Harvard University
Cambridge, MA
Quick Facts
“Veritas”("Truth")
Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education
About Harvard University
Harvard: The oldest, wealthiest, and most prestigious university shaping global leaders since 1636.
Step into history at Harvard University, the United States' oldest institution of higher learning, founded in 1636. Nestled in Cambridge, Massachusetts, this private Ivy League research university has evolved from its Puritan roots into a global powerhouse, renowned for its unparalleled influence, vast wealth, and top-tier academic rankings. Known for its motto "Veritas" (Truth), Harvard invites students to join a legacy of intellectual pursuit and groundbreaking discovery that has shaped centuries of human progress.
From its early days as New College, later named for benefactor John Harvard, the university gradually secularized its curriculum, transitioning from training clergy to becoming a modern research institution in the 19th century under President Charles William Eliot. This transformation saw the establishment of multiple professional schools, cementing Harvard's role as a leader in U.S. higher education and co-founder of the Association of American Universities. Prospective students will find themselves part of a rich tapestry of innovation and tradition, contributing to an academic environment that values both rigorous scholarship and critical thinking.
Today, Harvard boasts ten academic faculties and the Harvard Radcliffe Institute, offering an extraordinary breadth of undergraduate and graduate programs. With a staggering $53.2 billion endowment, Harvard stands as the wealthiest academic institution globally, providing unparalleled resources including the world's largest academic library with over 20 million volumes. This robust support underpins a vibrant research culture that has attracted Nobel laureates, Fields Medalists, and Turing Award recipients, ensuring that students learn from and contribute to the forefront of human knowledge.
Joining the Harvard community means becoming part of an esteemed network that includes U.S. presidents, heads of state, billionaires, and countless leaders across every field. The university is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive student experience, continually adapting its admissions processes to welcome talented individuals from all backgrounds. Here, you'll find an environment that challenges you to excel, encourages you to innovate, and prepares you to make a significant impact on the world, upholding a legacy of truth and service.
Key Highlights
- ✦Founded in 1636, it is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States.
- ✦Boasts the world's largest academic library, housing over 20 million volumes.
- ✦Possesses the largest academic endowment globally, valued at $53.2 billion.
- ✦Alumni include 8 U.S. presidents, 24 heads of state, 31 heads of government, and 188 living billionaires.
- ✦A private Ivy League research university recognized for its unparalleled prestige, influence, and wealth.
- ✦Home to 21,189 students across a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs.
Timeline
Schools & Colleges
12 notable schools within Harvard University
Harvard Medical School
One of the oldest medical schools in the U.S., founded in 1782, renowned for scientific research and its network of flagship teaching hospitals.
Harvard Divinity School
Established in 1816, fostering religious scholarship and interfaith understanding.
Harvard Law School
The nation's oldest continuously operating law school, established in 1817, famous for pioneering the case method of teaching law.
Harvard School of Dental Medicine
Founded in 1867, a distinguished institution for dental education and research.
Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
Established in 1872, offering PhD programs across numerous disciplines and a hub for Nobel Prize-winning research.
Harvard Business School
Founded in 1908, a globally influential institution with a close relationship to the corporate world, known for its MBA program and leadership training.
Harvard Extension School
Established in 1910, providing flexible learning opportunities for a diverse student body.
Harvard Graduate School of Design
Founded in 1914, offering master's and doctoral degrees in architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning, and design studies.
Harvard Graduate School of Education
Founded in 1920, dedicated to advancing educational equity and excellence through research and practice.
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Established in 1922 (as Harvard School of Public Health), a leading institution in population health research and education, renamed in 2014.
Harvard Kennedy School
Founded in 1936, a top-ranked graduate school for public policy, international affairs, and government, honoring President John F. Kennedy.
Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Re-established as an independent school in 2007, fostering innovation in engineering and applied sciences.
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