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Harvard University

Cambridge, MA

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

Veritas("Truth")

October 28, 1636
Founded
Private research university
Type
7,755
Total Students
7,038
Undergrad
14,151
Graduate
$53.2B
Endowment
(2024)
$59K
Tuition (In-State)
$59K
Tuition (Out-State)
$17K
Avg Net Price
3%
Acceptance Rate
97%
Graduation Rate
6-year
99%
Retention Rate
Doctoral Universities
Classification
President: Alan Garber

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Harvard University

Harvard: America's oldest, most prestigious university, fostering global leaders since 1636.

Nestled in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Harvard University stands as the United States' oldest institution of higher learning, founded in 1636. Beyond its historic roots, Harvard is globally renowned for its unparalleled influence, immense wealth, and consistent top-tier rankings. It is a beacon of academic excellence, attracting students and scholars who go on to shape industries, lead nations, and drive innovation across all fields.

From its early days training Puritan clergy to its evolution into a modern research powerhouse under transformative leaders like Charles William Eliot, Harvard has consistently adapted while maintaining its commitment to advancing knowledge. The university's rich history includes co-founding the Association of American Universities and pioneering significant educational reforms, such as the liberalization of admissions that opened its doors to a more diverse student body post-World War II. This continuous pursuit of excellence has solidified its position as a global academic leader.

Academically, Harvard boasts ten faculties, including the extensive Faculty of Arts and Sciences which provides a broad spectrum of undergraduate and graduate disciplines, alongside numerous professional schools offering specialized degrees. The university's academic strength is underscored by the Harvard Library, the world's largest academic library with over 20 million volumes, providing unparalleled resources for research and study. The vibrant campus life across Cambridge and Boston offers a dynamic environment where students engage with world-class faculty and a diverse, intellectually curious peer group, preparing them to become the next generation of thought leaders and changemakers.

For prospective students, Harvard offers an extraordinary opportunity to join a legacy of groundbreaking research, intellectual inquiry, and societal impact. The university's commitment to truth, as embodied by its motto "Veritas," permeates every aspect of the student experience, encouraging critical thinking, profound discovery, and a dedication to making a meaningful difference in the world.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1636, it is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States.
  • Boasts an endowment of $53.2 billion (2024), making it the wealthiest academic institution globally.
  • Home to the Harvard Library, the world's largest academic library with over 20 million volumes.
  • Alumni and faculty include 188 living billionaires, 8 U.S. presidents, 24 heads of state, and 31 heads of government.
  • Students and alumni have collectively earned 10 Academy Awards and 110 Olympic medals, including 46 gold medals.
  • A founding member of the Association of American Universities (1900).
  • Current enrollment (fall 2024) stands at 21,189 students, with 7,038 undergraduates and 14,151 postgraduates.

Timeline

1636
Founded as New College by the Massachusetts General Court.
1638
Named Harvard College after John Harvard's bequest.
1782
Harvard Medical School established.
1817
Harvard Law School established.
1872
Established a graduate department, granting its first Ph.D. degrees in 1873.
1900
Became a founding member of the Association of American Universities.
1908
Harvard Business School founded.
1922
Harvard School of Public Health (later T.H. Chan School) founded.
1936
Harvard Graduate School of Public Administration (later Kennedy School) founded.
2007
Drew Gilpin Faust became Harvard's first female president.
🏛️
390 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

6 notable schools within Harvard University

🏥

Harvard Medical School

The third-oldest medical school in the U.S., founded in 1782, renowned for scientific research and leading teaching hospitals.

⚖️

Harvard Law School

The oldest continuously operating law school in the nation, founded in 1817, known for developing the case method of teaching.

🎭

Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

Established in 1890, it developed advanced graduate programs including PhDs, based on the German university model.

💼

Harvard Business School

Founded in 1908, known for its strong ties to the corporate world and influential research in human relations.

🏛️

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

Grew from the nation's first graduate training program in population health in 1913, becoming an autonomous institution in 1946.

🏛️

Harvard Kennedy School

Founded in 1936 as the Graduate School of Public Administration, it's a top-ranked school for public policy and international affairs.

Leadership

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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