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Harvard University

86 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA 2138, USA

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Harvard University award
Harvard University award
US ranking
position: 8
Tuition & fees per year: $64,796
Acceptance rate: 3.00%
Median alumni salary: $92,518
Avg. SAT and ACT: 1530 SAT, 35 ACT
Entrance difficulty: N/A

What is the cost of studying for a year at Harvard University?

Harvard University's tuition and fees are notably high compared to national averages. The combined tuition and fees reach approximately $64,796 annually, placing the institution in the top 10% nationwide for cost. Specifically, undergraduate tuition alone is about $54,269, while fees add another $4,807, both classified as very high and ranking within the top 5 to 10 percentiles for expense.

In addition to tuition and fees, students should consider room and board costs, which further increase the yearly expenditure. Room charges are around $13,532 and board charges approximately $8,598, both categorized as very high and within the top 5 to 10 percentiles for cost. Altogether, room and board total $22,130 annually.

When combined, the total cost of studying at Harvard University-including tuition, fees, and room and board-reaches roughly $86,926 per year. This figure significantly exceeds the average total annual costs of attending college in the United States. For comparison, students at private non-profit four-year colleges generally pay around $54,501 annually, while out-of-state students attending four-year public colleges average $44,014.

Graduate tuition at Harvard University is similarly high, with full-time graduate tuition about $54,032 and fees around $1,408, representing costs in the top 5 to 40 percentile range. Part-time graduate charges are also elevated, approximately $1,689 per credit hour, placing them in the top 10 percent for cost.

Overall, the financial commitment required to attend Harvard University is substantially above many other higher education institutions in the United States, reflecting its position among the most expensive universities. Prospective students should weigh these costs carefully when making enrollment decisions.

What are the work-study opportunities at Harvard University?

Harvard University offers a variety of work-study opportunities designed to support students who demonstrate financial need. The program allows students to gain valuable experience while earning money to contribute toward their educational expenses. On-campus positions span administrative roles, library assistance, laboratory work, and other campus services, providing a diverse array of employment options that complement academic schedules.

Students typically earn an average hourly wage aligned with Massachusetts state standards, although specific pay rates can vary by position and department. These jobs are intended to be flexible to accommodate students' coursework and commitments.

In addition to on-campus roles, Harvard facilitates internships and other experiential learning opportunities that may be eligible under work-study funding, thus enabling students to develop practical skills in fields related to their studies while earning financial support.

For international students, Harvard University extends participation in the federal work-study program only if they meet eligibility requirements, which typically include specific visa statuses. Non-citizen students are encouraged to consult the financial aid office for detailed guidance on qualifying for work-study and other employment alternatives available to them.

Harvard University Tuition and Fees

Avg. tuition and fees $64,796
Tuition and fees
Avg. room and board charges $22,130
Room and board charges
Avg. books and supplies $1,000
Books and supplies

Total Cost

Avg. total cost $87,926
Total average cost of education at the institution, including tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies

Harvard University Room and Board Cost

Typical room charge for academic year

$13,532

Typical board charge for academic year

$8,598

Institution provide on-campus housing

Yes

Institution provides board or meal plan

Data not available

Harvard University Tuition Plans

Any alternative tuition plans offered by institution

Data not available

Tuition guaranteed plan

Data not available

Prepaid tuition plan

Data not available

Harvard University Financial Aid

Undergraduate average amount

$55,827

All

$64,942

Number of Students Receiving Financial Aid

72 %

Harvard University Military and Veterans Benefits

Undergraduate average amount

$21,191

Graduate average amount

$23,100