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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

People passing by John Harvard statue.
  • 1636

    the year that Harvard University was established.

  • 35,276

    students study at Harvard.

  • $2.5 billion

    in grant aid distributed to undergrads since Harvard Financial Aid Initiative was launched in 2004.

  • 400k+

    alumni worldwide.

Larry Bacow stands in doorway.

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.

Meet Larry

Harvard is shaped and strengthened by our many communities.

Brick building seen through blossoming trees.

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.

Learn more about Harvard’s endowment

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