What is the difference between Harvard College and Harvard University? (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between Harvard College and Harvard University? ›

While Harvard College specifically refers to Harvard's undergrad liberal arts program, Harvard University is generally used to refer to the entire school. More than 35,000 students currently attend the three main campuses of Harvard University located in Cambridge and the Longwood and Allston neighborhoods of Boston.

Harvard Business School (HBS) is the graduate business school of Harvard University, a private research university in Boston, Massachusetts. It owns Harvard Business Publishing, which publishes business books, leadership articles, case studies, and Harvard Business Review, a monthly academic business magazine.

In 1639, the school's name became Harvard University, so named for the Rev. John Harvard. Harvard bequeathed half of his estate and his entire library to the school upon his death. This significant bequest led the school to honor him by taking his name.

Founded in 1636, Harvard University is the oldest institution of higher education in the U.S. and one of the most selective in the Ivy League. The university is tied at No. 2 in our National Universities ranking. As a private research institution, Harvard has more than 100 research centers on campus.

Harvard University consists of the undergraduate Harvard College, 12 graduate and professional Schools, and the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study.

While Harvard College specifically refers to Harvard's undergrad liberal arts program, Harvard University is generally used to refer to the entire school. More than 35,000 students currently attend the three main campuses of Harvard University located in Cambridge and the Longwood and Allston neighborhoods of Boston.

Harvard University

United States|Cambridge (U.S.)

The GPA requirements for Harvard University are between 3.9 to 4.1. You will need an incredibly high GPA and will likely be graduating at the top of their class in order to get into Harvard University.

With a GPA of 4, Harvard requires you to be at the top of your class. You'll need nearly straight A's in all your classes to compete with other applicants. Furthermore, you should be taking hard classes - AP or IB courses - to show that college-level academics is a breeze.

Research. Harvard is a founding member of the Association of American Universities and a preeminent research university with "very high" research activity (R1) and comprehensive doctoral programs across the arts, sciences, engineering, and medicine according to the Carnegie Classification.

Is Oxford better than Harvard? ›

The prestige, reputation, and respect they command are beyond par while getting accepted into this university. However, looking at the cost of study and the return on investment, one can say that a Harvard degree is better. However, your choice will be determined by the courses on offer, alumni feedback, and more.

The most common term for a Harvard student is “Harvardian” or “'Vardian.”

In truth, you need close to a 4.0 unweighted GPA to get into Harvard. That means nearly straight As in every class, while also taking the highest rigor classes available to you at your high school.

Rankings & ratings

Harvard University is one of the top private universities in Cambridge, United States. It is ranked #4 in QS World University Rankings 2024.

Colleges are usually smaller schools that focus on undergraduate education, while universities are larger institutions offering a wider variety of degrees, including graduate programs and more research opportunities for students.

About the Name

Harvard Business School was originally named the “Harvard University, Graduate School of Business Administration, George F. Baker Foundation,” in recognition of the remarkable generosity of George Fisher Baker, Sr.

5. What GPA and GMAT/GRE score do I need to get into Harvard Business School? The average accepted GPA for successful applicants is 3.7. The median accepted score for the GMAT is 730.

Harvard University 2023-2024 Full-Time Rankings

Harvard University is ranked No. 5 in Best Business Schools.

The Kennedy School of Government is one of a dozen or so separate institutions that make up the whole of Harvard University. In addition to the KSG, Harvard includes an undergraduate college and graduate schools in business, dentistry, design, divinity, education, law, medicine, and public health, among others.