What is Harvard's graduation rate and does it really matter for undergrads?
I’ve been looking into different colleges and keep seeing stats about graduation rates, including Harvard’s. I’m curious about what Harvard’s actual graduation rate is and if it’s as high as everyone says.
Also, I’m wondering if this number affects undergrads in a real way, or if it’s just something colleges brag about. Do students actually fail out, or does Harvard really support everyone through to getting their diploma? Sharing any personal experiences or what you’ve heard from current Harvard students would help a lot!
Also, I’m wondering if this number affects undergrads in a real way, or if it’s just something colleges brag about. Do students actually fail out, or does Harvard really support everyone through to getting their diploma? Sharing any personal experiences or what you’ve heard from current Harvard students would help a lot!
1 month ago
•
113 views
Luis Nario-Malberg
• 1 month ago
Advisor
Harvard's graduation rate is one of the highest in the country. For the most recent official data, the 6-year graduation rate at Harvard is around 98%. That means almost everyone who sets out to get their bachelor’s degree at Harvard manages to do so within six years, which is pretty remarkable when you compare it to the national average (around 62% for public institutions).
As far as how much this number matters for undergrads, it’s more than just a bragging point. A high graduation rate often reflects a school’s academic resources, strong support systems, and selective admissions. At Harvard, there are plenty of safety nets for students: academic advising, mental health resources, tutoring, and strong peer networks all play big roles in helping students succeed.
It’s relatively rare for students to “fail out” of Harvard. The university does everything it can to help students graduate. If someone is struggling, they might be encouraged to take a semester off, reduce course load, or seek out specialized support, but it’s unusual for students to be dismissed outright for academic reasons.
From talking to current and former Harvard students, most say the environment is challenging, but not cutthroat. People do leave for personal reasons—whether mental health, a desire to pursue something else, or family situations—but Harvard is vested in every student’s success and will usually exhaust every option before someone leaves without a degree.
In short, the high graduation rate at Harvard is real, and it does reflect the strong support available to undergrads. If you’re admitted and are proactive about seeking help when you face challenges, you’re very likely to graduate, just like the vast majority of your peers. Colleges with lower graduation rates sometimes have less built-in support, so that’s something to keep in mind as you compare options.
As far as how much this number matters for undergrads, it’s more than just a bragging point. A high graduation rate often reflects a school’s academic resources, strong support systems, and selective admissions. At Harvard, there are plenty of safety nets for students: academic advising, mental health resources, tutoring, and strong peer networks all play big roles in helping students succeed.
It’s relatively rare for students to “fail out” of Harvard. The university does everything it can to help students graduate. If someone is struggling, they might be encouraged to take a semester off, reduce course load, or seek out specialized support, but it’s unusual for students to be dismissed outright for academic reasons.
From talking to current and former Harvard students, most say the environment is challenging, but not cutthroat. People do leave for personal reasons—whether mental health, a desire to pursue something else, or family situations—but Harvard is vested in every student’s success and will usually exhaust every option before someone leaves without a degree.
In short, the high graduation rate at Harvard is real, and it does reflect the strong support available to undergrads. If you’re admitted and are proactive about seeking help when you face challenges, you’re very likely to graduate, just like the vast majority of your peers. Colleges with lower graduation rates sometimes have less built-in support, so that’s something to keep in mind as you compare options.
Luis Nario-Malberg
Mooresville, North Carolina
Harvard College, Class of 2018, A.B. in Philosophy
Experience
5 years