Ibrahim Gardner
Harvard University, the first college in the American colonies, was founded in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1636. The private institution had a total of 30,386 enrolled students in 2023, with 7,110 undergraduate students enrolled in the fall of that year. The university has a full-time enrollment of 20,807 students and a part-time enrollment of 9,579, meaning 68.5% of students are enrolled full-time. The undergraduate acceptance rate for 2023 was 3.45%, with 1,965 students admitted out of 56,937 applicants. Harvard University welcomes students from diverse backgrounds, with varying ethnicities, and from across the world.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of establishment | 1636 |
| Location | Cambridge, Massachusetts |
| Type of institution | Research university |
| Number of undergraduate majors | 50 |
| Number of graduate degrees | 134 |
| Number of professional degrees | 32 |
| Number of baccalaureate degrees granted in 2018-2019 | 1,665 |
| Number of graduate degrees granted in 2018-2019 | 1,013 |
| Number of professional degrees granted in 2018-2019 | 5,695 |
| Median class size | 12 students |
| Academic staff as of 2019 | 1,211 |
| Student body demographics (early 20th century) | Predominantly "old-stock, high-status Protestants" |
| Student body demographics (1923) | 20% Jewish students |
| International student population | More than a quarter of the total student body |
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What You'll Learn
International students
Harvard University is one of the most prestigious universities in the world, and it is no surprise that it attracts thousands of international students each year. The university has a diverse student population, with students from various racial and ethnic backgrounds. According to 2023 data, the enrolled student population at Harvard University is 32.6% White, 14.8% Asian, 9.23% Hispanic or Latino, 6.44% Black or African American, 4.3% Two or More Races, 0.207% American Indian or Alaska Native, and 0.109% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders.
In 2023, Harvard University had a total enrollment of 30,386 students, including both undergraduate and graduate students. Of these, about 6,800 or 7,000 were international students, according to 2024-2025 data from Harvard, making up more than 25% of its total enrollment. These international students come from over 140 different countries and contribute immensely to the university's cultural diversity and academic excellence.
Harvard welcomes applications from students worldwide and maintains a need-blind admissions policy, ensuring that a student's ability to pay does not impact their chances of admission. The university offers a fee waiver for the admissions application and financial aid, ensuring accessibility for all students, regardless of their economic background. International students at Harvard face the additional challenge of obtaining F-1 visas or J-1 nonimmigrant exchange visitor visas. Despite the recent controversy surrounding the Trump administration's attempts to block Harvard's ability to enroll international students, the university has successfully hosted international students under the F-1 visa program for 70 consecutive years.
In conclusion, Harvard University boasts a significant international student population, contributing to its diverse and vibrant community. The university actively welcomes and supports students from around the globe, creating a truly global educational environment.
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Undergraduate and graduate degrees
Harvard University, founded in 1636, is the first college in the American colonies. It offers 50 undergraduate majors, 134 graduate degrees, and 32 professional degrees. During the 2018–2019 academic year, Harvard awarded 1,665 baccalaureate degrees, 1,013 graduate degrees, and 5,695 professional degrees.
Harvard College is a four-year, full-time undergraduate program with a liberal arts and sciences focus. To graduate in the usual four years, undergraduates typically take four courses per semester. Most majors require advanced coursework and a senior thesis for an honours degree. The median class size is 12 students, though some introductory courses have larger enrollments. Radcliffe College, the female counterpart of Harvard College, was one of the most prominent schools for women in the nation.
Harvard's graduate programs have also experienced substantial growth. The university offers a wide range of graduate degrees, including master's and doctoral programs, as well as professional degrees such as law and medicine. The expansion of graduate programs has contributed to the overall growth in Harvard's enrollment over the years.
Harvard's graduate degrees provide advanced studies and research opportunities in various fields. The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, for example, offers master's and doctoral programs in areas such as biology, chemistry, physics, history, and literature. The university also has several professional schools, including the Harvard Law School and the Harvard Medical School, which offer specialized degrees and training in specific fields.
The flexibility of Harvard's graduate programs allows students to pursue their academic and professional interests. Graduate degrees can lead to enhanced career opportunities, providing advanced knowledge and skills in specific disciplines. Harvard's graduate programs also foster a diverse and intellectual community, attracting students and scholars from various backgrounds and cultures, contributing to a rich academic environment.
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Student demographics
Harvard University, founded in 1636, is a highly residential research university offering 50 undergraduate majors, 134 graduate degrees, and 32 professional degrees. The student demographics at Harvard have changed significantly over the years.
In the early 20th century, the student body was predominantly male, white, and from high-status Protestant families, especially Episcopalians, Congregationalists, and Presbyterians. However, over the century, the university's reputation grew, and its enrollment underwent substantial growth with the founding of new graduate programs and the expansion of the undergraduate college. Radcliffe College, the female counterpart of Harvard College, became one of the most prominent schools for women in the nation. By 1923, the proportion of Jewish students at Harvard had reached 20%.
Harvard has actively promoted inclusion and belonging, resulting in a diverse community with various backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values. The university has a significant international student population, with more than a quarter of its student body comprising international students. This diversity enriches the campus and contributes to the university's financial strength, as international students pay higher tuition rates, subsidizing lower costs for US students.
During the 2018-2019 academic year, Harvard granted 1,665 baccalaureate degrees, 1,013 graduate degrees, and 5,695 professional degrees. The median class size is 12 students, fostering a more intimate learning environment despite the large overall student population.
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Student life and community
Harvard's student body has transformed since its early years, when it was predominantly "old-stock, high-status Protestants". The university has actively promoted inclusion and belonging, resulting in a diverse community representing various backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, and life experiences. This diversity extends to its international student population, which makes up a significant portion of the student body. The inclusion of international students not only enriches the campus community but also contributes to the university's financial strength, as their higher tuition rates help subsidize lower costs for US students.
Harvard offers a wide range of academic programs, including 50 undergraduate majors, 134 graduate degrees, and 32 professional degrees. The median class size is 12 students, fostering a more intimate learning environment despite the university's large size. The university's academic staff, comprising 1,211 faculty members as of 2019, is dedicated to teaching and research, with a focus on the pursuit of knowledge and the betterment of society.
Life at Harvard extends beyond the classroom, with a strong emphasis on community engagement and giving back to the places its campuses reside in, both in Massachusetts and abroad. Harvard students and faculty are connected to local academic institutions, government organizations, businesses, and communities, fostering a sense of social responsibility and a global perspective. The university actively contributes to improvements in public spaces, neighborhood beautification, public safety, and public art, showcasing its commitment to being a good neighbor.
Harvard's student life is also characterized by its residential nature, with a high percentage of students living on campus. This creates a close-knit community and a sense of belonging, enhancing the overall student experience. With its diverse student body, excellent academic programs, and commitment to community, Harvard University offers a rich and transformative educational experience.
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History of Harvard University
Harvard University, the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States, was founded in 1636 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The college was established at Newtowne, which was later renamed Cambridge, and classes began in 1638 with one master in a single-frame house. In 1639, the college was named Harvard after its first benefactor, Puritan minister John Harvard, who bequeathed his books and half his estate to the college. The college was founded to train clergy for the new commonwealth, with the support of the local Puritan community and the town of Cambridge.
Harvard's history is marked by educational advancement, innovative leadership, and groundbreaking scholarly work. The university has been a leader in innovation in education, with a history of firsts. It received the first printing press in North America in 1638 and established the first college in the American colonies. Harvard also launched the first language programs in French and Spanish in 1816 and appointed its first professor of these languages, George Ticknor.
The university has a long history of educating Native Americans, dating back to its Charter of 1650, which pledges the university to "the education of English and Indian youth." The "Indian College" stood in Harvard Yard from 1655 to 1698, and Caleb Cheeshahteaumuck, a member of the Wampanoag tribe, became the first Native American to graduate from Harvard in 1665.
Harvard has also faced challenges and controversies throughout its history. In the 19th century, a well-known murder case occurred at the Medical School involving Dr. George Parkman and Dr. John White Webster. In the 20th century, Harvard's president, James Bryant Conant, worked to reinvigorate creative scholarship and increase diversity in admissions. The university has also faced recent criticism and funding threats related to alleged antisemitism and diversity programs.
Harvard University has a rich and complex history, with a strong focus on educational advancement and innovation. The university has produced numerous distinguished alumni and has been a leader in various fields, solidifying its reputation as one of the most prestigious institutions in the world.
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Frequently asked questions
30,386 students were enrolled at Harvard University in 2023.
Harvard University had an undergraduate enrollment of 7,110 students in fall 2023.
Harvard University had an overall acceptance rate of 3.45% in 2023, with 1,965 admissions out of 56,937 applications.
20,807 students are enrolled full-time at Harvard University, while 9,579 are enrolled part-time.
The retention rate for full-time undergraduates at Harvard University is 99%.
