At schools with acceptance rates below 10%, nearly every applicant has near-perfect grades and test scores. Admissions decisions are driven by essays, extracurriculars, recommendations, and institutional priorities — factors no stats-based model can predict. Our likelihood labels reflect academic competitiveness only.
Harvard University is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States and one of the most prestigious universities in the world. Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Harvard offers unmatched resources across virtually every academic discipline, supported by the largest university endowment in existence.
Mascot: Crimson
Notable Alumni
John F. Kennedy (35th President)•Natalie Portman (Academy Award-winning actress)•Helen Keller (deaf-blind author and activist)
At a Glance
Cost
Published sticker prices for 2025-2026. Actual cost after aid varies.
Top Programs & National Ranking
Approximate national ranking based on departmental rankings, research output, and program reputation.
Highlights
Safety
Harvard University Police Department provides 24/7 patrols, blue-light emergency phones, and free escort services. Harvard Yard is gated at night, and on-campus violent crime is very rare.
Cambridge and the Harvard Square area are generally safe with active pedestrian traffic. Some petty crime occurs in nearby Allston and along the Charles River late at night.
Based on Clery Act data, student surveys, and local crime statistics.
Location
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