Harvard University is a private Ivy League research university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, just west of Boston. Founded in 1636, it is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. With a history of academic excellence, selectivity in admissions, and social prestige, Harvard is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious universities in the world. The university's main campus is situated along the Charles River in Cambridge, with additional campuses in the Allston and Longwood neighborhoods of Boston. Harvard's endowment, the largest of any academic institution worldwide, was valued at $53.2 billion in 2024. Alan Garber is the current president of the university.
Harvard is known for its undergraduate college, Harvard College, and its numerous graduate and professional schools, including the highly-ranked Business School, Medical School, and Law School. The university's library system is the largest academic library in the world, containing over 20 million volumes. Key attractions include Harvard Yard, the university's historic center, and the John Harvard Statue, also known as the "Statue of Three Lies". Recent developments include ongoing construction and renovation projects in the Allston campus, including the Enterprise Research Campus, and efforts to achieve zero waste across its campuses. In February 2026, a faculty committee proposed a limit on the number of A grades awarded to students.
