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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: Where centuries of truth meet groundbreaking innovation and global leadership.

Step into history at Harvard University, a beacon of academic excellence established in 1636. As the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States, Harvard has spent centuries cultivating minds and shaping leaders, guided by its enduring motto, 'Veritas' (Truth). What began with Puritan roots has evolved into a global research powerhouse, seamlessly blending its rich heritage with pioneering innovation, making it one of the most prestigious universities worldwide.

Harvard's academic landscape is as expansive as its legacy, offering an unparalleled breadth of undergraduate and graduate programs across its thirteen distinguished schools. From groundbreaking research in medicine and engineering to transformative studies in law, business, and public policy, students are immersed in an environment that fosters intellectual curiosity and critical thinking. The university's commitment to academic rigor is supported by the world's largest academic library, providing boundless resources for discovery and scholarship.

Beyond the classroom, Harvard offers a dynamic student experience within its iconic Cambridge campus, complemented by facilities across the Charles River in Boston. Here, a diverse community of ambitious students collaborates with world-renowned faculty, tackling complex global challenges and contributing to a vibrant intellectual culture. This unique blend of history, cutting-edge research, and a supportive community prepares graduates to make profound impacts across every field imaginable.

Families considering Harvard will find a tradition of educational leadership and a commitment to nurturing the next generation of innovators and changemakers. The university's post-World War II efforts to diversify its student body have paved the way for a rich tapestry of perspectives, ensuring that the Harvard experience is both deeply enriching and globally relevant.

Key Highlights

  • Established in 1636, it is the oldest institution of higher learning in the U.S.
  • Boasts the largest university endowment in the world, valued at $53.2 billion.
  • Home to the Harvard Library, the world's largest academic library with over 20 million volumes.
  • Graduates and faculty include 8 U.S. Presidents, 188 living billionaires, Nobel laureates, and numerous world leaders.
  • Offers a vast array of academic programs across 13 schools, catering to 21,189 students (Fall 2024).
  • Motto: "Veritas" (Truth), reflecting a deep commitment to intellectual discovery.

Timeline

1636
Founded as Harvard College by the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
1639
Renamed Harvard College in honor of benefactor John Harvard.
1782
Harvard Medical School established, the third-oldest medical school in the U.S.
1817
Harvard Law School established, the oldest continuously operating law school in the nation.
1872
Graduate Department (later Graduate School of Arts and Sciences) formed, adding PhD programs.
1900
Harvard co-founded the Association of American Universities.
1908
Harvard Business School founded.
1999
Radcliffe College formally merged into Harvard University.
2007
Drew Gilpin Faust appointed as Harvard's 28th and first female president.
2014
Harvard School of Public Health renamed Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
🏛️
390 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

13 notable schools within Harvard University

🏫

Harvard College

The university's undergraduate college, established in 1636.

🏥

Harvard Medical School

Founded in 1782, it is the third-oldest medical school in the United States.

✝️

Harvard Divinity School

Established in 1816.

⚖️

Harvard Law School

Founded in 1817, the oldest continuously operating law school in the nation, known for setting national curriculum standards.

🏥

Harvard School of Dental Medicine

Established in 1867.

🎭

Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

Formed as a graduate department in 1872, offering PhD programs across a wide range of academic disciplines.

💼

Harvard Business School

Founded in 1908, it is considered the most influential graduate school of business.

📖

Harvard Extension School

Established in 1910.

🎨

Harvard Graduate School of Design

Established in 1914.

📚

Harvard Graduate School of Education

Established in 1920.

🏛️

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

Originally founded in 1922 and renamed in 2014, a leader in population health.

🏛️

Harvard Kennedy School

Founded in 1936, a top-ranked graduate school in public policy, international affairs, and government.

⚙️

Harvard School of Engineering

Established in 2007.

Leadership

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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