How much does it cost to attend Harvard University as an undergraduate?
I'm starting to look into colleges I might want to apply to next year, and Harvard is definitely on my list. My family and I aren't super clear about what the actual tuition is at Harvard, especially since we've heard lots of different numbers thrown around.
I've seen some people mention different amounts for things like tuition, housing, and other fees, but it's a little confusing. If anyone is currently attending or has gone through the application process, could you clarify the real cost to go to Harvard? I'm also curious about how much students actually end up paying after financial aid, or if the official numbers are what most people actually pay. Any info or personal experiences would really help me!
I've seen some people mention different amounts for things like tuition, housing, and other fees, but it's a little confusing. If anyone is currently attending or has gone through the application process, could you clarify the real cost to go to Harvard? I'm also curious about how much students actually end up paying after financial aid, or if the official numbers are what most people actually pay. Any info or personal experiences would really help me!
1 week ago
•
17 views
Luis Nario-Malberg
• 1 week ago
Advisor
The sticker price for attending Harvard as an undergraduate is about $80,000-$85,000 per year if you include tuition, housing, meals, fees, books, and personal expenses. Here's a breakdown of typical costs:
Tuition: ~$60,000
Room & Board: ~$20,000
Fees and Personal Expenses: ~$3,000
That total gets you to around $83,000. However, very few students pay the full amount. Harvard has a need-based financial aid program, and it's generous. Over half of Harvard students receive some form of financial aid, and about 20% of families pay absolutely nothing at all—if your family's income is under $85,000 (and assets aren't unusually high), Harvard doesn’t expect you to contribute anything toward tuition, room, or board.
Even families making up to $150,000 often pay significantly lower amounts than the sticker price, especially if there are multiple kids in college or special family circumstances. For example, a friend of mine came from a family making around $110,000 a year, and after Harvard reviewed their financial forms, she paid about $10,000 annually.
Another student I know with a single parent making $50,000 paid almost nothing, but covered smaller expenses like travel or school supplies. You can estimate your potential cost using Harvard's Net Price Calculator, which asks about your family's income and assets and gives you a real-world estimate based on your situation.
The sticker price can feel overwhelming, but Harvard makes a point of emphasizing affordability. Only a small portion of students actually pay the full published cost. If you're unsure, try the calculator or reach out to the financial aid office for a more specific answer. If Harvard is a top choice and your family's income falls within the average range, it's very possible your actual bill would be much lower than expected.
Tuition: ~$60,000
Room & Board: ~$20,000
Fees and Personal Expenses: ~$3,000
That total gets you to around $83,000. However, very few students pay the full amount. Harvard has a need-based financial aid program, and it's generous. Over half of Harvard students receive some form of financial aid, and about 20% of families pay absolutely nothing at all—if your family's income is under $85,000 (and assets aren't unusually high), Harvard doesn’t expect you to contribute anything toward tuition, room, or board.
Even families making up to $150,000 often pay significantly lower amounts than the sticker price, especially if there are multiple kids in college or special family circumstances. For example, a friend of mine came from a family making around $110,000 a year, and after Harvard reviewed their financial forms, she paid about $10,000 annually.
Another student I know with a single parent making $50,000 paid almost nothing, but covered smaller expenses like travel or school supplies. You can estimate your potential cost using Harvard's Net Price Calculator, which asks about your family's income and assets and gives you a real-world estimate based on your situation.
The sticker price can feel overwhelming, but Harvard makes a point of emphasizing affordability. Only a small portion of students actually pay the full published cost. If you're unsure, try the calculator or reach out to the financial aid office for a more specific answer. If Harvard is a top choice and your family's income falls within the average range, it's very possible your actual bill would be much lower than expected.
Luis Nario-Malberg
Mooresville, North Carolina
Harvard College, Class of 2018, A.B. in Philosophy
Experience
5 years