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Massachusetts

Massachusetts

Harvard President Alan Garber

credit: Jared Leeds

“With deep roots in Massachusetts,
Harvard is proud to be part of a
region known for its discoveries and
innovation. Through statewide
partnerships and collaborations,
Harvard brings its mission of
teaching and research to life,
translating ideas into breakthroughs
and real-world applications that
help shape a better future.”

Alan Garber
President of Harvard University

Powering the regional economy

The University’s operations and research activities have a critical impact on the local economy, supporting businesses small and large across the Commonwealth. Harvard’s research enterprise fuels an ecosystem that attracts hundreds of millions in funding to the state. This goes to support salaries and wages for Massachusetts residents, purchasing from local businesses, and the advancement of scientific discoveries that contribute to the public good.

Research impact


A chart showing how much money Harvard brings into the community

Ecosystem of innovation

Harvard is at the heart of Massachusetts’ unique ecosystem of innovation. The University’s research enterprise, coupled with its affiliated teaching hospitals and sister institutions, create a powerhouse for attracting funding and generating early stage ideas, driving innovation, discovering cures, and building the regional economy.


A chart showing Harvard research funding helps Harvard research and create new products and technologies
  • 5,322

    Patents held by Harvard as of July 2023

  • 3,700+

    Ventures launched through Harvard Innovation Labs in past decade

  • 160+

    Startups launched around Harvard research innovations during the past 5 years

Companies launched around Harvard technologies

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A map of Massachusetts

Harvard students and employees from Massachusetts

With thousands of students, employees, and alumni from across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Harvard University plays an important role in supporting the region through campus-born research and innovation, financial aid for Massachusetts residents, employment and local spending, and community-serving programs and partnerships.

Supporting Massachusetts residents through employment

Harvard is one of Massachusetts’ largest employers leading a dynamic nonprofit sector that anchors and fuels the regional economy. Employees hail from across the Commonwealth and benefit from competitive pay and industry-leading benefits. To help employees advance in their careers, the University provides leadership and skills training through its Center for Workforce Development and the ability to earn an undergraduate or graduate degree from a Harvard school for a fraction of the cost through tuition assistance programs.

  • 18,718

    Massachusetts residents directly employed by Harvard

  • $2.5B

    Wages, salaries, and benefits paid to Massachusetts residents in FY23

  • 4th

    Largest employer of Massachusetts residents

  • 700+

    High school students have worked in various office and lab positions across Harvard over the past 5 years

Harvard spending in construction, supplies, and services in FY23

 

  • $1.45B

    Spent in Massachusetts

  • $885M

    Spent in Boston

  • $121M

    Spent in Cambridge

Partnering to address regional issues

Whether in collaboration with local nonprofits or government, Harvard is an active partner around some of the region’s most pressing challenges. These partnerships represent another extension of the University’s nonprofit mission and a shared vision of community.

Expanding access to education

Harvard is deeply committed to expanding access to education and eliminating economic obstacles for students attending college.

2022 – 2023 Academic Year

  • $26.8M

    In scholarships awarded to Harvard College students from Massachusetts

  • 1,175

    Massachusetts students enrolled in Harvard College

  • 10,425

    Students from Massachusetts at Harvard

  • 3,630

    Massachusetts residents enrolled in coursework at Harvard Extension School

Spotlights

2022 Harvard in Massachusetts: Facts & Impact