Harvard University acceptance rate
Harvard University admitted 4.2% of first-year applicants for fall 2025. Of 47,893 students who applied, 2,003 got in.
- 47,893applied
- 2,003admitted
- 1,675enrolled
- 84%of admitted students enrolled (yield)
Fall 2025 entering class. Source: Harvard University, Common Data Set 2025–26, section C1. Checked October 30, 2026.
How this compares with the federal figure
The Department of Education's College Scorecard still shows fall 2024, the latest year federal data covers. The college's own report is a year newer.
| Entering class | Acceptance rate | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2025 | 4.2% | Common Data Set 2025–26 |
| Fall 2024 | 3.6% | College Scorecard (IPEDS 2024–25) |
Admission got slightly easier, by 0.5 percentage points.
Early decision and early action
Harvard University does not offer early decision. It offers non-binding early action. Apply by November 1 and you'll hear back by December 16. It is restrictive, so applying early here generally rules out applying early to other private colleges. Regular applications are due January 1.
SAT and ACT scores
The SAT or ACT is required for students applying to start in fall 2027. In fall 2025, 79% of enrolled first-years submitted SAT scores and 27% submitted ACT scores, so these ranges describe only those students.
Harvard University reports SAT ranges by section only, not as a combined score.
25th, 50th and 75th percentiles of enrolled first-years, fall 2025. Source: Common Data Set 2025–26, section C9. The green bar is the middle 50% and the dark tick is the median.
High school GPA
The average high school GPA of enrolled first-years was 4.22. 95% had a 3.75 or higher. The average is above 4.0, so it includes weighted grades.
| 4.0 | 74.7% | |
|---|---|---|
| 3.75-3.99 | 20.4% | |
| 3.50-3.74 | 3.5% | |
| 3.25-3.49 | 1.0% | |
| 3.00-3.24 | 0.2% | |
| Below 3.00 | 0.3% |
Share of enrolled first-years in each GPA range, fall 2025. Source: Common Data Set 2025–26, sections C11–C12.
Check your chances
Enter your GPA and test scores to see whether Harvard is a reach, a target or a likely school for you.
Check my chances at HarvardApplication fee and cost
Application fee: $90 (can be waived for financial need).
Tuition and fees for 2025–26 are $64,796; the average net price after grants was $19,148 in 2024–25. See Harvard's full cost and net price by family income.
Common questions
What is the Harvard acceptance rate?
4.2% for students entering in fall 2025. The college admitted 2,003 of 47,893 first-year applicants, according to its Common Data Set 2025–26. The federal figure for fall 2024 was 3.6%.
Is Harvard test-optional?
No. Harvard University requires the SAT or ACT for students applying to start in fall 2027. In fall 2025, 79% of enrolled first-years submitted SAT scores and 27% submitted ACT scores.
What GPA do you need for Harvard?
There is no published minimum. The average high school GPA of enrolled first-years in fall 2025 was 4.22, and 95% had a GPA of 3.75 or higher.
Sources
- Harvard University, Common Data Set 2025–26 (from the college's institutional research office), checked October 30, 2026.
- U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard, release of October 15, 2026.
Each figure was copied from the source document and checked by hand. If you spot an error, tell us and we'll correct it. Read how we check the data.