1636
Cambridge, MA

About Harvard University

Harvard University is well noted as an institution for research and scholarly pursuits. The school also happens to be the oldest institution of higher education in the United States dating to 1636, when by a vote of the Great and General Court of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, it was established. Today, Harvard includes 12 professional Schools, the Harvard Radcliffe Institute, along with a college division that offers continuing education opportunities through certificates and courses.

While many degree programs are offered at the school’s physical campus, students can pursue distance education opportunities. Harvard Extension School opens its doors to a diverse student body and enrolls millions of learners from around the world through its online learning platform. 

  • Enroll in an online course that fits your schedule
  • Complete an online professional development certificate
  • Educators can pursue an online education degree

Online studies provide an ideal platform to network with others and grow your career!

Accreditation & Licensing

Harvard University is accredited by:

New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

Type:

4-year, Private not-for-profit

Highest Level Offered:

Doctor's degree

Religious Affiliation:

Not applicable

Enrollment:

Undergraduate: 12,135 ; Graduate: 25,423

Percent of Fully Online Students:

Undergraduate: 21% ; Graduate: 38%

Graduation Rate:

98%

Median Earnings, 10-Years After Degree Completion:

$101,817

Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):

$14,000

Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:

50%

Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:

$59,539

Yellow Ribbon Program:

Yes

Online Programs offered by Harvard University

Check Program Availability

All Programs

Education

Best Buy degree
Master of Education in Education Leadership

Religion & Philosophy

Popular degree
Graduate Certificate in Religion & Society
Popular degree
Graduate Certificate in Religions of the World
Master of Liberal Arts in Religion
GetEducated Team Takes
Tony’s Take

Harvard is high-upside and high-demand. Classes are rigorous and fast. Standards stay high across courses. Professor quality is a clear strength.

Access to professors is a major plus. Support is strongest in academics. Students can get help directly from faculty. But pace pressure is real.

Keeping up can be hard week to week. This is not a low-lift path. There is some schedule flexibility in Extension School formats. Learners may mix online and on-campus classes.

They can also adjust course load by term. That helps with pacing, not difficulty. Grant aid can offset tuition for some students. Overall fit is best for disciplined learners who want challenge.

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Reviewed By GetEducated
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Frequently Asked Questions About Harvard University

Is Harvard University accredited?

Yes. Harvard University is institutionally accredited by New England Commission of Higher Education.

How many online programs does Harvard University offer?

Harvard University offers 4 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.

What degree levels does Harvard University offer?

Harvard University is focused on master's-level programs.

How should students contact admissions at Harvard University?

Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.

Is Harvard University expensive, and what are the tuition costs?

Roughly speaking, Harvard University falls into GetEducated’s $$$ tuition tier, which points to a higher tuition range.

How quickly can I enroll at Harvard University?

Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.

What should transfer students ask Harvard University first?

The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.

What GPA do most Harvard University programs require?

Most listed programs require a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Is Harvard University military friendly?

Harvard University shows Yellow Ribbon support. Check Yellow Ribbon eligibility before you apply, since program-level benefits can vary.

How can students request information from Harvard University through GetEducated?

Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.

What documents are most commonly required for Harvard University applications?

Most listed programs ask for Official College Transcript(s), Recommendation/Reference Letter(s), Resume/CV, and Statement of Purpose/Intent. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.

Does Harvard University accept life experience credit?

Harvard University does not show a school-wide life experience credit policy. Check Transfer Options to confirm transfer-credit options for your specific program.

Are Harvard University programs fully online or mixed?

Harvard University includes Mostly Online and 100% Online options, so students should check the format of their specific program before applying.

What kinds of online programs does Harvard University offer?

Harvard University has online program options in areas such as Religion & Philosophy and Education; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.

Are any admission tests required for Harvard University programs?

One recurring admissions-test item is Proof of English Language Proficiency (International Students). Students should confirm whether it applies to their specific program.

Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at Harvard University?

For programs with both totals published, in-state and out-of-state tuition totals are typically the same.

Do any Harvard University programs have state authorization limitations?

State authorization restrictions are not prominent across available programs, but students should still confirm eligibility for their state. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.

How often can students start at Harvard University?

Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Harvard University, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.

How should working adults compare Harvard University programs?

Working adults should confirm program format, total cost, timeline, and application requirements before choosing a path.

What should students compare before choosing a Harvard University program?

Students should compare accreditation fit, program format, application requirements, total cost, and whether the timeline works with their schedule.

Featured Ranking Reports

Harvard University is featured in 1 of our ranking reports!

GetEducated continually compiles custom ranking reports to give you a complete snapshot of schools, degrees, tuition, and a detailed report on thousands of job categories throughout the entire education industry.

We provide these comprehensive ranking reports to you, for free. Click on any report below to learn more about how we ranked this school.

Geographic and Educational Overview

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Harvard University is located in Massachusetts

Massachusetts at a Glance:

State flag of MA
Boston
7,029,917
10,554 sq mi
15
85
15
$15,500.00

Top Incentives in Massachusetts:

Top Career Pathways in Massachusetts:

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* Data is approximate and may be AI-enhanced