14x
Debt-to-Earnings
88%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$99,572 6yr $101,095 8yr $101,817 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

175.92%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
5774.2%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
304.7%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$174,000
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.69
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
0.02
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
9.6%
Volunteering Rate
1.00
Support Ratio
Community support

Research & Teaching

Data: Times Higher Education World University Rankings

#1
World Rank
99.7
Teaching
98.7
Research
98.8
Citations
72.4
International

Innovation

Data: Opportunity Insights Patent & Innovation Data

2.112%
Inventor Rate
386
Total Patents
1,003
Total Citations

Academics & Admissions

Acceptance Rate 4%
Retention Rate 98%
SAT Average 1553
ACT Midpoint 35
SAT Range 1510–1580
ACT Range 34–36
Full-Time Faculty 87%
Faculty Salary (mo) $25,048
Diversity Index 0.81
First-Gen Students 26%

Top Programs

Social Sciences 30%
Biology & Biomedical 12%
Mathematics & Statistics 11%
Computer Science & IT 10%
Physical Sciences 5%
Engineering 5%
Psychology 3%
Business & Marketing 2%