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Harvard University

Cambridge, Massachusetts · Private · 7,601 undergrads

Harvard admits 4.2% of applicants (fall 2025, Common Data Set 2025-26), requires the SAT or ACT for fall 2027, and regular decision is due Jan 1, 2027.

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Can I get into Harvard?

4.2% of applicants get in

Almost everyone who applies is turned down, including many students with perfect grades. The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent scores had 1510–1580 on the SAT.

Add your SAT to see where you sit

Likely: even the low end of our estimate is 60% or more, and the college admits at least 25% of applicants. Target: our estimate is 30% or more. Reach: our estimate is under 30%, or the college admits under 15%. Long shot: our estimate is under 12%, or the college admits under 12%. Estimates use the college's admit rate and score range plus your grades and scores. They are not a promise.

47,893 applied, 2,003 admitted, fall 2025 (Common Data Set). Scores: IPEDS fall 2024.

What does Harvard cost?

$19,148 a year

What students who got federal aid paid on average after grants, 2024-25. The sticker price, with housing and food, is $89,279.

Tap your family income:

Average paid after grants by family income
under $30,000$2,542
$30,000–$48,000$2,070
$48,000–$75,000$4,126
$75,000–$110,000$9,995
over $110,000$51,128

Own a business or have divorced parents? Run Harvard's own calculator.

Net price 2024-25, College Scorecard.

Does Harvard need the SAT or ACT?Required

Yes.

Required for fall 2027. Plan to take the SAT or ACT and send your best score.

Which colleges require scores

Checked on college.harvard.edu Nov 2, 2026. See the source

What it's like

7,601
undergrads. Mid-size: plenty of people, and professors who can learn your name.
City
Campus setting in Cambridge, MA.
98%
of first-years come back for year two.
66%
finish in four years. 97% within six.
$122k
median pay 10 years after starting.
$17.6k
median federal debt at graduation.

Lists Harvard is on

Colleges that require the SAT or ACTColleges due Jan 1Most selective in MassachusettsCheapest after aid in MassachusettsColleges for a 34 ACTCheapest after aid, families under $30kCheapest after aid, families $48–75k

Questions people ask

Is Harvard University test-optional for fall 2027?
No. Harvard requires the SAT or ACT for students entering in fall 2027. Checked on college.harvard.edu on Nov 2, 2026.
What is Harvard University's acceptance rate?
4.2% for fall 2025: 2,003 of 47,893 applicants were admitted (Common Data Set).
What SAT score do you need for Harvard University?
The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent SAT scores had 1510 to 1580 (IPEDS, fall 2024). A quarter scored higher and a quarter lower, so a score in that range is typical, not a cutoff.
How much does Harvard University cost for a family earning $60,000?
Families earning $48,000–$75,000 paid an average of $4,126 a year after grants in 2024-25 (students who got federal aid). The sticker price is $89,279.
When is the Harvard University application deadline for fall 2027?
Restrictive early action closed Nov 1, 2026. Regular decision is due Jan 1, 2027. Checked on college.harvard.edu on Nov 5, 2026.
What is Harvard University's graduation rate?
97% of students finish within six years and 66% within four (IPEDS).