Harvard University is a private Ivy League research university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Established in 1636, it is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. The university is named after its first benefactor, John Harvard, who left his library and half his estate to the institution when he died in 1638. Harvard is a large, residential research university with a diverse student body and a broad range of academic programs. The university comprises ten faculties and offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs in fields such as business, law, medicine, engineering, and the arts and sciences. The university has a rich history and has been home to many influential figures throughout its existence.
Harvard is also known for its world-class research, with a focus on advancing knowledge and understanding in a wide range of fields. The university has a vast array of research centers and institutes, and is involved in groundbreaking research on topics such as stem cell research, climate change, and artificial intelligence. Harvard University is a prestigious institution with a long history of academic excellence, innovative research, and influential alumni. It continues to be a leader in higher education and a beacon of intellectual curiosity and achievement.

Harvard University
Do you want to know more about Harvard University interesting facts? Let’s take a look at 55 interesting facts about Harvard University.
- Harvard has produced eight U.S. presidents, 188 living billionaires, 150 Nobel laureates, and 14 Turing Award laureates.
- The university has a large and diverse student body, with over 22,000 students enrolled in various undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs.
- The Harvard Library is the largest academic library in the world, with over 20 million volumes.
- The university’s motto is “Veritas,” which is Latin for “truth.”
- Harvard is known for its rigorous academic programs and high admission standards, with an acceptance rate of just 4.9% in 2021.
- The university’s endowment is the largest of any academic institution in the world, with a value of over $40 billion in 2021.
- The Harvard Corporation, the university’s governing body, is one of the oldest corporations in the world, established in 1650.
- The Harvard Crimson, the university’s student newspaper, was founded in 1873 and is the oldest continuously published daily college newspaper in the United States.
- The Harvard Lampoon, a humor magazine founded in 1876, has produced many famous comedians and writers, including Conan O’Brien and John Updike.
- The Harvard-Yale football game, also known as “The Game,” is one of the oldest and most storied college football rivalries in the United States.
- The university has produced many famous alumni, including Mark Zuckerberg, Barack Obama, Bill Gates, Natalie Portman, and Matt Damon.
- The Harvard Graduate School of Education is the oldest graduate school of education in the United States.
- The Harvard Medical School is one of the most prestigious medical schools in the world, and has produced many Nobel laureates in medicine and physiology.
- The Harvard Law School is one of the most highly ranked law schools in the United States, and has produced many prominent lawyers and judges.
- The university’s Department of Psychology is one of the oldest and most highly regarded psychology departments in the world.
- The Harvard Business School is one of the most highly ranked business schools in the world, and has produced many successful business leaders.
- The university has a long history of research and innovation, with many important discoveries and inventions originating from Harvard labs and classrooms.
- Harvard is known for its strong athletic programs, with many championship teams in a variety of sports.
- The university has a rich tradition of student activism, with many notable protests and demonstrations taking place on campus throughout its history.
- The Harvard Square area surrounding the university is a vibrant cultural and commercial center, with many restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues.
- The university has a strong commitment to sustainability and environmentalism, with many initiatives aimed at reducing its carbon footprint and promoting sustainability.
- The Harvard University Press is one of the oldest and most highly regarded academic presses in the world, and has published many influential scholarly works.
- The university has a large and active alumni network, with many alumni serving in prominent positions in government, business, and academia.
- The Harvard Art Museums, comprising three museums, are home to one of the largest and most comprehensive art collections in the world.
- The university’s Office for the Arts provides a wide range of opportunities for students and faculty to engage in artistic and creative pursuits.
- The Harvard Stem Cell Institute is a leading research center focused on understanding and harnessing the potential of stem cells for the treatment of disease.
- The Harvard Kennedy School of Government is one of the most highly regarded public policy schools in the world, and has produced many prominent politicians and public servants.
- The university’s campus features many beautiful and historic buildings, including the Widener Library, Memorial Hall, and the Harvard Art Museums.
- The Harvard Graduate School of Design is one of the most highly regarded architecture and urban planning schools in the world.
- The university’s Department of Astronomy is home to the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, a leading research center for the study of space and the universe.
- The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health is one of the most highly ranked public health schools in the world, and has produced many influential public health leaders.
- The university’s Institute of Politics provides a platform for students to engage with political leaders and participate in public service.
- The Harvard Extension School offers a wide range of courses and programs for non-traditional students, including online courses and degree programs.
- The university’s Department of Economics is one of the most highly regarded economics departments in the world, and has produced many Nobel laureates in economics.
- The Harvard Graduate School of Education is home to the Project Zero research center, which focuses on developing innovative approaches to teaching and learning.
- The university’s Office of Career Services provides a wide range of resources and support for students and alumni seeking employment and career opportunities.
- The Harvard Innovation Labs provide a collaborative and entrepreneurial environment for students and alumni to develop and launch new ventures.
- The university’s Department of Anthropology is one of the oldest and most highly regarded anthropology departments in the world.
- The Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences offers a wide range of graduate degree programs in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
- The university’s Institute for Quantitative Social Science is a leading research center focused on using data and statistical analysis to understand social phenomena.
- The Harvard Graduate School of Design is home to the Harvard Graduate School of Design Loeb Fellowship, which provides opportunities for mid-career professionals to pursue advanced studies in architecture, landscape architecture, and urban planning.
- The university’s Division of Continuing Education offers a wide range of programs and courses for adult and lifelong learners.
- The Harvard Global Health Institute is a leading research center focused on improving global health outcomes and addressing health disparities.
- The university’s Division of Science comprises many highly regarded science departments, including Physics, Chemistry, and Molecular and Cellular Biology.
- The Harvard Center for Green Buildings and Cities is a leading research center focused on developing sustainable building design and construction practices.
- The university’s Graduate School of Design is home to the Harvard Graduate School of Design Executive Education program, which provides professional development opportunities for design professionals.
- The Harvard Law School is home to the Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society, a leading research center focused on the intersection of technology and society.
- The university’s Harvard Art Museums are home to many famous works of art, including the largest collection of works by the artist Mark Rothko.
- The Harvard Business School is home to the Harvard Business Review, a highly regarded business magazine that publishes research and insights on management and leadership.
- The Harvard Graduate School of Education is home to the Harvard Graduate School of Education Dean’s Leadership Fund, which provides support for innovative educational programs and initiatives.
- The university’s Department of Government is one of the oldest and most highly regarded political science departments in the world.
- The Harvard Graduate School of Design is home to the Harvard Graduate School of Design Career Discovery program, which provides opportunities for high school students to explore architecture, landscape architecture, and urban planning.
- The Harvard Graduate School of Education is home to the Harvard Educational Review, a highly regarded academic journal focused on education research and policy.
- The university’s Department of Psychology is one of the most highly regarded psychology departments in the world, and has produced many influential psychologists.
- The Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics operates the Chandra X-ray Observatory, a space telescope that has made many groundbreaking discoveries about the universe.
Harvard University is a world-renowned institution that has made significant contributions to research, education, and public service for over 400 years. Its distinguished faculty, accomplished alumni, and innovative programs have made it a leader in many fields, including law, business, medicine, public health, education, and the arts. With its historic campus, rich academic resources, and commitment to excellence, Harvard continues to inspire and educate future generations of scholars, leaders, and changemakers from around the world.