Harvard University

Harvard University, founded on October 28, 1636, is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States. It was established by vote of the Great and General Court of the Massachusetts Bay Colony in Cambridge, Massachusetts, initially as "New College" to train Congregational clergy. In 1639, it was renamed Harvard College in honor of the young minister John Harvard, who bequeathed his library of 320 volumes and half his estate to the school upon his death. Originally focused on classical education and religious training, Harvard gradually secularized during the 18th and 19th centuries under influential presidents like Charles William Eliot (1869–1909), who expanded professional schools and introduced the elective system. It played roles in the American Revolution, became a leader in modern research, co-founded the Association of American Universities (1900), and merged with women's Radcliffe College in 1999. Notable recent developments include the first female president Drew Gilpin Faust (2007–2018), the brief presidency of Claudine Gay (2023–2024), and the current president Alan Garber (since August 2024, appointed through 2026–27).

Harvard's main campus covers approximately 209 acres in Cambridge, Massachusetts, centered around the historic Harvard Yard — the heart of the university with buildings dating back to the 18th century (e.g., Massachusetts Hall, 1720). The campus extends into the surrounding Harvard Square neighborhood and across the Charles River to the Allston campus (about 358 acres), home to Harvard Business School, athletic facilities (including Harvard Stadium), and the modern Science and Engineering Complex (opened 2021). Additionally, the Longwood Medical Area in Boston (21 acres) houses the schools of Medicine, Dental Medicine, and Public Health, along with major affiliated hospitals. Harvard also maintains international sites such as Villa I Tatti (Florence, Italy), Harvard Forest, and various study centers abroad. The university is known for its beautiful blend of historic red-brick buildings, green spaces, and state-of-the-art research facilities.

Harvard is governed by two main bodies: The Harvard Corporation (President and Fellows of Harvard College) — the oldest corporation in the Western Hemisphere and the primary governing board. The Board of Overseers — composed of elected alumni who provide oversight. The current president is Alan M. Garber (31st president). The university has 13 degree-granting schools (including Harvard College for undergraduates), each led by a dean. With an endowment of approximately $53 billion (one of the largest in the world), Harvard maintains an annual operating budget of around $6.7 billion (as of 2025). It employs about 20,000+ faculty and staff and remains a private, non-sectarian institution.

Harvard consists of 13 schools, including Harvard College (undergraduate liberal arts), and graduate/professional schools such as Harvard Business School, Harvard Law School, Harvard Medical School (founded 1782), Harvard Kennedy School, and the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. Harvard College offers about 50 concentrations (majors) and emphasizes a liberal arts education with small classes (median size ~12 students). The university awards over 130 graduate degrees and numerous professional degrees. It is home to the world's largest academic library (Harvard Library, with more than 20 million volumes) and conducts cutting-edge research with an annual research budget exceeding $1 billion. Harvard consistently ranks among the top universities globally (#1 in many international rankings, #3 in U.S. News 2026). It is known for rigorous academics, the case method (especially in business and law), interdisciplinary programs, and massive contributions to fields ranging from AI and biotechnology to public policy and medicine.

Harvard enrolls around 24,500 students (about 7,000 undergraduates and 17,000+ graduate/professional students) from extremely diverse backgrounds (over 50% students of color, ~14–15% international). Undergraduates live in a unique housing system: first-years in dorms in/near Harvard Yard, then moving into one of 12 residential Houses for their remaining years, each functioning like a small college community with dining halls, libraries, advisers, and social events. Campus life is vibrant, with over 400 student organizations, strong traditions (e.g., Harvard-Yale football rivalry "The Game"), 42 NCAA Division I varsity sports (Ivy League), and cultural activities through museums, theaters, and music groups. The Harvard Crimson (daily newspaper since 1873) and numerous publications reflect active student journalism. Most students receive generous need-based financial aid (Harvard College is tuition-free for families earning up to $200,000 annually as of 2025–26). The environment encourages intellectual debate, leadership, public service, and global engagement, though it can also be intensely competitive. Harvard remains a place where tradition meets innovation, producing leaders, scholars, and change-makers for nearly four centuries.