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 1st and 4th 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 4th Globally

• US News & World Report 2024: Ranked 3rd among top universities in USA

• QS World University Ranking 2025: Ranked 4th 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:

Popular Bachelor’s Degrees

Bachelor of Science in Bio-Engineering Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, and Engineering Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Bachelor of Arts in Biomedical Engineering Bachelor of Liberal Arts in Computer Science Bachelor of Liberal Arts in Psychology Bachelor of Liberal Arts in Journalism Bachelor of Arts in Neuroscience Bachelor of Arts in Molecular and Cellular Biology Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics Bachelor of Arts in Economics Bachelor of Arts in Statistics

Popular Master’s Degrees

Master of Architecture Master of Business Administration Master of Medical Sciences in Biomedical Sciences Master of Medical Sciences in Clinical Investigation Master of Liberal Arts in Computer Science Master of Liberal Arts in Data Science Master in Health Care Management Master of Medical Sciences in Immunology Master of Public Health Master of Law

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.

Degree Level	Criteria
Bachelor’s	Complete the Common Application or Coalition Application
Submit Harvard College Questions for the Common Application or Coalition Application Harvard supplement
Pay an $85 application fee or request for a fee waiver
Later, submit ACT / SAT scores (with or without writing)
There are some optional tests as well such as Advanced Placement Exam (AP)
Provide a School Report that should also include a counselor letter and high school transcript
Submit two Teacher Reports
Midyear School Report is required - to review your performance in the first half of your senior year coursework.
Final School Report (for admitted students only)
English Proficiency scores: TOEFL or IELTS
Master’s	Complete the online application form
Pay the application fee
Submit a Statement of Purpose
Submit a Personal Statement
Provide three letters of recommendation, submitted electronically
Upload copies of all transcripts to the Academic Background section of the online application (unofficial copies acceptable)
Submit a C.V. or Resume
Some programs may require writing samples or a Supplemental Data form
Provide GRE or GMAT scores
English Proficiency scores: TOEFL or IELTS

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 3rd 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:

	About the Scholarship
Boustany MBA Harvard Scholarship	Level of Study: MBA Countries: All Award: 75% of Tuition Fees, Travel and Accommodation Expenses No. of Scholarships: Once Every Two Years Deadline: For Autumn 2025
Horace W. Goldsmith Fellowship	Study Areas: Business and Non-profit Sector Countries: All Award: Approximately $ 10,000 to first-year MBA students with Leadership in the Nonprofit Sector No. of Scholarships: 7 to 10
Robert S. Kaplan Life Sciences Fellowship	Level of Study: Joint MS / MBA Study Areas: Life Sciences, Biotechnology Countries: All Award: Up to $20,000 to students with life science backgrounds; focuses on the joint MS/MBA Biotechnology Program No. of Scholarships: 10
Harvard Graduate School of Education – HGSE Financial Aid	Scholarship Type: Need-Based Level of Study: Ed.M. Students Study Areas: Various Countries: All Amount: $ 22,500 for Full-time Students and $ 11,250 for Part-time Students No. of Scholarship: Varies Deadline: February Every Year

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.

To know more about such affordable study opportunities students can reach out to us at

 BK Overseas Education. We have been a trusted name in the study abroad industry. we offer end-to-end guidance to help students make informed decisions.

So, visit our branch office in madhapur or take virtual counseling to fulfill your dreams of studying in the USA.