Harvard University
What Harvard University's own numbers say, from its Common Data Set 2025-26.
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MoneyHarvard University
Harvard University meets 100% of need.
The average need-based grant is $72,749 a year.
Average grant$73k
Source: Harvard University's Common Data Set 2025-26
5 more things the data says PRO
- Nearly every enrolled first-year sent a test score in 2025-26 (79%), after fewer did in earlier years: it has moved back toward requiring tests.
- Taking out the REA round, regular-decision applicants were admitted at about 3.2% (1,299 of 40,869).
- 84% of admitted students chose to enroll, higher than 89% of similar colleges.
- It reports meeting 100% of financial need for first-years who have need.
- Applications rose 12% from 2018-19 to 2025-26 (42,749 to 47,893).
What students say PRO
From students' own posts on Reddit and admissions forums: self-reported, unverified, never used in your odds.
- Of 35 admits who named a round, 20 applied Regular Decision, 13 used Restrictive Early Action and 2 Early Action.
- Most admits who shared scores had SAT about 1530-1600 or ACT 34-36, with GPAs at or near 4.0.
- Many admits founded and ran something: startups, apps with thousands of users, nonprofits or youth organisations, often with funding or wide reach.
- Many admits had serious research or publications, such as co-authored papers, lab projects or competition wins in science.
- About ten admits describe themselves as first-generation or low-income, and several carried real family duties like caregiving.
- Students report Restrictive Early Action looks easier than it is, since recruited athletes, legacies and donor children fill much of it.
- Students report waitlist movement is small, about 41 admitted off the waitlist in the prior year, and some expect little for the next class.
- Students report the top academic and extracurricular ratings need exceptional, national-level achievement, and that one or two papers alone are not enough.
- Students report strong aid: Harvard is need-based only, free tuition under about $200K of family income, and need-blind for internationals, though some doubt it.
- Students report essays and recommendations carry real weight, and some interviews were friendly with alumni advocating for the applicant afterward.
Every number, year by year: Harvard University on Open College Data. Something wrong? Suggest a correction.