Harvard University
Massachusetts, United States
Founded1636
Endowment$56.9B
Students7,103 UG / 17,416 PG
Acceptance4.2%
Faculty12,000
Ratio7:1
Updated February 5, 2026
Overview
Founded in 1636, Harvard University is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States. It is a global research powerhouse composed of Harvard College and 12 graduate and professional schools, including the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study. The university is governed by the Harvard Corporation, the oldest corporation in the Western Hemisphere, and the Board of Overseers.
Harvard's mission is supported by a significant endowment, which reached $56.9 billion in 2025. The institution is known for its highly selective admissions process and its commitment to financial accessibility, offering need-blind admissions and meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for all students. Its academic core is the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, which oversees a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
Popular Programs
B.A.
Bachelor of Arts in Applied Mathematics
B.A.
Bachelor of Arts in Applied Physics
B.A.
Bachelor of Arts in Astrophysics
B.A.
Bachelor of Arts in Biomedical Engineering
B.A.
Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry
B.A.
Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry and Physics
Location
Harvard University operates across three primary campuses located in Cambridge, Allston, and the Longwood Medical Area of Boston, Massachusetts. Originally established in "Newetowne" (later renamed Cambridge), the university's historic core remains centered around Harvard Yard.
The university's physical footprint continues to evolve, notably with the expansion of the Science and Engineering Complex in Allston. Additionally, Harvard maintains a significant global presence with over 20 offices located abroad. The campus infrastructure is extensive, featuring 28 libraries and 15 museums, including the Harvard Art Museums and the Harvard Museum of Natural History.
Cambridge, United States
Also in: Boston, United States
Campuses
Cambridge
MainCambridge· United States
Harvard Medical School Campus
Boston· United States
Campus Culture
Student life at Harvard is characterized by a diverse community of approximately 24,519 students representing all 50 U.S. states and over 100 countries. International students make up about 16% of the undergraduate population and 27% of the total university population. The undergraduate experience is centered on the House system; after a first year spent in dormitories near Harvard Yard, students move into one of 12 residential Houses that serve as close-knit communities of 350 to 500 students.
The campus culture is vibrant, with over 500 student organizations, including more than 50 cultural and international groups. Athletics play a major role in the community, with 42 Division I varsity teams and over 80% of students participating in sports. Long-standing traditions, such as "The Game" against Yale and the annual Housing Day, foster a strong sense of school spirit. The university also emphasizes civil discourse and open inquiry through various formal committees and forums.
Notable Alumni
Harvard University maintains a vast global network of more than 400,000 alumni worldwide. The institution's history of excellence is reflected in its graduates, including its first Nobel laureate, Theodore William Richards, who received the honor in 1914.
The university's various professional schools, such as the Harvard Law School and the Kennedy School of Government, continue to produce leaders across multiple sectors. This extensive network supports career outcomes and global influence, reinforcing the university's long-standing reputation for producing influential figures in the arts, sciences, and public service.
Research
Harvard is a preeminent leader in interdisciplinary research and innovation. In 2024 alone, university researchers reported 4,002 innovations and were issued 155 U.S. patents. The university is at the forefront of emerging fields, such as quantum science, through the Harvard Quantum Initiative, which established one of the world’s first PhD programs in Quantum Science and Engineering.
The research infrastructure is anchored by the Harvard Library, the oldest library system in the U.S., housing 20 million books and 400 million rare items. Specialized research centers include the Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability and the Harvard University Herbaria. The university also maintains strong research affiliations with 15 hospitals and research institutes through the Harvard Medical School.