Harvard is expensive on paper. For 2024-25, the billed cost for an undergraduate year was $82,866, covering tuition, fees, room, and board.
But the sticker price is not the full story. Harvard’s financial aid is need-based, and international undergraduates get the same treatment as American students. Families with low incomes often pay nothing. Middle-income families usually pay far less than the published price.
To find your own number, use Harvard’s net price calculator. It asks about your family’s income and assets and gives an estimate of what you would actually pay.
Graduate study is different. Each school charges its own tuition and offers its own aid. Some master’s programs are very costly, and funding is limited. Check the specific school’s pages before you apply.
So is Harvard expensive? The published price is high. For many admitted students, though, need-based aid brings the real cost down a lot. Do not rule it out until you have run the numbers.
Related reading: How much does Harvard cost for international students?, Can the middle class afford Harvard?, and Maximizing Your Financial Aid: Tips and Resources.

