Harvard Acceptance Rate

Harvard University, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, remains one of the most selective institutions in the world for undergraduate admissions. For the Class of 2028, Harvard reported an overall acceptance rate of approximately 3.6%, reflecting an applicant pool of over 54,000 students, with only about 1,950 admitted. This high selectivity is driven by a consistently growing number of applications, the university's prestigious reputation, and its commitment to a holistic admissions process. Harvard publishes transparent admission statistics through its official website and the Common Data Set, providing detailed insights into acceptance rates across various applicant categories.

• Overall Acceptance Rate: 3.6% for the Class of 2028, with approximately 54,000 applicants and 1,950 admitted students, marking a slight increase from the previous year's 3.4%.
• Early Action Rate: 8.7% for the Class of 2028, with around 7,000 early applicants and roughly 600 admitted, significantly higher than the regular decision rate.
• International Student Rate: Estimated at 3.0%, based on historical trends, as specific data for the Class of 2028 is not yet fully disclosed. International applicants face additional competition due to limited spots.

Over the past decade, Harvard's acceptance rates have trended downward, reflecting increasing competitiveness as application numbers surge, particularly in early action rounds. The university's early action program often yields a higher acceptance rate, encouraging applicants to apply early for a better chance. International admissions remain highly competitive, with rates often lower than the overall average due to a smaller allocation of spots. Compared to peer Ivy League institutions like Yale (4.5% for Class of 2028) and Princeton (estimated 4.0%), Harvard's selectivity is among the most stringent. For the most accurate and updated statistics, prospective students are encouraged to visit Harvard's official admissions page at college.harvard.edu/admissions or review the Common Data Set for detailed breakdowns.