Harvard University
Harvard University is a private Ivy League research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and one of the most selective colleges in the world — it admitted about 3.6% of more than 54,000 applicants for its most recent class. Enrolled first-years carry roughly a 4.21 GPA with middle-50% SAT scores of 1510–1580, and Harvard again requires standardized test scores. Its financial aid is among the most generous anywhere: the university meets 100% of demonstrated need, and attendance is free for families earning under $85,000. The figures below come directly from Harvard's official Common Data Set.
See how Harvard compares
Pick up to two rivals — or search any school.
Harvard admissions statistics
Acceptance Rate
Total applicants, admitted students, and enrolled students for the most recent admission cycle.
Early Action
Harvard offers Restrictive (single-choice) Early Action — non-binding, but you may not apply early to other private colleges.
Standardized Tests
Harvard requires standardized test scores for all applicants.
SAT Accepted?
ACT Accepted?
Test Optional?
SAT Scores
ACT Scores
Admissions Factors
How Harvard weighs each part of your application.
Rigor of High School Record
Academic GPA
Standardized Test Scores
Application Essay
Recommendations
Extracurricular Activities
Character / Personal Qualities
Talent / Ability
First Generation
Level of Applicant's Interest
Class Rank
Volunteer Work
Work Experience
Geographical Residence
State Residency
Alumni Relation
Racial / Ethnic Status
Religious Affiliation
Cost of Attendance
Estimated full-time annual cost from Harvard's Common Data Set.
Private universities charge the same tuition regardless of state residency.
Financial Aid
Need-based aid statistics for full-time first-year students.
Major Distribution
Bachelor's degrees awarded in the past year by academic major.
Student Diversity
Racial and ethnic breakdown of enrolled undergraduate students.
Student-Faculty Ratio
The number of students for every one faculty member, indicating the average level of access students have to instructional staff.
Campus Life
On-campus housing and Greek life participation rates.
Enrollment by Gender
Since some students did not report gender, totals may not fully reflect the student body.
Writing your Harvard application essay?
Esslo gives you line-by-line feedback on your Common App and supplemental essays — so your application stands out at Harvard and beyond.
Frequently asked questions about Harvard admissions
Is it hard to get into Harvard?＋
Yes — Harvard is one of the most selective universities in the world, admitting about 3.6% of applicants in the most recent cycle. It offered admission to roughly 1,970 of more than 54,000 applicants and enrolled about 1,647 first-year students. Admission is holistic, so strong grades and scores are necessary but never sufficient on their own.
What GPA do you need to get into Harvard?＋
There is no minimum GPA, but enrolled first-year students average about a 4.21 high school GPA. Harvard reviews applications holistically and reports that it only 'considers' GPA and test scores rather than treating any single number as decisive, so the rigor of your coursework and the rest of your application carry real weight alongside grades.
Does Harvard require the SAT or ACT?＋
Yes. Harvard requires standardized test scores and is not test-optional. Among enrolled first-years, the middle 50% scored roughly 1510–1580 on the SAT and 34–36 on the ACT, and nearly all admitted students scored in the 1400–1600 range.
Is a 1500 SAT good enough for Harvard?＋
A 1500 is right at the lower edge of Harvard's admitted range — it sits just below the 25th percentile of 1510. The middle 50% of enrolled first-years scored 1510–1580 on the SAT (34–36 ACT), so a 1500 is in the running but below average, and you'd want the rest of your application to be exceptional. Harvard requires test scores and reviews them holistically rather than against a hard cutoff.
How much does Harvard cost, and is financial aid available?＋
Tuition and required fees run about $64,796 per year, with total cost of attendance higher once housing and food (about $22,130) are added. Harvard meets 100% of demonstrated financial need, the average need-based aid package is roughly $74,387, and attendance is free for families earning under $85,000 — about 56% of students receive aid.
What are the most popular majors at Harvard?＋
The social sciences are by far the most popular area at about 27% of degrees, followed by the biological sciences (13%), mathematics and statistics (12%), and computer science (11%). History and the physical sciences each account for roughly 8%.
Does the application essay matter at Harvard?＋
Yes. Harvard's review is fully holistic — it lists the application essay, character and personal qualities, extracurriculars, and recommendations all as 'considered' alongside grades and test scores, with no single factor weighed above the rest. With a 3.6% acceptance rate, a specific, well-revised essay is one of the few places a strong applicant can stand apart from a pool of similarly qualified students.
Source: Harvard University Common Data Set 2024-2025. Figures transcribed 2026-06-05. Esslo aggregates publicly reported data and is not affiliated with Harvard. Banner photo by Chris Rycroft, via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0).