Are you an international student? and been puzzled by the contradictory information you encountered on the internet. You need not look further, this article allows you to learn more about how much is harvard tuition per year.
It is possible for you to find more information about how much does it cost to pay for harvard on collegelearners. Read on to discover the latest information on what how much does it cost to go to harvard per semester.
About How Much is Harvard University Fees
Tuition and fee costs are subject to change and are determined each year. Please be aware that future tuition costs, fees, and standard student budget amounts may differ from year to year. Updated figures will be published on this website and in future editions of the Financing Your Education guide, which is updated on a yearly basis.
Understanding tuition and fees you’ll have to pay to attend Harvard University means that you can prepare economically for the next 4-6 years. Look at the figures below to know how Harvard University’s cost measures up to other colleges and if you should prepare for tuition increases.
Studying at Harvard bachelor’s programs has a fixed cost of 49,653 USD per year.
There are numerous considerations to make when choosing a graduate program and cost is certainly one of them. Learn more about HGSE’s academic programs in addition to our tuition and cost of attendance.
Tuition Charges
The following tuition and fee charges are in effect for the 2021-2022 academic year and are subject to change for future years. Tuition and fee charges for the 2022-2023 academic year are published in early 2022.
FULL-TIME STUDENTS | Per Academic Year | $ 51,904 |
PART-TIME STUDENTS | Per Academic Year | $ 25,952 |
ADVANCED DOCTORAL FEE (FOR DOCTORAL STUDENTS WHO HAVE FULFILLED THE TUITION REQUIREMENTS) | Per Term/Semester | $ 2,595 |
HEALTH INSURANCE FEES (STUDENT HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN + STUDENT HEALTH FEE) | Per Academic Year | $ 5,282 |
Cost of Attendance
Please note the Standard Student Budget includes actual tuition and fee amounts as well as estimated allowances for related educational expenses. Tuition and Health Insurance Fees are expenses that are directly billed to students, while all other categories are estimated allowances that should not be exceeded. Financial aid eligibility is determined using the standard following cost estimates.
Standard Ed.M. & C.A.S. Budget for the 2021-2022 Academic Year (9 months) | Full-Time | Part-Time |
---|---|---|
TUITION* | $ 51,904 | $ 25,952 |
RENT, UTILITIES, & FOOD | $ 21,130 | $ 21,130 |
HEALTH INSURANCE FEES* | $ 5,282 | $ 5,282 |
BOOKS & SUPPLIES | $ 866 | $ 432 |
PERSONAL EXPENSES | $ 4,240 | $ 4,240 |
TRANSPORTATION | $ 1,422 | $ 1,422 |
FEDERAL LOAN FEES (U.S. Citizens & Permanent Residents Only) | $ 216 | $ 216 |
TOTAL Ed.M. STUDENT BUDGET | $ 85,060 | $ 58,674 |
*See below for information on tuition, fees, and part-time policies.
Standard Full-Time Ed.D. Student Budget for the 2021-2022 Academic Year (9 months) | |
---|---|
Ed.D. Budget Year 6 & Beyond | |
TUITION* | $ 5,190 |
RENT, UTILITIES, & FOOD | $ 21,130 |
HEALTH INSURANCE FEES* | $ 5,282 |
BOOKS & SUPPLIES | $ 866 |
RESEARCH EXPENSES | $ 2,592 |
PERSONAL EXPENSES | $ 4,240 |
TOTAL Ed.D. STUDENT BUDGET | $ 39,300 |
*See below for information on tuition and fees.
Standard Full-Time Ed.L.D. Student Budget for the 2021-2022 Academic Year (9 months) | |||
---|---|---|---|
Ed.L.D. Budget Year 1 | Ed.L.D. Budget Year 2 | Ed.L.D. Budget Year 3 | |
TUITION* | $ 51,904^ | $ 51,904^ | $ 25,952^ |
ROOM & BOARD | $ 21,130 | $ 21,130 | $ 21,130 |
HEALTH INSURANCE FEES* | $ 5,282^ | $ 5,282^ | $ 5,282^ |
BOOKS & SUPPLIES | $ 866 | $ 866 | — |
PERSONAL EXPENSES | $ 4,240 | $ 4,240 | $ 4,240 |
LOCAL TRANSPORTATION | — | — | $ 1,422 |
TOTAL Ed.L.D. STUDENT BUDGET | $ 83,422 | $ 83,422 | $ 58,026 |
*See below for information on tuition and fees.
^admitted Ed.L.D. students receive guaranteed funding to pay these charges in years 1-3
Tuition and Fees
Tuition and fee costs are subject to change and are determined each year. Please be aware that future tuition costs, fees, and standard student budget amounts may differ from year to year. Updated figures will be published on this website and in future editions of the Financing Your Education guide, which is updated on a yearly basis. Information regarding health insurance fees, coverage, and waivers can be found on the Harvard University Student Health Program website. Information regarding billing and payment dates can be found through Harvard Student Accounts.
Full-Time Student Tuition and Course Credit Policies
- Students must register for a minimum of 12 credits per semester in the fall (excluding summer, January Term, and May Term time periods).
- Students may register for a maximum of 20 credits per semester.
- Students must meet the minimum requirement of 32 credits to earn their degree, and may not exceed a total of 40 credits (please note: How People Learn does not count toward the credit maximum; for those who complete How People Learn, their credit total cannot exceed 44).
Part-Time Student Tuition and Course Credit Policies
- Students must register for a minimum of 6 credits per semester (excluding summer, January Term, and May Term time periods).
- Students may register for a maximum of 10 credits per semester.
- Students must meet the minimum requirement of 32 credits to earn their degree.
- Credits for courses taken during May, June, or July do not count toward the fall or spring semester minimums.
- January term credits are counted as part of the spring semester.
- Students will complete the degree program in two years.
Note: Unless on financial aid, students admitted as part-time students or changing to part-time status prior to June 3, 2020 are not subject to these minimum and maximum credit requirements and may take up to three years to complete the degree program. They will also have tuition for How People Learn, taken during June-July 2020, added to their fall term bill.
Getting into Harvard can be challenging. Figuring out how to pay for it shouldn’t be. Harvard is more affordable than public universities for 90 percent of Americans—and international students receive exactly the same financial aid as American students.
Because we want to bring the best people to Harvard regardless of their financial circumstances, we follow two important principles:
Need-blind admissions. Your financial need and your aid application will never affect your chance of being admitted to Harvard.
100% need-based aid. We base aid awards on need, not on merit. This means that financial aid supports the students who will benefit from it the most. Furthermore, we meet 100 percent of our students’ demonstrated financial need.
We will work with you and your family one-on-one to help you navigate the options and make sure Harvard is an affordable option for your education.
Revolutionary Financial AidThis preview video does not contain audio.
Video description: Lucerito and her parents in their California home
Watch “Revolutionary Financial Aid”
Determining Need
Our financial aid officers will work closely with you and your family to determine your demonstrated need and your family’s expected contribution. For many families, this is between zero and 10 percent of family income. Because everyone’s circumstances are unique, it’s difficult to summarize the many financial aid options and policies that exist. The simplest way to put it is this: We want to make Harvard accessible and affordable for everyone who gets in—no matter what.
Use our Net Price Calculator to quickly estimate your aid package and expected family contribution. You can also visit the MyInTuition Quick College Cost Estimator to see just how affordable an education can be at Harvard and other schools.
FAQs about determining need
Parent Contribution
Student Contribution
Unusual Family Circumstances
Net Price Calculator
How affordable is Harvard? Use our Net Price Calculator and see for yourself.
How Much is Harvard Tuition Per Year
Net Price Calculator
Student using phone at a coffee shop
Cost of Attendance
We know that paying for a private college education is a significant undertaking. Our goal is to make sure it remains manageable for you and your family.
These values represent the full cost of a Harvard education before taking into account financial aid or scholarships, so the amount that your family will pay will likely be significantly lower. If you are eligible for aid, you may also receive an additional allowance for travel and personal expenses. You can use our Net Price Calculator to gain a better estimate of your personal cost of attendance.
Tuition & Estimated Expenses
2021-2022
2021-2022 Cost of Attendance
These costs reflect an on-campus budget.
Tuition $51,143
Fees $4,444
Room $11,705
Board $7,236
Subtotal – billed costs $74,528
Estimated personal expenses
(including $800-$1,000 for books) $3,500
Estimated travel costs $0-$4,150
Total billed and unbilled costs $78,028-$82,178
In addition, health insurance is required at a cost of $4,040 (for 2021-22) unless you are covered under your family’s health plan.
2020-2021
2020-2021 Cost of Attendance
These costs reflect an on-campus budget. Students who study remotely will have different costs and should consult their individual financial aid packages.
Tuition $49,653
Fees $4,315
Room $11,364
Board $7,025
Subtotal – billed costs $72,357
Estimated personal expenses
(including $800-$1,000 for books) $3,500
Estimated travel costs $0-$4,150
Total billed and unbilled costs $75,857-$80,007
In addition, health insurance is required at a cost of $3,922 (for 2020-21) unless you are covered under your family’s health plan.
2019-2020
2019-2020 Cost of Attendance
Tuition $47,730
Fees $4,195
Room $10,927
Board $6,755
Subtotal – billed costs $69,607
Estimated personal expenses
(including $800-$1,200 for books) $4,193
Estimated travel costs $0-$4,400
Total billed and unbilled costs $73,800-$78,200
In addition, health insurance is required at a cost of $3,700 (for 2019-20) unless you are covered under your family’s health plan.
History of Financial Aid
Harvard’s long tradition of opportunity and access continues to be strengthened by the partnership and generosity of our amazing alumni and donor community.
History of Financial Aid
Smith Campus Center
Types of Aid
Financial aid is completely need-based and considers many factors, such as your family’s income, assets, size, and unusual expenses. There are no merit-based awards, and we have no preferential policies that give some students more attractive awards than others.
When you qualify for financial aid from Harvard, we create an individualized aid package to meet all of your demonstrated need. This may include scholarship funds and student employment, as well as any scholarships you’ve earned from outside sources. Parent and student loans are also available for interested families, although we will never require you to take out loans.
Learn more about types of aid
Bills & Payments
Your attention should be on your education, not your bill. We strive to make our billing and payment process as streamlined as possible. Learn more about bills and payments.
Learn more about bills and payments
Related Topics
Prospective Students
Find information on applying for financial aid as a first-year student. We’re here to help.
Types of Aid
Your financial aid package is made up of a combination of scholarship (grant) funds, student employment, and any potential outside awards.
Financial Aid Fact Sheet
Get the facts about Harvard College’s revolutionary financial aid program.
College tuition prices have skyrocketed over the past several decades, a situation that’s contributed to record-breaking levels of student debt. According to the Federal Reserve, Americans owed over $1.5 trillion in student loans in the fourth quarter of 2018.
But tuition rates and published sticker prices are not entirely indicative of the cost of college today.
Private non-profit, four-year schools have some of the highest four-year graduation rates and graduate some of the highest-earning students — but they also have the biggest sticker prices.
During the 2018-2019 school year, the reported tuition at private non-profit four-year schools was an average $35,830. But in reality, many students end up paying far less after grants and scholarships are factored in. The average net price of tuition and fees in 2019 is $14,610.
And that applies even at ratified institutions like Harvard University. Though tuition at Harvard is $47,730, and the cost of attendance can be as much as $78,200, many students end up paying significantly less.
Harvard University’s main campus in Cambridge, MA.
Harvard University’s main campus in Cambridge, MA.Getty Images
According to Harvard’s website, tuition costs for the 2019-2020 school year total $47,730, fees are $4,195, and room and board costs $17,682 for a subtotal of billed costs of $69,607.
After estimating personal expenses like text books ($4,193) and travel costs ($0-$4,400), Harvard estimates total billed and unbilled costs of about $73,800-$78,200 per year to attend the prestigious school — up from $71,650-$76,650 the previous year.
But the school reports that about 70% of Harvard students receive some form of financial aid, and claims that students whose parents make less than $65,000 are not expected to contribute any funds, and that “90% of American families would pay the same or less to send their children to Harvard as they would a state school.”
About 55% of Harvard students receive need-based scholarship aid with average grant totals around $53,000.
The school states that families with students who receive scholarship funds pay an average of $12,000 towards their education per year and that students from families that earn between $65,000 and $150,000 typically contribute between 0% to 10% of their income towards the cost of attending Harvard each year.
Harvard, like many other schools, offers a net price calculator to help students estimate how much their families would be expected to pay.
22:07
How colleges manage and spend their money
Harvard is able to contribute this kind of financial support in part because of an endowment worth approximately $39.2 billion. And while this generous aid may help some students, about 30% of Harvard students receive no financial aid.
According to The New York Times, the median family income of a student from Harvard is $168,800, and 67% of students come from the highest-earning 20% of American households. About 15% come from families in the top 1% of American wealth distribution.
2:00
Why Einstein may not have created the theory of relativity if his mom hadn’t made him play the violin
Of course, Harvard is not alone in admitting a disproportionate number of students from wealthy families. Harvard’s own Raj Chetty conducted extensive research on the wealth distribution of American college students and found that students from the top 1% of households are 77 times more likely to be admitted to and attend an Ivy League school than students from families who make less than $30,000 a year.
Like this story? Subscribe to CNBC Make It on YouTube!
Don’t miss:
Women with MBAs earn 74 cents for every dollar their male peers make
Fewer than 1 in 5 Americans think the college admissions process is fair
White House proposes capping student loans and cutting repayment options—what that means for students
To most people, the term Ivy League refers to a group of academic institutions, conjuring up images of elitism, selectivity, and academic excellence. What they may not know, though, is that it’s also an athletic conference in which these private schools participated. This group consists of Columbia, Brown, Cornell, Princeton, Yale, University of Pennsylvania, Dartmouth, and Harvard. Attending one of these schools is a dream for many, with Harvard being a big contender on many students’ lists.
How Much Does it Cost to Pay For Harvard
Founded in 1636, Harvard is the country’s oldest post-secondary institution and is the alma mater of many noteworthy figures, including a number of U.S. presidents and Nobel Laureates. But how much does it cost to attend? You may be surprised to find that financial aid can significantly reduce the hefty price tag associated with getting an education at an Ivy League school. Read on to find out what studying at Harvard really costs.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Attending Harvard costs $49,653 in tuition fees for the 2020-2021 academic year.
The school provides lucrative financial aid packages to many of its students through its large endowment fund.
Most students whose families make less than $65,000 attended Harvard for free in the most recent academic year.
The cost to attend Harvard is less than a state school for 90% of students.
Harvard graduates with only an undergraduate degree can earn as much as $146,800 by mid-career.
Understanding Harvard’s Costs
For many top students, a Harvard degree is about more than just a social cachet. In fact, it’s often the ticket to a great-paying job. That’s good news because a stint at Harvard doesn’t always come cheap.
The standard tuition for the 2020-2021 academic year is $49,653 without any financial aid.1 Room and board and other fees bring the total price tag to a hefty $72,391.1 That’s pricey even by private school standards. The average cost of a private, non-profit, four-year institution nationally is $32,410, according to the College Board.2 The average for tuition and room and board combined was $48,510.
Plentiful Financial Aid
One of the benefits of a uniquely successful alumni pool is that many give back to the school and make it easier for low- and middle-income students to attend the institution. The school’s endowment, which was reported to be $40.9 billion at the end of the 2019 fiscal year, helps make it possible to offer generous financial aid packages to those in need.3
Attending Harvard costs the same or less than a state school for roughly 90% percent of families with students enrolled. According to the university, more than half of the students enrolled at Harvard receive need-based scholarships.1
Household income determines how much families are required to contribute to the cost of education at Harvard:
Families with a household income below $65,000 aren’t required to make any contribution to students’ educational costs.
Students from families that make between $65,000 and $150,000 typically have to kick in 10% of their family income or less.
Those who come from families making slightly more also receive considerable financial support from the school. 4
The average grant disbursed per student was more than $53,000.1 Meanwhile, out-of-pocket costs for students who had to pay amounted to $12,000.1
The average out-of-pocket costs to those who have to pay to go to Harvard was estimated to be $12,000.
The university says that its admissions process is entirely need-blind.5 If you come from a lower-income family and are eligible to receive a sizable financial aid package, you theoretically have the same chance of admission as someone from a wealthier family. While international students cannot receive federal financial aid awards, they are eligible for university funds, which can help alleviate the cost of attending the institution.5
Big Dividends Down the Road
A Harvard education is, by nearly any measure, an amazing investment even when you factor out the financial aid you may receive. For many employers—including some Wall Street banks and prominent consulting firms—having the school on a resume offers an enormous leg up on the competition. According to a 2018 survey by the school newspaper, more than half of those graduating expected to earn $70,000 or more in their first year on the job.6 That’s well above the average college graduate who earned $51,000 in 2017.6
Here’s another important fact. Attending Harvard leads graduates to valuable connections as their careers unfold, allowing them to sustain their success. PayScale’s College Salary Report suggested Harvard graduates are among the top earners nationally when it comes to salary at the midpoint of their careers. Graduates who only have an undergraduate degree have median earnings of $147,700 at the mid-career mark, with Harvard ranking sixth in the country in that category.7 The median income increases to $159,400 by mid-career for those with a graduate degree.8 Keep in mind that earnings fluctuate based on a graduate’s job and type of degree.
PayScale also ranks American universities based on their 20-year return on investment (ROI). Harvard took the 19th spot, even before factoring in financial aid.9 When you factor in getting financial aid and compare Harvard graduates only to those from private colleges and those paying out-of-state tuition at public universities, it jumps to the sixth position with a median 20-year net payout of $1,014,000.10
Harvard’s Demographics and Diversity Issues
According to the school’s website, Harvard is committed to diversity. Home to students from more than 100 different countries, Harvard states that it aims to register diverse individuals with different backgrounds, beliefs, and financial situations.11 The ethnicities of the admitted class of 2024 were broken up as follows:
But the school has come under fire for what some allege is a discriminatory admissions process. A student advocacy group called Students for Fair Admissions filed a lawsuit against the school in 2014, alleging that Harvard’s admissions process was race-based and discriminated against Asian Americans. Both the lower court and the federal appeals court that presided over the case found that the school’s practices were not discriminatory.
Drew Gilpin Faust, who was president of Harvard in 2016, created a task force to address diversity issues at the school, including gender, race, ethnicity, and sexuality.12 The report made a series of recommendations such as the hiring of diverse staff, improved mentoring, and departmental plans to advance inclusion.
Harvard Costs FAQs
How Much Does It Cost to Go to Harvard University for 4 Years?
A four-year undergraduate degree program at Harvard University costs $198,612 without room and board or any other fees. Financial aid can significantly cut down the out-of-pocket expenses for those who qualify and need it the most.
How Much Is Harvard Tuition 2020?
The tuition for the 2020-2021 academic year at Harvard is $49,653.
How Much Financial Aid Will I Get at Harvard?
The amount of financial aid you receive depends on your household income. Harvard states that the average grant exceeds $53,000 per student.
Is Harvard Free?
The university states that one of its main goals is to be more affordable and doesn’t require students to take out loans to fund their education. Students whose household income falls between $65,000 and $150,000 usually contribute between 0% and 10% of their annual income toward costs. Anyone with a household income above that threshold may still qualify for financial aid. Those whose incomes are below $65,000 won’t pay anything.
Can You Get Into Harvard With Money?
The Harvard admissions process is need-blind, which means having money doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be accepted to the school. Applying for admissions and to Harvard’s financial aid program is completely based on merit—not money.
The Bottom Line
Harvard may have one of the country’s highest tuition rates, but many students pay far less—thanks to a strong financial aid program. Either way, research suggests that an education at this illustrious school is a terrific long-term investment if you can afford it.
Compete Risk Free with $100,000 in Virtual Cash
Put your trading skills to the test with our FREE Stock Simulator. Compete with thousands of Investopedia traders and trade your way to the top! Submit trades in a virtual environment before you start risking your own money. Practice trading strategies so that when you’re ready to enter the real market, you’ve had the practice you need.