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Last updated on 27 Oct '25Harvard UniversityWhat's new?
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- As per a news report by The New York Times, Harvard University is willing to spend up to $500 million to settle disputes with Trump. Now, Trump has signalled a willingness to settle for USD 500 million legal fight with Harvard University. Furthermore, Trump said, “We’re negotiating with Harvard now. They would like to settle, so we’ll see what happens”.
- Oscar-winning actress, Jessica Chastain, enrols at Harvard Kennedy School to get a Master’s degree in Public Administration
Acceptance Rate
Student-Faculty Ratio
Shiksha Popularity Ranking
Average SAT Score
Placement Rate (MBA)
International Students
What's new? Harvard University MBA application deadline is Sep 3, 2025 (Round 1).
About Harvard University
Established in 1636, Harvard University is a private Ivy League research university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States. Harvard was one of the first colleges in the American colonies to be founded. It is the oldest institution of higher learning in the U.S. There are three main campuses of Harvard - in Cambridge, Allston, and Boston. The main campus of this university is 209 acres. Additionally, Harvard is a founding member of the Association the American Universities (AAU). According to the U.S. News & World Report, Harvard University ranks at #3 in the National Universities category and #2 in Best Value schools in 2025. When it comes to endowment, Harvard’s endowment is valued at USD 53.2 Billion.
There is one Undergraduate college at Harvard University Cambridge MA known as Harvard College and 12 Graduate and Professional Schools and one Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study. A few popular Harvard University courses among Indian students are MBA and LLM.
Known for its admission selectivity, Harvard University acceptance rate is around 3.6%. For the Class of 2028, Harvard received 54,000+ applications and around 1,930 students were admitted to this university. The total no. of students at this university is 24,519. Out of this, 7,000+ are Undergraduate students and 14,000+ are Postgraduate students. In 2024-25, the total number of international students at this university is 6,793.
In the context of athletics, Harvard University is home to 42 Division I intercollegiate athletic teams and a number of club and intramural sports and recreational activities. According to the official statistics, more than 80% of the university’s students participate in athletics of some kind.
The alumni, faculty, and researchers of Harvard University include 188 living billionaires, 24 heads of state and 31 heads of government, 8 U.S. Presidents, Nobel laureates, MacArthur Fellows, Rhodes Scholars, Pulitzer Prize winners, Marshall Scholars, Turing Award recipients, etc. A few of the renowned personalities who are included in the list of Harvard’s alumni are Barack Obama, Bill Gates, John F. Kennedy, Mark Zuckerberg, Natalie Portman, George W. Bush, Michelle Obama, Ratan Tata, etc.
Things to Know about Harvard University
Some of the important facts about Harvard University USA are given as follows:
|
Particulars |
Stats |
|---|---|
|
Acceptance rate |
3.6% |
|
Type of university |
Private research university |
|
Location |
Cambridge, Massachusetts |
|
Accreditation |
NECHE |
|
Endowment |
USD 53.2 Billion (2024) |
|
Total no. of students |
24,519 |
|
No. of Undergraduates |
7,000+ |
|
No. of Postgraduates |
14,000+ |
|
Popular courses among Indian students |
MSc in CS, MBA, LLM |
|
Student-to-faculty-ratio |
7:1 |
|
Total no. of international students |
6,793 |
|
Newspaper |
The Harvard Crimson |
|
Notable alumni |
Michelle Obama, Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, Natalie Portman, Ratan Tata |
|
Sporting affiliation |
NCAA Division I FCS - Ivy League |
History
In 1636, Harvard was established. Then, in 1632, the first Harvard commencement was done with nine graduates. Next, in 1783, Harvard Medical School was officially opened. Then, in 1816, the Divinity School was established and in 1817, Harvard Law School was established. In 1869, Charles William Eliot was formally appointed as the university’s 21st President.
Then, in 1872, the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences was founded. In 1900, Harvard USA became a founding member of the Association of American Universities. Then, in 1913, the School of Public Health was established. Then, in 1920, the Graduate School of Education was established. Then, in 1991, Barack Obama graduated from the Law School. In 2007, Drew Gilpin Faust began duties as Harvard’s 28th President. Then, in 2011, Harvard University celebrated its 375th anniversary.
Here are Harvard videos for more information:
Commonly asked questions On Highlights
Getting into Harvard University is quite competitive but not impossible. Applicants can get into Harvard once they have outstanding academic grades. For the Class of 2028, 1,937 of the 54,008 applicants to class were granted admission, This is equivalent to 3.6%. Apart from the academic achievements, Harvard University also looks for these qualities in students:
- Growth & Potential
- Interests & Activities (Extracurricular)
- Personal Character
- Contribution to the Harvard Community
Consistently ranked among top universities in world, Harvard is one of top universities around globe. According to some top ranking bodies, Harvard University rank #1 in Best Global Universities 2025. It is global leader in academics, career opportunities, etc. With good quality of education and ROI, Harvard attracts students from all around globe.
To apply for Harvard graduate admission, applicanta can submit thier GMAT score along with thier admision application. As such, minimum GMAT score required for Harvard MBA has not been mentioned. Check the complete deatil about the Harvard MBA class 2025 GMAT score:
| Particular | Score Range |
|---|---|
| Verbal Range | 25-51 |
| Quantitative Range | 31-51 |
| Total Range | 500-790 |
| Median Verbal | 42 |
| Median Quantitative | 49 |
| Median Total | 740 |
Harvard University Rankings 2026: QS, THE & US News
Harvard University is a globally renowned university and consistently ranks among the top 5 global universities. As per the Shiksha Rankings, Harvard University ranking is #2 in the USA. Additionally, it ranks at #3 position in the National Universities category by a top-ranking publisher in 2025. In the world rankings, Harvard ranking is #5 in the QS rankings 2026. It is placed at #4 in 2025 QS rankings. Additionally, according to Times Higher Education rankings, Harvard University ranks at #3 position in 2025. Additionally, in the U.S. News & World Report rankings, this university has been placed at #1 position globally in 2025.
#2
#2
Popular Courses at Harvard University for Indian Students
Harvard University courses for international students comprise more than 50 fields of study for undergraduates and over 100 graduate courses. Courses at Harvard University are offered at the UG, PG, and research levels. Harvard University popular courses among Indian students are MBA, MS in Computational Science and Engineering, MS in Data Science, and LLM. Harvard University comprises of one Undergraduate College and 12 Graduate and Professional schools, and the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study. Harvard College is the undergraduate college of the university.
| Harvard University Schools | ||
|---|---|---|
| Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health | Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences | Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences |
| Harvard Business School | Harvard School of Dental Medicine | Harvard Graduate School of Design |
| Harvard Medical School | Harvard Law School | Harvard Kennedy School |
| Harvard Divinity School | Harvard Graduate School of Education | Harvard Extension School |
| Harvard College | ||
Founding Year of Academic Divisions of Harvard
|
School |
Founding Year |
|---|---|
|
Harvard College |
1636 |
|
Medicine |
1782 |
|
Divinity |
1816 |
|
Law |
1817 |
|
Engineering |
1847 |
|
Dental Medicine |
1867 |
|
Graduate Arts and Sciences |
1872 |
|
Business |
1908 |
|
Extension |
1910 |
|
Public Health |
1913 |
|
Education |
1920 |
|
Design |
1936 |
|
Government |
1936 |
There are 12 faculties at Harvard University Cambridge MA. These are namely Arts and Sciences, Business, Dental, Engineering and Applied Sciences, Design, Divinity, Government, Law, Education, Medical, Public Health, and Radcliffe.
Confused between MBA and MIM? Watch the video below to find out!
Check out the video below for some common mistakes to avoid in a resume:
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Commonly asked questions On Popular Programs
MIT Sloan School of Management and Harvard Business School are two schools in the U.S. that offers great MBA education. However, which is better between both of them depends on your goals, preferences, and backgrounds. A comparison between both of them are given below:
Particulars | Harvard | MIT |
|---|---|---|
QS Global MBA Ranking | #3 | #4 |
Teaching style | Case method | Analytical and experiential |
Campus culture | Traditional, network-driven | Collaborative |
OPT extension | No, Not STEM | Yes, STEM eligible |
Annual tuition fees | Around INR 68 lakh | Around INR 76 lakh |
Harvard University- Of course, it is accepted as one of the premier universities where one can pursue data science.
The data Science programme at Harvard is actually placed under the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences-a center with world-class faculty and up-to-date research facilities as well as numerous other resources.
An interdisciplinary method has been adopted by Harvard; that is, combining computer Science and statistics-with every other field possible-in order for the students to be extensively trained for the field of data science.
They have world-class research centres and institutes that are working on big data, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. This truly gives the needed exposure for the students to the real experience and partnership. Besides that, a student can almost simply not ignore rich alumni and industry network when one says that nothing stands between him and his career or internship aspirations.
Harvard University is a world class university and students across the world desire to study here. Due to the competitive nature of Harvard, only a fraction of top-tier students manage to secure an admission in this university. A few of the habits that the students who get admitted to Harvard Uni are following:
- Complete research papers in advance of their deadlines;
- Minimize distractions;
- Collaborating on problem sets; and
- Attend seminars and focus on sectional lectures as well.
How to Get Admission into Harvard University from India?
Harvard University admission process is the same for international students and US residents. Harvard University accepts international applications either through the Common Application or the Coalition Application. While applying, candidates must submit USD 85 (INR 7.4 K) as the Harvard University application fee or apply for a fee waiver request. Once an applicant has applied for Harvard University admissions, it takes the university about 6 - 8 weeks to make a decision and notify the students.
Harvard admits international students through two application types: Early Action & Regular Decision.
|
Application Type |
Application Deadlines |
|---|---|
|
Restrictive Early Action |
Nov 1, 2025 |
Note: Students must note that Harvard application deadlines for graduate programs vary according to the course of choice.
Harvard University accepts international students based on their overall character and personality. Students must be all-rounder to secure admission to this prestigious Ivy League institution. Interestingly, Harvard is among the very few universities globally that do not mandate the submission of English language proficiency scores when applying for UG courses.
Harvard University Eligibility for Indian Students
- Undergraduate: Harvard University takes a holistic approach when it comes to admissions. Apart from academic accomplishment, the Harvard admissions committee considers other criteria such as community involvement, leadership and distinction in extra-curricular activities, character, personal qualities and more.
- Graduate: Harvard University admission requirements for graduates comprise of 4-year UG degree (or equivalent), English language requirements, standardized test scores (SAT/ACT), GMAT/GRE scores, LORs, SOPs and more.
(1 USD = INR 83.27)
- Application fees :USD 75 - 250
- Type of deadline :Depends on course
Documents| Type of documents | Applicable for |
|---|---|
| SOP | Needed for few courses |
| LOR | Needed for few courses |
| Essays | Needed for few courses |
| CV | Needed for few courses |
| Additional documents | Required |
Commonly asked questions On Admissions
Harvard MBA eligibility for Indian students are given below:
- Students can apply to Harvard MBA course online
- A Bachelor's degree is required for admission to this course
- A GMAT / GRE score
- Essays
- Two recommendations
- Application fee
- Minimum score in English language proficiency tests such as TOEFL / IELTS
In the Class of 2026 of Harvard MBA, the recorded GPA was 3.69. The average years of work experience was 5. The median GRE score was 163 for Verbal and Quantitative section. The total range of GMAT score was 540-790. Once the applications are submitted and reviewed, students may be invited for interview. The interviews are 30 minutes long.
Yes, Harvard University requires IELTS with a minimum score of 7.0. Check the table mentioned below.
| English Proficiency Exam Score | Minimum Qualifying Score |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 7.0 & Above |
| TOEFL | 100 & Above |
| Duolingo English Test | 125 & Above |
To study LLM in Harvard, the applicants are required to submit the following:
- Previous studies degrees (including Diplomas for all the degrees that have been received)
- Online application form
- CV / resume
- Personal statement
- TOEFL score
- Two LORs
- Financial aid application (if applicable)
- Application fee of USD 85
Harvard UniversityScholarships for Indian Students at Harvard University
Harvard University scholarships for international students comprise need-based financial planning for students coming from all types of financial background. Additionally, the university offers numerous departmental scholarships, such as Harvard Business School (MBA) Financial Aid, Harvard Graduate School Scholarships, Harvard College Scholarships, and more. Students must note that the disbursement amount and eligibility of the Harvard scholarships vary as on the choice of course.
Financial aid of the university is also inclusive of scholarship funds, jobs on campus, as well as student loans and is taken up by 70% of the Harvard student population. Due to the same, Harvard University's entire student body can graduate debt-free, and about 20% of students do not need to pay any fees.
Given below is a comprehensive list of the Harvard scholarships for international students:
- International Facility Management Association Foundation (UG Students)
- Boustany MBA Harvard Scholarship (PG Students)
- Horace W. Goldsmith Fellowship (PG Students)
- The Robert S. Kaplan (MBA 1983) Life Sciences Fellowship (PG Students)
Read more about:
| Scholarships that are available to pursue higher education at Harvard University | Scholarships to Study in the USA for International Students |
Commonly asked questions On Scholarships
The Boustany MBA Harvard Scholarship is granted once every two years by Harvard Business School for a two-year course. As per this scholarship, the following will be done:
- Financial aid amounting to 75% of the tuition fees
- Accommodation and travel expenses related to the internship
Students who have an excellent academic background and show considerable promise are eligible for this scholarship. Though the scholarship can be offered to students of any nation, the preference will be given to Lebanese students. One can apply for this scholarship only after receiving an offer of admission from the Harvard MBA program.
Approximately 50% of Harvard MBA students receive a need-based scholarship from HBS, with 10 per cent of the student body – those with the greatest financial need receiving full-tuition scholarships. The awards range from USD 2,500 – USD 76,000 per year (Around INR 2.17 Lacs – INR 66 lakh). Also, note that the annual need-based scholarship last year was USD 46,000 – USD 92,000 over two years (Around INR 40 Lacs – 80 lakh).
General requirements for students applying for scholarships are as follows:
- Excellent academic background
- UG Degree (for a Masters course scholarship)
- Must already have received offer letter
- Relevant work experience
- Other requirements
2 yearsHarvard UniversityStudents Ratings & Reviews
1 Verified Review- 100% students never faced discrimination in this university
(2) 2 people found this helpfulHarvard University Job Outcomes
About 85% of the MBA graduates of Harvard received accepted job offer (Class of 2024). F1 students may work on-campus for upto 20 hours a week when the school is in session and full-time during official school breaks
ROI After Education at Harvard University
Return on Investment (ROI) for a university is determined by the salary a graduate can expect to earn after graduation, compared to all the costs associated with attending college, such as tuition, living expenses, and foregone earnings. Given below are the details of the fees (investment) and salary (return) of an MBA at Harvard University:
| Course | Annual Fee (Investment) | Salary (ROI) |
|---|---|---|
| MBA | INR 18 L - 67 L |
Median Base Salary: USD 175,000 (INR 1.45 Cr) Median Signing Bonus: USD 30,000 (INR 25 L) |
Harvard University Alumni Statistics: Sectors Placed
According to the data sourced from the web, the alumni of Harvard are currently working with some of the top organizations in the world across multiple industries. Listed below are the details:
- Graduates are working in industries such as Business Development, Education, Operations, Research, Media & Communication, Engineering, etc.
- Some of the courses preferred by the alumni are Business Administration & Management, Economics, Computer Science, Computational Science, Political Science & Government, etc.
Top Employers
- Harvard University alumni members are working at the university campus and in organizations such as Google, Microsoft, McKinsey & Company, Goldman Sachs, MIT, Stanford University, etc.
Top Recruiters
Commonly asked questions On Placements
After completing the degree from Harvard University there are various job profiles opens for graduates. As per the Harvard Business School placements 2024, graduates get job offers in profiles such as Finance, Consulting, General Management, etc. Mentioned in the table below are the placement records as per the job profile:
| Job Profile | % of Graduates Hired |
|---|---|
| Finance | 38% |
| Consulting | 18% |
| General Management | 13% |
| Marketing | 11% |
| Others | 5% |
| Business Development | 8% |
| Strategic Planning | 8% |
Students planning to Harvard University's LLM should aim to have the following:
- Make sure the achievements in the CV are balanced but consistent. Some of the achievements that one can include are moot cases or winning essay competitions
- Engage in extracurricular apart from studying and include all those achievements in your CV. Try getting involved in the internships, competitions, and other activities that will have some significance for the career
- The CV should show your focus and how you manage time
Harvard University Fees for Indian Students
For Indian students, the Harvard MBA fees is around INR 68 L. Harvard University fees for Indian students for UG courses start at INR 51 L (first-year tuition fee), and for PG courses, it starts at INR 18 L (first-year tuition fee). Check the table below to learn further about Harvard University fees in Indian rupees for the courses offered, along with the eligibility and exam scores required:
Cost of Living
Harvard University is considered to be an affordable study destination for native as well as international students. Also, Harvard is very generous and even offers 100% need-based scholarships for students in need. On a usual basis, the Harvard University cost of living is around INR 21 L - 25 L for Indian students. Refer to the table below for the breakdown of the Harvard University cost of living:
|
Particulars |
Annual Cost of Living (2025-26) |
Living Expenses in INR |
|---|---|---|
|
Housing |
USD 13,532 |
INR 12 L |
|
Food |
USD 8,598 |
INR 7.5 L |
|
Personal Expenses (estimated) |
USD 2,500 |
INR 2.1 L |
|
Books (estimated) |
USD 1,000 |
INR 84.8 K |
|
Transportation Costs (estimated) |
USD 0 - USD 5,000 |
INR 4.3 L |
| Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Duration & Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
MBA/PGDM(7 courses) | INR 21 L - 80 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 9 months-2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 7 - 7.5, TOEFL: 100 & Above, PTE: 70 & Above, Duolingo: 125 & Above, GMAT, GRE |
MS(25 courses) | INR 19 L - 80 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 9 months-3 years Exam Accepted: TOEFL: 80 - 103, PTE: 70 & Above, Duolingo: 125 - 130, IELTS: 7 - 7.5, GRE, GMAT |
B.E. / B.Tech(5 courses) | INR 53 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: SAT, IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo |
LL.M.(1 course) | INR 72 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 1 year Exam Accepted: TOEFL: 100 & Above, PTE |
B.A.(28 courses) | INR 52 L - 55 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, SAT, IELTS |
MD(1 course) | INR 54 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 7.5 & Above, TOEFL: 103 & Above, Duolingo: 130 & Above |
B.Sc.(17 courses) | INR 52 L - 55 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, SAT, IELTS |
BBA(1 course) | INR 53 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: SAT, IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo |
M.A.(17 courses) | INR 18 L - 66 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 12 months-3 years Exam Accepted: TOEFL: 80 - 103, PTE: 70 & Above, Duolingo: 125 - 130, IELTS: 6.5 - 7.5, GRE, GMAT |
M.Arch(5 courses) | INR 55 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 2 years-42 months Exam Accepted: GRE, TOEFL: 92 & Above, PTE |
Commonly asked questions On Fees and Eligibility
The duration of Harvard LLM is one-year. Harvard's LLM course tuition fee is USD 80,760 for the 2025-26 academic year. The fee details are given as follows:
Particulars | Fees |
|---|---|
Tuition | USD 80,760 |
Health insurance and health services fees | USD 6,108 |
Activities fees | USD 450 |
Housing | USD 18,900 |
Food | USD 6,334 |
Personal expenses | USD 5,773 |
Books & supplies | USD 1,700 |
Getting into Harvard University can be challenging but the university provides financial aid to international students. So, the total estimated cost of attendance at Harvard College shall be lower as Harvard provides financial aid or scholarships. Check Harvard University fees for indian students from the table given below:
| Expenses | 2023-24 Cost of Attendance |
|---|---|
| Tuition | USD 54,269 |
| Fees | USD 4,807 |
| Housing | USD 12,424 |
| Food | USD 7,950 |
Other Expenses
| Expenses | Amount in USD |
|---|---|
| Estimated personal expenses | USD 2,500 |
| Estimated books | USD 1,000 |
| Estimated transport costs | USD 0 - USD 4,500 |
Additionally, health insurance is required at a cost of USD 4,120 (for 2023-24) unless students are covered in their family’s health plan
As it is widely known that to get into Harvard is quite selective at the time of admission. Even though academic achievement is one of the important factor that is considered during the admission process, there are some other factors that are considered for granting admission. As such there is no formula for gaining admission to Harvard. Apart from the academic accomplishment, the Admissions Committee considers the following factors too:
- Community involvement;
- Leadership;
- Distinction in extra-curricular activities;
- Personal qualities;
- Character of applicants;
- Teachers, counselors, alumni viewpoints for a student;
- Applicants’ ability to overcome adversity; and more.
Speaking of the selectivity of Harvard, according to Harvard Magazine, 1,937 of the 54,008 applicants to class were granted admission for the Class of 2028 admissions, which is equivalent to 3.6%.
Harvard UniversityStudent profile
Others
60%
Asian
19%
Hispanic
11%
Black
8%
Out of state
68%
Foreign
15%
In state
15%
24 and under
83%
25 and over
16%
UG Number of Applicant
Overall Graduation Rate
UG Enrollment
PG Enrollment
Harvard University Notable Alumni
Harvard University's excellence in teaching, influence, academic heritage, world-class facilities and reputable alumni make it one of the best universities worldwide. The alumni and faculty of Harvard have been closely associated with many areas of American intellectual and political development. Harvard University alumni, researchers, and faculty include 8 U.S. Presidents, 188 living billionaires, 160+ Nobel Laureates, 48 Pulitzer Prize winners, 252 Marshall Scholars, 369 Rhodes Scholars, etc. Popular names included in Harvard’s alumni are Barack Obama, Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, Natalie Portman, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Michelle Obama, Ratan Tata, Rahul Gandhi, etc.
|
Harvard Alumni |
Profession |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Bill Gates |
An American Businessman, Investor, Philanthropist, and Writer (Best known for co-founding the software giant Microsoft) |
 |
|
Amartya Sen |
Indian Economist and Philosopher (Won Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences) |
 |
|
Ratan Tata |
Indian Industrialist, Philanthropist and a Former Chairman of Tata Sons. |
 |
|
Anand Mahindra |
Chairperson Mahindra and Mahindra Padma Bhushan Award Recipient, 2020 |
.jpg/220px-Anand_Mahindra_(1).jpg) |
|
Rahul Gandhi |
An Indian Politician and a member of the Indian Parliament |
 |
|
John F. Kennedy |
35th President of the United States, American Statesman and Politician |
 |
|
Barack Obama |
44th President of the United States, American Politician |
 |
|
Michelle Obama |
An American Attorney and Author, who served as the first lady of the United States |
 |
|
Mark Zuckerberg |
An American Businessman and Philanthropist, who co-founded the social media service Facebook |
 |
|
Robert Oppenheimer |
An American Theoretical Physicist (Famously known as the "father of the atomic bomb") |
 |
|
Helen Keller |
An American Author, Disability Rights Advocate, Political Activist and Lecturer |
 |
|
Natalie Portman |
An Israeli-born American Actress |
 |
|
Franklin Delano Roosevelt |
An American Politician who served as the 32nd president of the United States |
 |
|
John Adams |
An American Statesman, Attorney, Diplomat, Writer, and Founding Father, who served as the second president of the United States |
 |
|
Pierre Trudeau |
A Canadian Lawyer and Politician, who served as the 15th prime minister of Canada |
 |
Commonly asked questions On Alumni
Harvard University is known for wide alumni network. Here are some of the most famous alumni :
- John F. Kennedy
- Barack Obama
- Ratan Tata
- Natalie Portman
- Mark Zuckerberg
Harvard vs Oxford vs Stanford: Which is Better?
Harvard University, Oxford University as well as Stanford University are the most prestigious. While Harvard and Stanford are very competitive at the time of admission, Oxford University is no less. To choose to study at any of the below-given universities, students must be aware of the tuition fees, acceptance rate, ranking, etc. Mentioned below is the comparison between all the universities based on some parameters, which can help students choose a university for themselves:
| Particulars | Harvard | Stanford | Oxford |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | Around 3.6% | Around 3.6% | Around 17% |
| Type of university | Private Ivy League research university | Private research university | Public |
| Popular streams | MBA, LLM | MBA, MS, LLM | LLM, MSc |
| Annual tuition fees | Around INR 17 L - INR 69 L | Around INR 25.34 L - 1.22 Cr | Around INR 11 L - 94 L |
| Shiksha Ranking (National rankings) | #1 | #3 | #1 in UK |
Compare Harvard University with other similar colleges
| College | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| INR 20.93 L - 80.31 L | #3 US News, 2026 | |
| INR 36.65 L - 1.32 Cr | #3 QS, 2026 | |
| INR 38.7 L - 75.27 L | #7 US News, 2026 | |
| INR 37.27 L - 1.14 Cr | #1 QS, 2026 | |
| INR 25.77 L - 1.03 Cr | #6 US News, 2026 | |
| INR 40.29 L - 91.93 L | #793 US News, 2025 |
CompareCommonly asked questions On Comparisons
Both Yale and Harvard are considered part of best B schools worldwide offering their students world class infrastructure highly qualified faculty enriching culture that encourages student development and greater chances of employability post study.
While both B schools are great and offer similar facilities and environment there does exist some differences that students must be aware of before choosing between two.
Listed below is a detailed comparison between the two B schools:
Criteria | Yale | Harvard |
|---|---|---|
Location | New Haven, Connecticut | Boston, Massachusetts |
Average Starting Salary | USD 154,100 (INR 1.33 Cr.) | USD 175,000 (INR 1.5 Cr.) |
Average Sign-On Bonus | USD 30,000 (INR 25.5L) | USD 30,000 (INR 25.5L) |
Annual Tuition Fee (MBA) | USD 88,300 (INR 77 L) | USD 78,700 (INR 68 L) |
Top Companies Hiring |
|
|
MBA Ranking (QS World 2025) | #16 | #3 |
In terms of rankings, the Oxford University has an upper hand among all the three universities. But, Harvard Uni offers great placement packages. The table given below can be referred to know the ROI and rankings of these universities:
| Parameters | Harvard University | Oxford University | Stanford University |
|---|---|---|---|
| QS Rankings 2026 | #5 | #4 | #3 |
| Average Package (Base Salary) | USD 175,000 or INR 1.5 Cr | GBP 83,410 or INR 88 L | USD 189,010 or INR 1.6 Cr |
| Fees for MBA | INR 18 L - 62 L | INR 29 L - 83 L | INR 32 L - 1 Cr |
Harvard University as well as the University of Oxford are two most prestigious universities worldwide and part of the top 5 universities in the world. When it comes to rankings, Harvard University is just a level above Oxford, with the rank #2 in World Rankings by Shiksha Popularity Rankings. Whereas, the latter has obtained the rank #3. Also, Harvard is part of the prestigious Ivy League institutions. Mentioned below is the comparison between both of these globally renowned universities on the basis of some crucial parameters:
| Parameters | Harvard University | Oxford University |
|---|---|---|
| Shiksha Popularity Rankings | #2 in USA | #1 in the UK |
| Acceptance Rate | 4% | 18% |
| Tuition Fees (MBA) | INR 68 L | INR 72.6 L |
| Average Salary in INR | INR 1.45 Cr | INR 69.4 L |
Harvard UniversityStudying in USA
Key Facts About USA
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Harvard University Campus
Harvard students are active around and beyond campus, with over 400 official student societies, including extracurricular, co-curricular and athletic opportunities. The main campus of Harvard University is located along the Charles River in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. There are three total campuses Harvard situated in Cambridge, Boston, and Allston. Whether playing on the field in Harvard Stadium, fostering entrepreneurial activities at the Harvard Innovation Lab or writing and editing at the daily newspaper, the Harvard Crimson, student life is a rich and rewarding experience.
Harvard University campus life is very enriching, vibrant and welcoming. Some of the facilities offered to students are athletic facilities, computer accounts and facilities, libraries and museums, on-campus housing and dining services. Students can also choose to join the chorus or orchestra, explore Boston and Cambridge, attend lectures and workshops, or participate in intramurals. Additionally, students can choose to live on-campus while studying at Harvard. Note that Harvard University Housing includes apartments available to full-time graduate students. These apartments are close to the university's Allston, Cambridge, and Longwood Medical area campuses.
Safety at Harvard University
There is a comprehensive public safety program at Harvard that includes a full-time campus force, emergency phones, a campus-wide shuttle service, lighted pathways, a computer-card key system operating in all residential buildings, etc. Additionally, Harvard University Police Department (HUPD) officers and security guards conduct routine security and safety patrols of the academic and administrative buildings and report any unusual instances. The residences at this university are secured 24 hours a day.
Harvard University Newspaper
Harvard University’s newspaper, The Crimson, founded in 1873, is run entirely by Harvard University’s undergraduate students. It is the university’s primary newspaper.
Commonly asked questions On Others
No. However, students must live in the Harvard housing for their first-year at the university. It is noteworthy that only a certain number of students choose to live off-campus their following years. Most students and alumni consider the House system one of the hallmarks of their Harvard experiences.
Harvard University is home away from home for international students. Attending the university has its own perks when it comes to the campus life. While studying in the university, students get to enjoy the perfect blend of urban living with the close community feel of a small town. Mentioned below are the facilities which make Harvard University an ideal study abroad option:
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Student Activities | Night discussions in the dining hall with friends, drama productions, athletic competitions, outings to Boston's museums, extra-curricular activities, and more |
| Athletics | Varsity sports, intramural sports, club sports, recreational opportunities, and more |
| Health & Well-being | Health (physical & emotional), wellness, and fitness services |
| Diversity & Inclusion | An inclusive living and learning environment for every member of the community |
Harvard University is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts and the three main campuses of Harvard are situated in Cambridge, Allston, and Boston also Harvard is home to 42 nation-leading Division I intercollegiate sports teams and additionally there are many club sports that students can join. There are 450+ student organizations at the university ranging from Politics to Photography to Debate and Dance.
Harvard University Faculty
Harvard University is one of the most prestigious universities in the world and holds some of the best faculty members around the globe. Professors of Harvard University are academically excellent and have an expertise in their fields. Some of the notable Harvard University faculty are as follows:
- Jean Louis Rodolphe Aggasiz: An American Biologist and Geologist, who is recognised as the scholar of Earth's natural history.
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Alan Morton Dershowitz: An American Lawyer, Media Contributor, Political Commentator, and Legal Analyst, who is known for his work in US constitutional law and American criminal law. He was a renowned professor at Harvard Law School, who taught from 1964 to 2013.
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John Kenneth Galbraith: A Canadian-American Economist, Diplomat, Public Official, and Intellectual. Ken Gallbraith's works on economic topics were bestsellers from the 1950s through the 2000s.
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Seamus Justin Heaney: An Irish Poet, Playwright and Translator. Heaney received the 1995 Nobel Prize in Literature.
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Paul Edward Farmer: An American Medical Anthropologist and Physician. Farmer was a University Professor and the chair of the Department of Global Health and Social Medicine at Harvard Medical School.
Commonly asked questions On Additional Details 1
Harvard University comprises of a wide of range of constituent units, which includes the undergraduate Harvard College, 12 graduate and professional schools, and the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study. All the faculties/departments of the universities are extremely prestigious and highly regarded. However, the Harvard School of Medicine as well as the Harvard Business School are the top two faculty members on the institution. Some of the factors which make these departments top class are Nobel awards, research capabilities and grants, influential graduates who lead departments, world-class teaching, rich alumni base, and more.
Harvard University faculty members comprise of several Nobel laureates and some of the best scholars around the world. Also, the Pulitzer Prize-winning teach courses on all levels and national book award winners host seminars for first-year students. At the university, students get to interact one-on-one with the world-class faculty. Mentioned below are some of the top Harvard University faculty:
| Harvard University Faculty | Profession & Achievements |
|---|---|
| Jean Louis Rodolphe Aggasiz | An American Biologist and Geologist, who is recognised as the scholar of Earth's natural history |
| Alan Morton Dershowitz | An American Lawyer, Media Contributor, Political Commentator, and Legal Analyst, who is known for his work in US constitutional law and American criminal law. He was a renowned professor at Harvard Law School, who taught from 1964 to 2013 |
| John Kenneth Galbraith | A Canadian-American Economist, Diplomat, Public Official, and Intellectual. Ken Gallbraith's works on economic topics were bestsellers from the 1950s through the 2000s |
| Seamus Justin Heaney | An Irish Poet, Playwright and Translator. Heaney received the 1995 Nobel Prize in Literature |
| Paul Edward Farmer | An American Medical Anthropologist and Physician. Farmer was a University Professor and the chair of the Department of Global Health and Social Medicine at Harvard Medical School |
Harvard University Endowment
Harvard has the largest endowment in the world. It is actually the university’s largest financial asset. The endowment is the dedicated and permanent source of funding that maintains the teaching and research mission of Harvard. The returns of endowment have enabled leading financial aid programs, exceptional discoveries in scientific research, and hundreds of professorships across a wide range of disciplines. The endowment distributed $2.4 billion in the fiscal year ending in June 2024.
Commonly asked questions On Additional Details 2
Harvard University has a great reputation because of its esteemed faculty, multi-talented, top-rated facilities and high-achieving students, tremendous endowment fund and international prestige. In short, Harvard University is known for its world-renowned faculty, state-of-the-art resources and individualized instruction. It is also a diverse university and students at Harvard represent all fifty states and more than 140 nationalities around the globe. These students from over the world and the U.S. bring their talent, intelligence, and curiosity to Harvard.
Why Indian Students choose Harvard University?
The total number of international students enrolled at Harvard is 6,793. A kot of Indian students choose Harvard University for their higher studies because of academic, cultural, and career reasons. A few factors that may influence this decision are:
- Global and Ivy League Reputation: Harvard Uni ranks among the Top 5 Universities in the world consistently. On top of this, its Ivy League status contributes more value. Indian students who want to make a career in Business, Law, and Medicine see Harvard as a career accelerator
- World-Class Education: It is widely known that Harvard provides exceptional education. A few of the popular programs of Harvard University include MBA, Computer Science and Data Science, Law and International Affairs, Public Policy, etc.
- Cultural Diversity: Students from 200+ countries study at Harvard. Each year, 500-800 Indian students and scholars study at Harvard
- Financial Aid: Harvard offers need-blind admissions to foreign students. Around 55% of the students receive financial aid
- Career Opportunities and ROI: Harvard's Strong alumni, including politicians, CEOs, help with job placements and mentorships.Top recruiters at this university's graduates include Microsoft, Google, McKinsey, Goldman Sachs, etc.
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For admission to UG courses at Harvard University international students need SAT / ACT and IELTS / TOEFL scores while on the other hand for admission to PG courses standardized test scores like GMAT / GRE are required which may vary as per the courses. A table of exam scores that have to be submitted by the students for admission to PG courses is given below:
Program | Exams Required | Recommended Scores |
|---|---|---|
MBA | GMAT or GRE + English language proficiency |
|
LLM | TOEFL | 100+ in iBT |
MPA | GRE / GMAT | 320+ |
Public Health | GRE or MCAT | 310+ in GRE |
Harvard University FAQs for Indian Students
Harvard University application requirements is the same for US residents as well as overseas applicants. Hence, in order to apply for Harvard University admissions, all the first-year candidates must complete the Common Application or the Coalition Application along with the required supplements. Harvard is unbiased and has no preference. Each application is treated equally by the Admissions Committee of Harvard University.
Harvard University accepts international applications through two application types: Restrictive Early Action or Regular Decision program. Once an applicant has applied for Harvard University admissions, it takes the university about 6 - 8 weeks to take a decision and notify the students. Listed below are the Harvard University decision dates for international students:
- Restrictive Early Action candidates will receive notification by Mid-Dec, 2024.
- Regular Decision candidates will receive notification by the Mar-End, 2025.
Harvard is launching a Mignone Center for Career Success for undergraduate students, which will emphasize on career advising. Also, the university offers a variety of summer programs for research opportunities. When it comes to the placement cell, Harvard has an Office of Career Services (OCS), which provides public service-themed events throughout the year, along with daily walk-in hours. Some other facilities provided by the OCS include post-graduate fellowships, summer internships, in-depth consultations, domestic and international internship opportunities, and more.
The average range of scholarship amount offered at Harvard Uni is USD 46,000 per academic year. The Harvard MBA Scholarship has the following eligibility criteria:
- Excellent academic background;
- Scholarship can be offered to students with any nationality; and
- Students can apply only after receiving an offer from the Harvard MBA course.
This scholarship will offer financial aid for up to 75% of the tuition fees and travel as well as accommodation expenses will be covered.
Harvard University provides students the opportunity to apply under either Restrictive Early Action or Regular Decision program, both of which allow the candidate to compare admission and financial aid offers from other institutions and to wait until the specific deadline to make a final college choice.
| Particulars | Final date to apply |
|---|---|
| Restrictive Early Action | Nov 1, 2025 |
| Regular Decision Program | Jan 1, 2026 |
Students can apply to Harvard using the Common Application or the Coalition Application.
Harvard University
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 2 days ago
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Scholar-Level 17
Answered a month ago
Law is a very different study . Interdisciplinary study or some other different subject knowledge enhance the level .
Harvard is a brand worldwide and also the education is comparatively higher .You need to have some exceptional achievements to get there.Also a good research before applying for Harv
Scholar-Level 16
Answered 3 weeks ago
MIT vs Harvard is one decision that you want to be in the position of making, if you're looking for higher education in the USA. Fierce competitors, academic peers, and neighbours, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University are two of the most elite institutions in the world an
M
Beginner-Level 5
Answered a month ago
Studying at Harvard can be expensive for Indian students. Located in Cambridge, the cost of living when studying at Harvard is high. Apart from the tuition fee, students also need to pay for housing, food, transportation, insurance, among others on a monthly basis.
Indian students can check the cost
E
Beginner-Level 3
Answered a month ago
Before taking admission to the university, students must take care of all the costs that they must incur while studying at Harvard University. Students looking for accommodation at university owned residential halls can expect the annual cost of living to be around INR 35-40 L. This includes various
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Contributor-Level 10
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Harvard University
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Harvard UniversityLocation
| University City | Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA |
| Size of city | Medium |
| Population of City | 1,18,403 |
Harvard UniversityCampuses
Massachusetts Hall, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
Visit official site677 Huntington Avenue Boston, MA 02115
Visit official site150 Western Ave, Allston, MA 02134 US
Visit official siteHarvard UniversityContact Information
1350 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA
Cambridge ( Massachusetts)
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