Harvard University is more than just a prestigious name—it’s a symbol of academic excellence, innovation, and historical legacy. Founded in 1636, Harvard is the oldest university in the United States, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world.

Quick Facts About Harvard University

Harvard’s Origin Story: A Colonial Beginning

Harvard University was established by vote of the Great and General Court of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. It was originally called “New College” and renamed in 1639 after John Harvard, a young minister who donated half of his estate and a personal library.

Harvard’s mission began with training clergy but soon expanded into a center of classical education and liberal arts.

Academic Growth and Expansion Through the Centuries

17th–18th Century: Foundation and Influence

• Harvard established the Harvard Corporation in 1650, one of the oldest governing bodies in the U.S.
• It introduced North America’s first printing press in 1638.
• The Harvard Medical School was founded in 1782.

19th Century: A Modern University Takes Shape

• New schools including Law, Divinity, and Business were formed.
• Harvard became a pioneer in liberal arts education and scientific research.

20th–21st Century: Globalization and Innovation

• Harvard launched the world’s first MBA program in 1908.
• It played a central role in fields such as public health, computer science, and economics.
• Harvard is now home to 12 degree-granting schools, including:
  • Harvard College (undergraduate)
  • Harvard Business School (HBS)
  • Harvard Law School (HLS)
  • Harvard Medical School (HMS)
  • Harvard Kennedy School
  • Graduate School of Education

Campus Overview: Where Tradition Meets Innovation

Harvard Yard (Cambridge Campus)

• The heart of the university, home to Massachusetts Hall, Widener Library, and first-year student housing.

Harvard Allston Campus

• Focus of major expansion projects.
• Home to Harvard Business School, athletic complexes, and new innovation labs.

Harvard Square

• A lively student district filled with shops, cafés, bookstores, and cultural venues.

Harvard’s Global Reputation and Rankings

Harvard University consistently ranks among the top 5 global universities across all major rankings (QS, THE, U.S. News). Its reputation is built on:

• World-class faculty and researchers
• Nobel laureates and Pulitzer Prize winners
• Breakthroughs in science, technology, law, and policy

Notable Harvard Alumni

Harvard has produced 8 U.S. Presidents, including:

• John Adams
• Franklin D. Roosevelt
• John F. Kennedy
• Barack Obama

Other notable alumni include:

• Natalie Portman (Academy Award–winning actress)
• Bill Gates (Microsoft co-founder, attended)
• Mark Zuckerberg (Facebook founder, attended)
• Ban Ki-moon (former UN Secretary-General)

Harvard’s Response to History and Modern Challenges

Addressing Historical Ties to Slavery

In 2022, Harvard pledged $100 million toward reparative efforts after a report detailed its historic ties to slavery and the use of enslaved labor in its early days.

Commitment to Equity and Inclusion

In 2025, Harvard launched the Office for Community Support, Non-Discrimination, Rights, and Responsibilities (CSNDR) to strengthen support systems and enforce Title VI and IX protections.

Legal and Political Advocacy

Harvard has defended academic freedom and international student rights during political conflicts, particularly under the Trump administration’s education policies.

What Makes Harvard Unique?

• Largest university endowment in the world
• Extensive library system with over 20 million volumes
• A leader in quantum computing, biomedical research, and climate policy
• Robust financial aid, allowing over 55% of students to attend tuition-free

Final Thoughts: Why Harvard University Still Leads the World

Harvard isn’t just a university—it’s a global academic institution with over 400 years of history, producing leaders, thinkers, scientists, and artists who shape our world. From its colonial origins to its digital-age breakthroughs, Harvard continues to define what’s possible in education, research, and societal impact.