About Harvard
Harvard is at the frontier of academic and intellectual discovery. Those who venture here—to learn, research, teach, work, and grow—join nearly four centuries of students and scholars in the pursuit of truth, knowledge, and a better world.
Higher education, higher purpose
As a research university and nonprofit institution, Harvard is focused on creating educational opportunities for people from many lived experiences.
Harvard at a glance
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1636
the year that Harvard University was established.
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35,276
students study at Harvard.
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$2.5 billion
in grant aid distributed to undergrads since Harvard Financial Aid Initiative was launched in 2004.
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400k+
alumni worldwide.
Meet our President
Lawrence S. Bacow is the 29th President of Harvard University. He is one of the most experienced leaders in American higher education, known for his commitment to expanding student opportunity, advancing academic innovation, and encouraging universities’ civic engagement and service to society.
Academic offerings for many kinds of learners
Harvard has 12 degree-granting Schools and the Harvard Radcliffe Institute. We also offer countless non-degree opportunities for professional and lifelong learners, including executive education, continuing education, and online courses.
A culture where everyone can thrive
We are focused on creating a vibrant community of belonging that pursues diversity, builds inclusion, and creates more equitable opportunities for learning.
Harvard is shaped and strengthened by our many communities.
Global perspective
We welcome students and scholars—wherever they might come from—and empower members of our community to pursue their academic interests.
Local commitment
Harvard is committed to giving back to the places we call home.
People committed to public purpose
Harvard students, alumni, faculty, and staff are committed to making a difference in their communities.
Sarah Lockridge-Steckel
Harvard College alum Sarah Lockridge-Steckel is co-founder and CEO of a nonprofit that provides pathways to opportunities for young adults.
Brickson Diamond
HBS alum Brickson Diamond co-founded the Blackhouse Foundation to educate and promote African American writers, producers, directors, and executives.
Marnie Gelbart
Marnie Gelbart leads the Personal Genetics Education Project at HMS, working on the ethical, legal, and social implications of genetics.
How Harvard is funded
Harvard’s research, scholarship, and educational opportunities are made possible by an endowment. Our endowment includes thousands of philanthropic gifts donated since Harvard’s early history, many of which were given to support specific aspects of the University’s work. These gifts form a permanent source of funding that connects scholars and learners from many diverse backgrounds with opportunities at Harvard, now and into the future.
News from the Harvard Gazette
The Harvard Gazette is the official news website for Harvard University. It covers campus life and times, University issues and policies, innovations in science, teaching, and learning, and broader national and global concerns.
- Harvard neurobiologist wins major award for brain plasticity work
- College makes regular-admission offers to 1,220
- Scientists race to study new species before it’s too late
- Over nearly 80 years, Harvard study has been showing how to live a healthy and happy life
- Researchers find key to healing muscle injuries in elderly