Harvard College is the undergraduate program of Harvard University.
If you enroll, you‘ll become part of one of the most interesting and diverse American college communities. Our students come from all 50 states and more than 100 countries, every ethnic and religious background, and across the economic spectrum. They bring a remarkable diversity of interests to share with each other. Harvard is committed to making educational opportunities accessible to all. Admission is based on achievement and promise without regard to financial need. More than 50% of undergraduates receive need-based scholarships, which are available regardless of citizenship or nationality.
A world-renowned education
In Harvard College’s global community, students are broadly educated in the social sciences, natural sciences, and humanities as well as trained in a particular academic specialty. There are 50 fields to specialize in, including Engineering and Applied Sciences, and more than 3,700 classes in our course catalog. With a median class size of 12 students, professors are easily accessible in class and during their office hours. Superb laboratories, athletic facilities, libraries, museums, and other educational resources allow students ample opportunity to participate in groundbreaking research.
In a normal year, residential life often brings students and faculty even closer together. Under normal circumstances, Harvard offers housing to every student for four years, and nearly all students choose to live on campus. Faculty will often join students for meals and activities in the first-year dormitories and Harvard’s comprehensive House system for upper-level students. Considering the diversity of their backgrounds and interests, students enjoy a truly global community and learn a great deal from one another.
Extracurricular activities further educate and entertain our students, and our Dean of Students Office is committed to ensuring that extracurricular opportunities can continue in modified ways even when social distancing is required. Whether singing in a choir, volunteering, or writing for The Harvard Crimson (the daily student newspaper), students learn about the world and its challenges together.
Admission and financial aid
There is no formula for being accepted to Harvard. Grades and test scores are considered as equally as community involvement, extracurriculars, essays, recommendations, and personal qualities, among other criteria. A strong knowledge of English is essential for studying at Harvard.
We’re committed to admitting the most able and interesting students, regardless of their financial circumstances or citizenship. About 70% of students receive some form of aid, with over 50% receiving need-based scholarships. Scholarships offered to international and American students alike are based on family financial circumstances; we offer no merit, academic, or other non-need scholarships. Fee waivers are available for students if the application fee presents a hardship.
