Harvard University

Harvard University, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is a prestigious Ivy League research university founded in 1636, making it the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Renowned globally for its influence, wealth, and rankings, Harvard is committed to excellence in teaching, learning, and research, aiming to develop leaders who make a global impact.

Academics

Harvard offers a wide array of academic programs across its ten faculties, including the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, which is the largest. The university provides over 50 undergraduate majors, 134 graduate degrees, and 32 professional degrees, with popular undergraduate concentrations including Economics, Government, Computer Science, and Psychology. Harvard is particularly recognized for its programs in Law, Business (MBA), and Medicine, and emphasizes interdisciplinary studies, allowing students to tailor their education to specific interests. The teaching approach often includes advanced coursework and senior theses for honors degrees, and while some introductory courses are large, the median class size is 12 students.

International Students

Harvard is a highly popular destination for international students, with approximately 22.9% of its student body coming from abroad, representing over 140 countries. The Harvard International Office (HIO) serves as a central resource, offering support and guidance on visas, work permits, travel, and cultural adjustment, and hosts events to foster interaction among international students. Financial aid policies are need-based and are the same for all applicants, regardless of nationality. International students also have access to various pre-orientation and orientation programs, academic advising, and numerous student-run cultural and affinity groups that provide a supportive community.

Campus & Location

Harvard's main campus, centered on the historic Harvard Yard, spans 209 acres in Cambridge, Massachusetts, just west-northwest of downtown Boston. The university also has significant campuses in the Allston neighborhood of Boston, home to Harvard Business School and many athletic facilities, and a medical campus in Boston's Longwood Medical Area. Cambridge itself is a multicultural city with museums and historic buildings, and is easily accessible via the MBTA subway system's Red Line, with a stop directly across from Harvard Yard. The campus features numerous libraries, museums, and community gardens, offering a rich environment for both study and recreation.

Career Outcomes

A significant majority of Harvard graduates, 58%, immediately enter the workforce, with a large proportion securing positions in finance, technology, and consulting. Approximately 40% of graduates entering the workforce earn over $110,000 annually, with many in tech, finance, and consulting earning even higher salaries. The Office of Career Services (OCS) provides personalized advising, workshops, and job listings, including resources tailored for international students regarding visa requirements. Harvard also fosters a strong startup culture, supported by initiatives like the Harvard Innovation Labs (i-lab), which provide incubation space, maker spaces, and resources for student ventures, and has seen 289 new startup companies emerge from its research innovations, raising over $15.6 billion in financing.