by our College Data Analytics TeamIs Harvard worth the money? College Factual’s value analysis weighs the quality of education against the cost. Here is the verdict.
Harvard is ranked #1,208 out of 3,211 schools for value nationwide, earning a value grade of F. Within Massachusetts, it ranks #10 of 85 for value.
Among the majors Harvard offers, these rank best for value nationally.
| Major | National Value Rank |
|---|---|
| Engineering | #5 of 13 |
| History and Philosophy of Science and Technology | #5 of 22 |
| Other History | #6 of 38 |
| Natural Sciences | #9 of 21 |
| Biology | #13 of 47 |
| Psychology | #13 of 41 |
| Mathematics | #22 of 70 |
| General Social Sciences | #36 of 79 |
| Political and Social Sciences | #36 of 81 |
| Economics | #40 of 234 |
Below is the detailed Harvard value breakdown: state and national value rankings, the real cost of a degree, and how the price stacks up against the aid most students receive.
Harvard University is ranked #3 out of #96 in Massachusetts for quality and #10 out of #85 for Massachusetts value.
Live in-state? You may qualify for a reduced price. Check the Harvard financial aid page to be sure.
Harvard University is ranked #1,208 out of 3,211 for value nationwide.
Based on our analysis of other colleges at similar price points, Harvard University is overpriced for the quality of education it provides.
Averaged across all students — those who receive aid and those who pay full price — a year at Harvard costs about $46,985. Over a standard four-year bachelor's program, that adds up to an estimated $187,940 for the degree.
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Sticker Price (before aid) | $85,540 / year |
| Net Price (students receiving aid) | $19,066 / year |
| Average Cost (all students) | $46,985 / year |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $187,940 |
*The average cost weights the net price paid by aid recipients against the sticker price paid by everyone else. The 4-year figure assumes the standard bachelor's length; your actual time to graduate and price may differ.
There are many ways to lower the cost of a college education. Consider in-state tuition, transfer credits, or finishing your degree faster. Learn more about Harvard net price and the factors that affect it.
What Harvard costs you depends on how much aid you receive, so few students fit perfectly into averages.
Here is how the estimated 4-year cost of a Harvard degree breaks down by aid group, against its national value ranking.
| Nationwide Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $342,160 | — | — |
| All Students | $187,940 | #1,208 | F |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $76,264 | — | — |
| In-State Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $342,160 | — | — |
| All Students | $187,940 | #10 | D- |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $76,264 | — | — |
*College Factual publishes a single overall value ranking (the All Students row). The cost rows show what each aid group pays toward the same degree.
You can also see how the average net price at Harvard shifts with family income:
| Family Income | Avg Net Price / Year |
|---|---|
| $0–$30K | $2,895 |
| $30K–$48K | $2,496 |
| $48K–$75K | $2,167 |
| $75K–$110K | $13,937 |
| Over $110K | $53,571 |
About 58% of Harvard undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid, averaging $59,539 per year. Get more details on the Harvard financial aid you may qualify for.
College Factual determines value by weighing a school’s average total cost against its educational quality, then comparing it to other schools in the same quality tier. See the Harvard net price page for the cost detail.
Read the full Best for the Money Ranking Methodology.