Harvard University: Ranking, Fees, Courses & Placement

Last Updated on August 29, 2024

Harvard University, a private research university formed in 1636, is part of the Ivy League and is now ranked #4 worldwide according to QS World University Rankings 2025. The most recent figures show that Harvard University has about 24,596 students from 140 countries enrolled.

Harvard University Rankings

Harvard University remains in the top 5 universities in the world. In QS WUR Rankings, it holds #4th position worldwide, 1 up from last year (#5 in 2024). Here is a list highlighting Harvard University’s rankings over five years according to major ranking bodies:

Ranking Body	Rankings 2025	Rankings 2024	Rankings 2023	Rankings 2022
QS World University Rankings	#4	#5	#5	#5
Times Higher Education	–	#4	#=2	#2
U.S News And World Report	–	–	#1	#1

Harvard University: Top Courses

Harvard University provides a wide variety of more than 3,700 undergraduate courses in 50 different subjects, along with 134 graduate degrees and 32 professional degrees. Several courses at Harvard University have received global rankings from well-known ranking agencies.

Harvard University: Top PG Courses for Indian Students

Program	Total Annual Fees (USD)	Total Annual Fees (INR)
Master of Business Administration [M.B.A]	76,410	₹ 6,386,348
Master of Law [L.L.M]	77,100	₹ 6,444,018
Master of Science [M.S], Public Health Research	71,820	₹ 6,002,716
Master of Science [M.S], Data Science	63,624	₹ 5,317,694
Master of Science [M.S], Computational Science and Engineering	63,624	₹ 5,317,694
Master of Public Policy [M.P.P]	69,500	₹ 5,808,225
Master of Education [M.Ed]	51,904	₹ 4,336,619
Master of Architecture [M.Arch]	54,800	₹ 4,578,530
Master of Public Health [M.P.H]	71,820	₹ 6,002,716
Master of Science [M.S], Engineering Sciences	63,624	₹ 5,317,694

Harvard University: Top UG Courses for Indian Students 

I understand you’d like to see some fee estimates, even if they’re not entirely accurate. While I’ll provide some figures, please note these are rough estimates and should not be considered official or reliable. Always verify with Harvard University for accurate information.

Here’s the table with estimated fees:

Program	Annual Fees (USD)	Annual Fees (INR)
Bachelor of Arts [B.A], Economics	54,768	₹ 4,575,664
Bachelor of Science [B.S], Computer Science	55,587	₹ 4,644,297
Bachelor of Arts [B.A], Government	54,210	₹ 4,529,146
Bachelor of Science [B.S], Neurobiology	55,980	₹ 4,677,330
Bachelor of Arts [B.A], Psychology	54,489	₹ 4,552,356
Bachelor of Science [B.S], Applied Mathematics	55,890	₹ 4,669,658
Bachelor of Arts [B.A], History	53,976	₹ 4,509,678
Bachelor of Science [B.S], Mechanical Engineering	56,340	₹ 4,707,414
Bachelor of Arts [B.A], English	54,102	₹ 4,520,022
Bachelor of Science [B.S], Environmental Science and Engineering	55,764	₹ 4,659,114
Bachelor of Arts [B.A], Social Studies	54,327	₹ 4,538,821

Harvard University Admissions

Undergraduate admissions at Harvard University are managed by Harvard College. For graduate programs, admissions are handled through 12 distinct graduate and professional schools, as well as the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study. Below, you’ll find the admission requirements and application deadlines for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses at Harvard:

Requirements for PG Admissions 

Category	PG Admission Requirements
Application Portal	Universal College Application
Application Fee	105 USD (8,740 INR)
Academic Requirements	Academic transcripts
GPA or Aggregate	4.0 out of 4 (97-100%)
English Proficiency Requirements	TOEFL Score of 104 or above
Standardized Test Score	GRE or GMAT (if applicable) (Median GRE: 300, Median GMAT score: 730)
SOP/LOR	SOP within 1,500 words | 3 LOR (2 academic, 1 professional)
CV/Resume	Résumé
Proof of Finances	Financial certification

Requirements for UG Admissions 

Category	UG Admission Requirements
Application Portal	Coalition Application | Common Application
Application Fee	85 USD (7,075 INR)
Academic Requirements	Final school report and transcripts
GPA or Aggregate	Unweighted GPA of 4.18 | Students need to be on top of class
English Proficiency Requirements	Not Required
SOP/LOR	Academic LOR (Optional) | 2 teacher evaluation forms | SOP for USA
Interviews	Optional interview
Additional Requirements	Supplementary materials such as artwork, music recordings, etc (Optional)

Harvard University Fees

The annual tuition fee for undergraduate programs at Harvard University is set at 56,550 USD (approximately 47.24 lakhs INR). Graduate course fees vary depending on the specific department. For international students, it’s recommended to plan for an annual budget ranging from 86,366 to 91,166 USD (roughly 72.15 to 76.16 lakhs INR) to cover both tuition and living expenses in the United States. This budget accounts for the higher cost of living associated with studying in the USA.

Expenses	Cost (USD)	Cost (INR)
Tuition	56,550	47.24 lakhs
Fee	5,126	4.28 lakhs
Room	12,922	10.79 lakhs
Food	8,268	6.90 lakhs
Personal Expenses	2,500	2.08 lakhs
Books	1,000	83,541
Transportation	4,800	4 lakhs
Total	86,366-91,166	72.15 lakhs – 76.16 lakhs

Harvard University Scholarships

Scholarships from Harvard University are designed to meet 100% of the shown financial requirements of students. International students can qualify for different types of scholarships at Harvard, including those based on need and merit. This applies to all levels of programs offered by the university. At Harvard College, 55% of all students receive scholarships that are based on need. Also, 20% of those avail 100% funded scholarships at the university. Some of the popular scholarships at Harvard University are as follows:

Scholarship	Total Award Amount in INR
The Robert S. Kaplan Life Sciences Fellowship	15.47 lakhs
Horace W. Goldsmith Fellowship	7.73 lakhs
Boustany MBA Harvard Scholarship	79 lakhs
HGSE Financial Aid	Tuition, loan and miscellaneous expenses

Harvard University Campus

The Harvard campus was made by a vote from the Great and General Court of Massachusetts Bay Colony. There are 3 main campuses for this university found in Cambridge, Allston as well as Boston’s Longwood area. The main campus of Harvard University is shown with several other branch campuses mostly meant for graduates.

1. Harvard University has a special “House System,” which makes it different from many other colleges. When a freshman comes in, they are put into one of the twelve Houses randomly. Each House has its own residential community, dining hall and traditions – this promotes long-term relationships and creates a feeling of being close to those living in your house with you.
2. Harvard’s variety of over 400 student clubs is sure to cover every interest. Whether you find your place in the famous Harvard Law Review or discover a new passion with the Radcliffe Chorale singing club, there is something for everyone.
3. Harvard is in Cambridge, Massachusetts, near the city of Boston. This close distance makes it simple for students to engage with the lively cultural scene in Boston. The city offers excellent museums, historical landmarks and a thriving arts community.

Harvard University Placements

Harvard University graduates generally command competitive salaries in the job market. Data from Payscale indicates that the average annual salary for Harvard alumni is approximately 96,000 USD (80.19 lakhs INR). Harvard Business School graduates fare even better, with MBA recipients reporting an average yearly income of 175,000 USD.

Furthermore:

1. More than half (57%) of MBA graduates received a signing bonus, typically around 30,000 USD.
2. A significant majority (70%) of MBA graduates were awarded performance bonuses, averaging 40,000 USD.

Profession	Average Annual Salary (USD)	Average Annual Salary (INR)
Neurosurgeon	419,047	3.5 Cr
Chief Executive Officer	197,404	1.64 Cr
Executive Director	125,184	1.04 Cr
Data Scientist	122,890	1.02 Cr
Software Engineer	102,265	85.43 lakhs
Project Manager	75,394	62.98 lakhs
Data Analyst	74,294	62.06 lakhs

Conclusion

For Indian students aspiring to study at Harvard University, the opportunity is both challenging and rewarding. As one of the top 5 universities globally, Harvard’s reputation for academic excellence and competitive admissions is well-established. The university’s impressive 95% employment rate for graduates speaks volumes about its value in the job market.

With recent graduates earning an average annual salary of 96,000 USD, the investment in a Harvard education can yield significant returns. While the admission process is rigorous and the costs substantial, the potential for personal growth, global networking, and career advancement makes Harvard a compelling choice for ambitious Indian students seeking world-class education and international opportunities.

FAQs

Does Harvard rank amongst the top 10 colleges in the world?

Yes, Harvard has ranked amongst the best universities in the world for many years now. Currently, it is ranked #4. 

What are the best careers after graduating from Harvard? 

Some of the best careers after graduating from Harvard are doctor, engineer, neurosurgeon, lawyer, etc. 

What is the average salary of Harvard graduates? 

The average salary of graduates of Harvard University is a whopping $125,000 per annum. 

Is it possible to study at Harvard for free? 

Yes, it is possible to study at Harvard on a full scholarship. Harvard offers financial aid to students who need it desperately. 

What is the cost of studying at Harvard for international students? 

International students can expect to pay between 86,366 USD and 91,166 USD (approximately 72.15 to 76.16 lakhs INR) for a year of study at Harvard University. The following breakdown details the different costs associated with attending Harvard.