harvard graduate school education acceptance rate

Harvard University

Graduate School (Education) • Cambridge, MA •  

Graduate School (Education) • Cambridge, MA

Harvard University Education School Overview

The application fee for the education program at Harvard University is $85. The Graduate School of Education at Harvard University has 39 full-time faculty on staff with a 3.8:1 adjusted ratio of graduate students to faculty.

The Harvard Graduate School of Education stresses usable knowledge—whether students hope to teach, create policy, or research. In just one year, students can earn a master’s degree in one of 13 areas, such as Mind, Brain and Education and International Education Policy. Doctoral degrees typically take three years to complete, and, for a break from the Massachusetts winters, doctoral students can elect to spend a semester or two studying at the University of California—Berkeley Graduate School of Education .

The school has programs committed to helping the nation’s struggling schools, like WIDE World, a series of online training courses for teachers, and the Change Leadership Group, which examines routes of systemic improvement for schools and districts. The Doctor of Education Leadership program, which readies graduate students to spearhead reform, is tuition free. Students looking for extracurricular opportunities can partake in programs such as Project Zero, a study of the effects of art on learning, and can work in research hubs like the Center on the Developing Child.

Another perk of attending graduate school at Harvard: students can enroll in courses at the university’s other schools, including the highly ranked John F. Kennedy School of Government and Business School , as well as in courses at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology . Select students may be able to enroll part time, though some degrees require a full-time commitment. There is no evening degree option. Alumni of HGSE include school administrators like Mount Holyoke College President Joanne V. Creighton; government officials such as Tom Payzant, the former U.S. Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education; and entrepreneurs including Twitter cocreator Dom Sagolla.

More from This School

• Graduate Schools
• Global Universities

At-a-Glance

Acceptance Rate

Harvard University 2024 Rankings

Education School Program Rankings

• # 8 in Best Education Schools  (tie)

Education School Specialty Rankings

• in Curriculum and Instruction
• # 8 in Educational Administration and Supervision
• in Educational Psychology
• # 2 in Education Policy
• # 11 in Higher Education Administration  (tie)

Subscribe to U.S. News Education School Compass

See how this school scored on the key indicators used in the rankings.

Other rankings at this school: Colleges , Global Universities

Harvard University Education School Data

Harvard university admissions.

UNLOCK WITH COMPASS

Harvard University Academics

Harvard university student body.

Gender distribution (full-time) :

Harvard University Cost

Find the best student loan refinance lenders.

Advertiser Disclosure

Reviews & Ratings

See reviews and ratings of this school from students, alumni, staff and others. These reviews are not written by U.S. News and have no impact on any of the Best Graduate Schools rankings.

This school does not have enough reviews yet. Click here to submit your review.

Harvard University Teacher Preparation

Education School details based on 2023 data.

Do you work at Harvard University ?

Manage your school's public image and connection with students using U.S. News Student Connect.

U.S. News Grad Compass

See expanded profiles of nearly 1,800 schools. Unlock entering class stats including MCAT, GMAT and GRE scores.

Considering an Education Degree?

Sign up for a free U.S. News account to receive expert advice on topics like teacher residency programs, what is a good GRE score, and paying for graduate school.

Graduate School Advice

Applying to Grad School

Paying for Grad School

About the GRE

Studying at a U.S. Grad School

You May Also Like

Good law school recommendation letters.

Gabriel Kuris May 20, 2024

Get Accepted to Multiple Top B-schools

Anayat Durrani May 16, 2024

Premeds and Emerging Medical Research

Zach Grimmett May 14, 2024

How to Get a Perfect Score on the LSAT

Gabriel Kuris May 13, 2024

Premeds Take 5 Public Health Courses

Rachel Rizal May 7, 2024

Fortune 500 CEOs With a Law Degree

Cole Claybourn May 7, 2024

Why It's Hard to Get Into Med School

A.R. Cabral May 6, 2024

Pros, Cons of Unaccredited Law Schools

Gabriel Kuris May 6, 2024

An MBA and Management Consulting

Sammy Allen May 2, 2024

Med School Access for Minority Students

Cole Claybourn May 2, 2024

You can compare up to 25 schools at a time. Please remove a school before adding another.

• Graduate School
• CAMBRIDGE, MA

Harvard Graduate School of Education

• Rating 4.69 out of 5   13 reviews
• Massachusetts

Scholarship

Masters programs, most popular masters programs.

• Mathematics Teacher Education 21 Students
• Education Research and Evaluation 6 Students
• Educational Administration
• Educational Technology
• English and Reading Teacher Education
• International Education
• School Counseling and Guidance Services
• School Psychology
• Specialized Teaching and Education

Doctoral Programs

Most popular doctoral programs.

• Higher Education Administration
• Public Policy Analysis

Claim Your graduate school Today!

Learn how to pay for grad school, tuition & financial aid, student life.

• Down-to-earth 25%
• Friendly 25%
• Prepared me for the real world 25%
• Supportive/helped me grow 75%

Campus Resources

Return on investment.

• Less than $25,000 13%
• $25,000 - $50,000 38%
• $50,000 - $75,000 38%
• More than $100,000 13%
• $50,000 - $75,000 25%
• $75,000 - $100,000 25%
• $100,000 - $125,000 13%
• Did not graduate yet 38%

Living in the Area

• Cost of Living grade  C
• Crime & Safety grade  unavailable
• Nightlife grade  A+

Similar Grad Schools

• Stanford University
• STANFORD, CA
• Rating 5 out of 5   2 reviews
• University of California - Los Angeles
• LOS ANGELES, CA
• Rating 4 out of 5   1 review
• Johns Hopkins University
• BALTIMORE, MD
• Rating 4.65 out of 5   20 reviews
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• CHAPEL HILL, NC

Harvard Graduate School of Education Reviews

• Rating 5 out of 5   Excellent 10   reviews ( 77 %)
• Rating 4 out of 5   Very Good 2   reviews ( 15 %)
• Rating 3 out of 5   Average 1   reviews ( 8 %)
• Rating 2 out of 5   Poor 0   reviews ( 0 %)
• Rating 1 out of 5   Terrible 0   reviews ( 0 %)
• Master's Student
• 2 months ago
• Overall Experience
• 16 days ago

Add to List

Harvard Graduate School Of Education Acceptance Rate: A Detailed Look

Gaining admission to Harvard University‘s prestigious Graduate School of Education (HGSE) is a monumental accomplishment that takes years of dedication. As an expert who has coached many students through the daunting HGSE application process, I‘m intimately familiar with the fiercely competitive acceptance rates. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll unpack admissions statistics in detail, compare trends to peer institutions, and most importantly, provide tips to maximize your chances of getting into Harvard‘s top-ranked education school.

The Broader Landscape of Elite Education School Admissions

To fully appreciate the selectivity of HGSE, it‘s helpful to first understand admissions competitiveness at other top education schools.

• Stanford‘s Graduate School of Education acceptance hovers between 11-13% , while Teachers College at Columbia has an acceptance rate of about 15% in recent years.
• Other elite institutions like the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education and UCLA‘s Graduate School of Education & Information Studies fall somewhere between 10-20% .

These low rates are driven by rising demand for education careers, amplified applicant pools, and the caliber expected from graduates who will become future leaders in education policy, research, and practice.

Against this backdrop, Harvard GSE‘s admission rate below 10% represents the uppermost echelon of selectivity, even compared to peers. Just a few percent difference in acceptance represents immense competition.

Gaining the admissions committee‘s coveted approval at HGSE requires not only top-tier credentials, but vividly demonstrating your aspirational vision and potential for impact.

A Decade of Highly Competitive HGSE Acceptance Rates

Zooming in on HGSE, we can analyze acceptance rate trends over the past decade:

• In 2021 , Harvard GSE received 3,820 applications with an acceptance rate of 6.8% – about 260 students admitted.
• The highest acceptance rate in the past 15 years was 11.9% in 2009 , indicating admissions have tightened.
• Acceptance reached a new low of 5.9% for the entering class of Fall 2022, as applications hit a new high of 3,864.

Analyzing acceptance rates over a 10+ year timeframe reveals consistency in the rigor of gaining Harvard GSE admission. Rates have plateaued below 10%, dipping lower in recent application cycles.

This sustained selectivity places HGSE in a more competitive admissions class than peer institutions with occasional spike years. The consistency also speaks to the steadily rising demand for a Harvard Graduate School of Education degree.

Comparing Acceptance Rates by Applicant Segment

Another dimension for evaluating Harvard‘s admissions patterns is comparing domestic vs. international applicant acceptance:

• For Fall 2022, the acceptance rate for domestic applicants was 6.3% , whereas international students were admitted at a rate of 4.6% .
• Since 2018, acceptance rates for international applicants have trailed domestic ones by 1-3 percentage points – although both remain incredibly low.

The marginally higher acceptance of domestic candidates may reflect preferences for English fluency, U.S. experience, or students seeking education careers stateside.

However, Harvard GSE stresses a commitment to global diversity. While international applicants face slightly steeper odds overall, those with outstanding profiles absolutely have pathways to admission.

Acceptance Rates by Program – Where Variability Emerges

While HGSE admissions broadly hover under 10%, acceptance rates do vary across the school‘s degree programs:

Doctor of Education Leadership (EdLD)

The EdLD prepares transformative system leaders in education via rigorous coursework and applied fieldwork.

• With an acceptance rate of 3-5% , gaining EdLD admission is especially challenging.
• Applicants generally have 10-15 years leadership experience and hold senior roles in education organizations.
• Cohorts are also smaller (~25 students) relative to other programs, limiting available spots.

Master of Education Leadership and Policy

This program cultivates leaders seeking education policy careers in government, think tanks, advocacy groups, and beyond.

• Estimated acceptance rate of 5-8% .
• Applicants have typically engaged in relevant experiences like campaigns, grassroots organizing, legislative work, or research.
• Master‘s class size is larger (~100 students) with greater variability in applicants‘ backgrounds.

Master of Education

Encompassing diverse concentrations, this Master‘s degree equips students for teaching, curriculum development, higher education, and more.

• Acceptance rates range widely from 5-15% depending on specialization. Areas like Early Childhood Education tend to be most competitive.
• Academic performance, research experience, and direct classroom exposure are weighted heavily.
• Cohort targets also differ among specializations.

Doctor of Education (EdD)

This pinnacle degree readies elite scholar-practitioners to originate impactful education research and solutions informed by data.

• The EdD sees an estimated acceptance rate around 5% .
• Applicants possess robust research backgrounds, such as academic publications, and clear research visions.
• Program selectivity aligns with the prestige associated with earning a doctorate from Harvard.

In general, doctoral programs attract smaller, highly accomplished applicant pools vying for limited seats. But even within the same degree type, concentrations with greater demand or tighter cohort targets see heightened selectivity.

4 Insider Tips to Strengthen Your Harvard GSE Application

As an admissions consultant guiding students through the HGSE process, I‘m eager to share the tips and strategies I emphasize to maximize their chances of success:

1. Focus Intently on the GRE

Optimize your prep, aiming for GRE quant and verbal scores in at least the 90th percentile (333+) to remain competitive. This may require 6 months of consistent practice via tutoring, classes, or self-study. Treat the GRE with the seriousness of a part-time job.

2. Distill Your "X-Factor"

Admissions officers pore through thousands of exceptional applicants yearly. Craft a personal statement and application narrative around your unique passions, experiences, and goals to stand out. Have recommenders reinforce what makes you distinct.

3. Choose Your References Carefully

Secure recommendations from reputable professionals who can speak first-hand to your leadership, intellect, and impact. I advise students to build relationships with references 6-12 months out from applying. Be judicious in who you ask.

4. Demonstrate Educational Engagement

Showcase hands-on encounters with education – through teaching, research, policy work, volunteering, etc. – that ignited your motivations. Quantify your impact through data. This applied experience is pivotal.

These insights come directly from my work advising 80+ Harvard GSE applicants. Please don‘t hesitate to reach out if you need additional guidance!

Conclusion: Persevere Despite the Odds

There‘s no denying that scoring Harvard GSE admission requires top-tier credentials and a measure of luck. But fortunately, gaining acceptance is far from impossible with meticulous preparation, self-reflection, and unwavering commitment.

I‘ve witnessed remarkable students I‘ve mentored defy the odds and receive that life-changing Harvard acceptance letter. Many had faced intimidating obstacles or rejection from other programs beforehand. Their stories inspire me to encourage future applicants to persist.

My hope is that you feel emboldened, not deterred, by Harvard GSE‘s selectivity. Stay focused on your aspirations, and trust that your passions will lead you to the graduate school ideal for the impact you can make. Wishing you the very best in your educational journey ahead!

A dedicated father and former high school English teacher, Chris's journey into education advocacy is both personal and profound. His passion for equitable education sparked not in the classroom, but at home, as he navigated the challenges and triumphs of raising his children within the public education system.

After receiving his Master's in Education, Chris embarked on a teaching career, enriching young minds with literature and critical thinking skills. However, it was his transition to full-time parenthood that brought a new dimension to his understanding of education. He witnessed firsthand the effects of underfunding and standardized test pressures on schools and students alike.

Motivated by these experiences, Chris took his advocacy to the digital world. His blog, born from a blend of professional insight and parental concern, delves into the nuances of educational policy, resource allocation, and the need for a balanced approach to student assessment. Chris's unique perspective as both educator and parent offers a compelling call to action for quality, accessible public education.

Chris, residing with his family in [City, State], continues to be a beacon for educational reform, inspiring others through his writings and community involvement.

Similar Posts

Sonography programs in san diego ca.

Introduction Sonography plays an increasingly vital role in modern healthcare, with employment for diagnostic medical sonographers…

Can a High School Football Player Really Go Straight to the NFL? An Expert Analysis

As an professional sports talent evaluator and draft analyst for over 20 years, I‘m often asked…

summer programs in denton tx

An Education Reform Expert‘s Guide to Evaluating Summer Programs in Denton As summer vacations draw closer,…

The Top LPN to RN Bridge Programs in Palm Bay, Florida: A Comprehensive Guide

As an education expert with over 15 years of experience helping nurses transition from LPN to…

What Does PDA Mean in Schools? An Administrator‘s Guide to Finding Balance

Public displays of affection (PDA) between students evoke polarized positions from many educators. Some see overt…

The 20 Best PsyD Programs in Memphis, TN

As an education reform expert who has evaluated over 100 psychology graduate programs across the United…

You seem to be using an unsupported browser

To get the best user experience please use a supported browser. Here are a few we recommend:

• Master's Programs in Education

Cambridge, MA

Master's Programs in Education / Master's Programs in Education is located in Cambridge, MA, in an urban setting.

Degrees & Awards

Degrees offered, degrees awarded, earning your degree, acceptance rate, application deadlines, entrance requirements, tuition & fees, financial support, student body, race/ethnicity, location & contact.

• Grad Schools
• Search Results
• Harvard University
• Harvard Graduate School of Education

Important Addresses

Harvard College

University Hall Cambridge, MA 02138

Harvard College Admissions Office and Griffin Financial Aid Office

86 Brattle Street Cambridge, MA 02138

Social Links

If you are located in the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Norway (the “European Economic Area”), please click here for additional information about ways that certain Harvard University Schools, Centers, units and controlled entities, including this one, may collect, use, and share information about you.

• Application Tips
• Navigating Campus
• Preparing for College
• How to Complete the FAFSA
• What to Expect After You Apply
• View All Guides
• Parents & Families
• School Counselors
• Información en Español
• Undergraduate Viewbook
• View All Resources

Search and Useful Links

Search the site, search suggestions, alert: harvard yard closed to the public.

Please note, Harvard Yard gates are currently closed. Entry will be permitted to those with a Harvard ID only.

Last Updated: May 03, 11:02am

Open Alert: Harvard Yard Closed to the Public

Admissions statistics, a brief profile of the admitted class of 2027.

Harvard welcomes students from across the country and all over the world, with diverse backgrounds and far-ranging talents and interests.

Geographical breakdown

Intended field of concentration

Typical financial aid package for scholarship holders, 2022-2023

Related Topics

Student stories.

Read stories from current students about their intellectual, social, and personal experiences at Harvard.

Diversity and Access

When students come to Harvard, they bring their talent, curiosity, and intelligence. They also bring their perspective on the world.

Affordability

For 90% of American families, Harvard is more affordable than their local state school.

Toggle Admissions Submenu

Testimonials

Free Resources

PrepScholar GRE Prep

Gre prep online guides and tips, graduate school acceptance rates: can you get in.

Even the most qualified and confident applicants worry about getting into grad school. But don’t panic! Graduate school acceptance rates, which give the percentage of applicants that were admitted to a particular school or program in an academic year, can help you determine how likely you are to get into a given program.  But where can you find grad school admissions statistics?

In this article, we’ll first investigate the trends and factors associated with graduate school acceptance rates. Then, we’ll take a look at some of the current acceptance rates and give you expert tips on how to find acceptance rates for your programs. Finally, we’ll show you how to determine your odds of getting into grad school.

Graduate School Acceptance Rates: Factors and Trends

Grad school acceptance rates are the same as any other acceptance rate: the lower the acceptance rate, the more selective the school or program is. Similarly, the higher the acceptance rate, the less selective the school or program is. As with undergrad acceptance rates, grad school acceptance rates vary widely, from extraordinarily selective (less than 5 percent) to incredibly lenient (nearly 100 percent).

Unlike undergrad rates, though, grad school acceptance rates are usually calculated for specific programs or departments and  not for entire universities. This is because with grad school, you are essentially applying to an individual program rather than an overall institution (as you did for undergrad).

Now that we’ve covered all of the basics, let’s look at a few key trends. Our research indicates there are three major factors that help determine grad school acceptance rates:

• School or program prestige
• Degree type
• Amount of funding

Let’s look at how each of these factors influences grad school acceptance rates.

Quick side note: we've created the world's leading online GRE prep program that adapts to you and your strengths and weaknesses. Not sure what to study? Confused by how to improve your score? We give you minute by minute guide.

You don't NEED a prep program to get a great GRE score. But we believe PrepScholar is the best GRE prep program available right now , especially if you find it hard to organize your study schedule and don't know what to study .

Click here to learn how you can improve your GRE score by 7 points, guaranteed .

#1: School or Program Prestige

How prestigious a particular grad school or program is can affect its overall competitiveness and selectivity. In general, the more prestigious a program is, the more competitive it’ll be and thus the lower acceptance rate it’ll have.

An easy way to determine school or program prestige is to consult official rankings, such as those listed on  U.S. News . (Grad schools are typically ranked by field or program and   not by overall institution.)

For example, a 2017  U.S. News  list of the best political science grad programs  ranked Duke’s political science program at #7 and Northwestern’s at #23. Because both of the programs have fairly high rankings, it’s safe to assume they’re probably quite selective.

And this is true: in 2016,  Duke  reported a mere 10 percent acceptance rate to its political science doctoral program, while  Northwestern  reported a 12 percent acceptance rate.

#2: Degree Type

Another major factor is degree type. Generally,  doctoral programs tend to be more selective than master’s programs (though this isn’t always the case as I’ll explain in a moment). This trend is likely due to the fact that doctoral programs often look for higher-quality applicants with proven academic track records and more relevant experience in their fields.

For example, in 2016  University of Michigan’s math doctoral program  had a 17.2 percent acceptance rate, whereas its master’s program  had a much higher 31.8 percent rate. In this case, the doctoral program is clearly tougher to get into than the master’s program.

Still,   master’s programs can have lower acceptance rates than doctoral programs. If we were to take the University of Michigan’s grad programs in computer science and engineering, we’d find that the doctoral program has  a 15 percent acceptance rate  and the master’s  an even lower 8 percent acceptance rate .

Additionally, M.F.A. programs are particularly cutthroat. In 2015, the creative writing M.F.A. program at UT Austin’s James A. Michener Center for Writers only admitted 12 out of 678 applicants — that’s a mere 1.8 percent acceptance rate !

#3: Amount of Funding

Funding, too, plays a big role in how selective a grad program is.

Well-funded  programs typically receive more applications than those offering little to no aid, thereby raising their selectivity. Competition is especially fierce for fully funded programs — possibly because fewer people are willing to go into debt for grad school.

Compared to fully funded doctoral programs, fully funded master’s programs are somewhat rare and thus pretty competitive. UT Austin’s Creative Writing M.F.A. program, for instance, is not only a prestigious program but also one of the most well-funded Creative Writing M.F.A. programs in the country: it  offers full tuition remission and a $27,500 stipend per academic year . It’s no wonder, then, that its acceptance rate is below 2 percent!

What Are the Current Graduate School Acceptance Rates?

For this section, we’ve scoured the internet to bring you a robust assortment of acceptance rates for popular U.S. grad schools.

Before we dive in, note that not all institutions calculate grad school acceptance rates using the same methodologies. Some offer only a single acceptance rate for all of their grad schools put together, while others offer individual rates by school, field, or program.

Now, let’s see how selective these schools really are!

*Statistics for NYU are based on the number of enrolled students and not the number of admitted students. Therefore, expect actual acceptance rates to be slightly higher.

How to Find Graduate School Acceptance Rates: 4 Methods

Unfortunately, grad school admissions statistics tend to be more difficult to find than undergrad acceptance rates.  But there are ways to search for them — you just have to do a lot of digging and possibly a little reaching out.

Below are our top four methods for finding grad school acceptance rates for the programs you’re applying to.

#1: Consult School Websites

By far the most reliable resources for grad school admissions statistics are  school websites.

Start your search by consulting program and departmental pages, particularly admissions and FAQ pages. Look out for any statistics-related keywords or phrases, such as “admission(s) rates,” “acceptance rates,” “enrollment,” “facts and figures,” etc. Use ctrl+F to move swiftly through large chunks of text.

Not all schools publish grad admissions information online, and those that do don’t always report it in the same way as others. For example, Princeton offers a handy PDF  containing acceptance rates for all academic fields of study. On the other hand,  Notre Dame  gives separate admissions charts for each of its grad programs (which you can access by selecting a program and then clicking “Admissions Statistics”).

Additionally, many schools release admissions statistics without explicitly publishing acceptance rates.  In this case, it’s your job to take the statistics provided and use them to calculate an acceptance rate. To find the acceptance rate of a school or program, you’ll need the following information:

• The total number of applicants in a year
• The total number of applicants granted admission  that year

The acceptance rate equals the total number of applicants offered admission divided by the total number of applicants and then multiplied by 100, or:

$$\acceptance \rate = {\number \of \applicants \offered \admission}/{\total \number \of \applicants}100$$

Be sure to  avoid conflating the number of students who were  offered admission   with the number of students who accepted their offers of admission. These two concepts sound alike but are actually different. What you’re looking for is the first statistic — that is, the number of admitted students (regardless of whether they decided to enroll).

If you’re having trouble finding admissions statistics by browsing school websites, search on Google for “[Your School] graduate acceptance rate” and see if any relevant school pages appear. While searching for acceptance rates to use in the table above, I consistently swapped “acceptance rate” with similar phrases, such as “admission(s) rate,” “facts and figures,” “student statistics,” “admittance rates,” and “admission(s) statistics.”

Want to improve your GRE score by 7 points?  We have the industry's leading GRE prep program. Built by world-class instructors with 99th percentile GRE scores , the program learns your strengths and weaknesses through machine learning data science, then customizes your prep program to you so you get the most effective prep possible.

Try our 5-day full access trial for free:

Don’t be afraid to get creative! You can also use phrases like “Ph.D. admissions statistics” or “master’s admissions statistics” to narrow your search even further. Try to think outside the box as you do your research. What are other ways people talk about acceptance rates?

#2: Check  U.S. News

If your school or program doesn’t offer any admissions statistics on its website, go to  U.S. News . This website offers official rankings of grad programs as well as lists of the most (and least) selective programs in various fields.

For example, I found a 2016 list of the most competitive online M.B.A. programs  and a 2015 list of the most competitive online graduate engineering programs .

If U.S. News doesn’t offer any relevant lists for you to use, try skimming the current grad school rankings to gauge how competitive your program is compared with others in the same field.

#3: Search Other Websites

One less reliable method for looking up grad school admissions statistics is to  look for (unofficial) websites discussing acceptance rates for your school or program.

The Grad Cafe’s  admissions results  section is a solid place to start. Here, applicants post whether they’ve been accepted, rejected, or waitlisted for grad programs.

Search for your program to get a rough feel for how many acceptances and rejections go out each year. You might notice that certain types of applicants are more active than others. Creative Writing M.F.A. applicants, for example, are prolific posters in winter and spring (during admissions season).

Occasionally, Google itself will provide you with grad school acceptance rates, but this only appears to work consistently for well-known law schools, medical schools, and business schools.

Additionally, while using Google, don’t assume that any acceptance rates that pop up are directly connected to your search terms. For example, when I searched “stanford graduate acceptance rate,” Google gave me this result:

This 4.8 percent acceptance rate is  not  the acceptance rate for Stanford’s grad programs (what I searched for) but rather the acceptance rate for undergrads. So always cross-check any statistics Google gives you.

You can also consult grad school data websites such as  Peterson’s and StartClass . Take their grad school acceptance rates with a grain of salt, though — their data isn’t always verifiable online. If possible, try to compare any data you find on these types of websites with the school websites themselves or U.S. News .

#4: Contact Schools

If the internet isn’t giving you the help you need, call or email your schools. Be polite but upfront: ask whether the school calculates acceptance rates for grad programs and where you can find this information online (if available).

If a school refuses to divulge admissions statistics or simply doesn’t report acceptance rates, see if they can give you estimates for how many applications they receive each year, or for how many acceptances they usually extend to applicants in your program.

Graduate School Acceptance: What Are Your Odds?

By this point, you might be wondering how likely it is you’ll actually get into the grad program you wish to attend. After all, acceptance rates are pretty broad — they tell you what everyone’s odds are but not your odds specifically.

Below are three easy steps for determining your odds of getting into grad school, including advice on when it’s better to go for it or choose another program.

Step 1: Check Program Requirements

First, go to your program’s website and pinpoint the admissions requirements page. Now, ask yourself:  do you meet all of the program’s basic requirements? If not, you’ll likely wind up with a rejection (and might not even be able to apply).

However, if you’re still interested in applying, contact the program and ask if they’ll make an exception for you. Your chance of getting accepted is still low, but you’ll at least have your application considered.

If your program strongly recommends qualities you lack, don’t interpret this as an automatic rejection. Sometimes, applicants can make up for deficiencies in other ways. For example, if your undergrad GPA is 3.1 and your program recommends applicants have a minimum 3.2, don’t write off the program — you might still have a shot at getting in as long as the rest of your application is solid.

On the other hand, even if you meet all of a program’s requirements, you’re not necessarily a shoo-in. Remember, all other applicants have met these requirements, too, so you’ll need to find a unique way to make your application stand out.

Step 2: Find Average GRE Scores and GPAs

Your next step is to look up your program’s average GRE scores and GPA  to see how your own scores and GPA compare with those of previously admitted applicants.

You can usually find GRE score information on admissions requirements or FAQ pages. You can also search on Google for “[Your School] [Your Program] average GRE scores.” For step-by-step instructions on how to find average GRE scores, check out  my article on average GRE scores by school .

For GPAs, you can use the same basic methodology. Check admissions requirements and FAQ pages and use ctrl+F to search for “GPA.” If GPA information is available, you’ll most likely come across minimum GPAs or average GPAs (or both). For more tips on how to find GPA information for your grad schools, read our guide .

Now, compare your own GRE scores and GPA with the averages you’ve found. Below are all possible scenarios and what they mean for you and your odds of getting into the program:

Want to improve your GRE score by 7+ points?

Check out our best-in-class online GRE prep program . We guarantee your money back if you don't improve your GRE score by 7 points or more.

PrepScholar GRE is entirely online, and it customizes your prep program to your strengths and weaknesses . We also feature 2,000 practice questions , official practice tests, 150 hours of interactive lessons, and 1-on-1 scoring and feedback on your AWA essays.

Check out our 5-day free trial now:

• Your GRE scores and GPA are both  higher than your program’s averages:  Congratulations! You have an excellent chance of getting accepted, especially if the rest of your application is equally impressive. Keep up the great work!
• Your GRE scores and GPA are both  about the same as your program’s averages:  You’re doing pretty well! You are just the type of applicant your program is looking for. The only drawback is that you probably won’t stand out as much from other applicants who have similar GRE scores and GPAs. So take time to make your application sparkle (I’m looking at you, statement of purpose).
• Your GRE scores and GPA are both lower than your program’s averages (or just one of the two is lower):  It ain’t over ’til it’s over! You can still make up for your deficiencies in other ways. While you can’t change your GPA, you can retake the GRE . If your GPA is low, a great strategy for combating this is to discuss it in your statement of purpose, taking care to highlight any external factors that contributed to the low GPA as well as any attributes of yours that prove you’re indeed ready for grad school.

Step 3: Decide Whether to Apply

Now, we get to the final question: do you apply to the program or not?  This is a vague question that’s difficult to answer as is. The real questions you should be asking yourself are as follows:

• Do I meet all of the program’s basic requirements?
• Do I meet most or all of the program’s expectations of applicants (in terms of GRE scores, GPA, etc.)?
• Is the program’s acceptance rate extremely low?
• Do I really like this program?

Although acceptance rates and GRE/GPA comparisons are helpful, don’t base your decision to apply solely on how difficult the program is to get into. We can’t know for sure what kind of applicant a grad program is looking for or who they’re willing to make an exception for.

Take a moment to think deeply about how interested you are in this particular program. Be realistic about your chances of getting in — but don’t cross the line into pessimism. If you don’t meet most or all of a program’s expectations and you’re not super invested in it, consider applying elsewhere.

But if you meet some, most, or all of a program’s expectations and you’re extremely interested in enrolling, give the application a go. Remember, it’s totally normal (and even encouraged) to have a few reach schools. Plus, you’ll never get in if you don’t apply!

Key Takeaways: Graduate School Acceptance Rates

Grad school acceptance rates quantify for us the selectivity of grad schools and programs. More specifically, acceptance rates tell us  what percentage of applicants were offered admission to a particular grad school or program. 

With grad school, acceptance rates are often reported for individual schools or programs,  not  entire universities. Acceptance rates can vary widely depending on program prestige, the type of degree you’re seeking, and how much (or how little) funding a program offers.

Unlike undergrad acceptance rates, grad school acceptance rates are somewhat difficult to locate online. You can look for them using any of the following four methods:

• Peruse school websites
• Check grad school facts and lists on  U.S. News
• Browse other websites and forums such as The Grad Cafe
• Call or email your schools

When trying to determine your  odds of getting into a program, look at your program’s requirements as well as the average GPA and GRE scores of previously admitted applicants to your program. If your GRE scores and GPA are comparable to those of your program, you have a decent shot at getting accepted. If one or both are lower than your program’s averages, however, you can always try to  raise your GRE score  with a retake or address your GPA in your statement of purpose.

At the end of the day, what ultimately matters isn’t that you get accepted to a highly competitive grad program but that you make the right decision for you and you alone!

What’s Next?

Need help with your grad school application?  Learn about the most common grad school requirements  and get tips on how to write a grad school CV or resume !

Is your GPA good enough for grad school ?  Read our in-depth guide to learn how you can make up for a less-than-stellar GPA and ultimately raise your chances of getting into the school of your dreams.

Do you have to take the GRE for grad school ? When are grad school deadlines ?  Check out our guides for answers to these questions and more.

Ready to improve your GRE score by 7 points?

Author: Hannah Muniz

Hannah graduated summa cum laude from the University of Southern California with a bachelor’s degree in English and East Asian languages and cultures. After graduation, she taught English in Japan for two years via the JET Program. She is passionate about education, writing, and travel. View all posts by Hannah Muniz

Featured Topics

Featured series.

A series of random questions answered by Harvard experts.

Explore the Gazette

Read the latest.

New HAA president brings holistic approach to alumni leadership

Bridging social distance, embracing uncertainty, fighting for equity

‘I haven’t really had a proper weekend in a long time’

Lehman Hall at the Harvard Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.

Jon Chase/Harvard Staff Photographer

Harvard Griffin GSAS applications rise nearly 16% over past three years 

25,240 applicant pool for master’s, Ph.D. programs 

Clarification: An earlier version of this article did not account for all iterations of applications, including Ph.D., master’s, AB/AM and AB/SM applications. The 2024-2025 application cycle is defined as those who applied in fall 2023 for fall 2024 admission.

The Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences has received 25,240 applications for study, marking a 15.7 percent increase in applications over the past three years, including an 8 percent increase from last year. This totals a steady rise of more than 40 percent since 2019.

“Harvard Griffin GSAS is the intellectual heart of the University and I’m pleased to see this year’s applicants demonstrate an interest in the wide range of research undertaken here, from physics and life sciences to history and philosophy. A new pool of promising candidates makes for an exciting year ahead,” said Emma Dench , dean of the School and McLean Professor of Ancient and Modern History and of the Classics.

Students have until April 15 to accept their offers.

The robust pool comes amid an exciting time for Harvard Griffin GSAS. Beginning this July, a $50,000 annual rate living expenses stipend will become the minimum across all Ph.D. programs, inclusive of the dental and transit subsidies. The number of years of tuition and health coverage will also be extended to match the Ph.D. program’s anticipated time to degree. 

These increases in financial enhancements come on the heels of an initiative by Dench to examine the graduate school educational experience. In spring 2022, she convened a group of faculty, tasked with recommending enhancements known as GSAS Admissions and Graduate Education, or GAGE. The result of those efforts is a final report , which outlines vigorous direction on advising as well as for teaching, employment outcomes, institutional finances, equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging, and admissions.

“Across the board, this has been welcome news,” said Dench. “It both sets current and prospective students up for success and positions Harvard Griffin GSAS to compete more effectively for the most promising scholars.” 

The 2024 application pool is comprised of 14,328 international students and 10,912 U.S. citizens and permanent residents. While offers continue to be extended across the 58 degree programs, Harvard Griffin GSAS Admissions anticipates a class size similar to last year, which numbered 1,138 Ph.D. admits (this includes waitlist candidates who eventually were admitted). Largest areas of interest include medical sciences, engineering, psychology, chemistry, and population health sciences. 

Share this article

You might like.

Moitri Chowdhury Savard committed to listening deeply, respecting differences, finding common ground in shared values

Student Commencement speeches to tap into themes faced by Class of 2024

Longtime supporter of grads Kathy Hanley caps 13-year quest with a Commencement of her own

Epic science inside a cubic millimeter of brain

Researchers publish largest-ever dataset of neural connections

Good genes are nice, but joy is better

Harvard study, almost 80 years old, has proved that embracing community helps us live longer, and be happier

Finding right mix on campus speech policies

Legal, political scholars discuss balancing personal safety, constitutional rights, academic freedom amid roiling protests, cultural shifts

The Office of Admissions oversees the application process for prospective students interested in master’s and PhD programs . We answer questions about the online application and work with graduate program admissions committees, who make acceptance decisions.  

Please review information about how to apply before contacting Admissions.

If you are interested in learning more about a program, reach out to the contact noted on the program page. 

Non-degree Programs 

The Visiting Students Program Office assists with inquiries about non-degree programs and the Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging can answer questions about outreach programs. 

Meet the Team

Have a general inquiry about graduate admissions? Email [email protected] .

Looking for the undergraduate office of admissions? Find their contact information here . 

Explore Events

Related events, share this page.

• Best Colleges
• Application Advice

• Ivy League Schools

Is Harvard Extension School Worth It? Acceptance Rate, Alumni, and More

Established in 1835, the Harvard Extension School was conceived to provide educational degrees and certifications for individuals who desire and aspire to learn. 

Being a leader in distance learning for over a century, HES has over 70 degree fields and certifications for students to choose from. Whether they’re pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees, students have the chance to learn from the school’s prestigious faculty, as well as industry experts from neighboring institutions like Princeton, MIT, and the University of Cambridge, England. 

Carrying the Harvard insignia, HES was constructed to be rigorous and challenging, producing top graduates in various fields. Even so, HES allows for students to balance their programs to accommodate their hectic careers and personal lives, while receiving a world-class education. 

Enhancing the online learning experience, the school features HELIX which is the Harvard Extension Live Interactive Experience. Students have the opportunity to enter a live classroom to interact with their instructors and peers, creating an immersive online experience. 

With a leading premedical program, HES prepares students with arduous coursework before applying to a medical school of their choosing. Whether it’s part-time or evening studies, premed students can structure the schedule that works for them.

The programs found at HES allow students to complete traditional degrees at a faster and cost-effective rate. Without imposition, the student can devise the pace, structure, and schedule of courses entirely. 

By simply enrolling into courses, professionals will have access to the top educators and resources of not only HES, but the larger Harvard University community. Access to on-campus resources will be provided for students to receive a broader experience.

Today, we are going to talk about whether Harvard Extension School is worth it, whether it is the same as going to Harvard normally, and more.

Is Harvard Extension School Worth It?

The absolute benefit behind HES is the flexibility students can enjoy while pursuing their degrees. Even professionals with full-time careers can pursue a degree at HES.

Pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees at HES is a more adaptive process than traditional programs.

Furthermore, the courses are built for students to implement what they’re learning in real time. Instructors encourage them to harness their studies to apply their skills to their careers. 

The large selection of courses prepares students for the careers they wish to enter, which can include certifications and degrees for industries that are currently in demand . Whatever studies students wish to pursue, they can rely on fresh and iterative courses, covering the latest developments across all sectors. 

With participants joining HES worldwide, students can expect a rich global experience, being a part of an international classroom. The school welcomes a community of peers eager to advance their knowledge through live interactions that deepen their educational experiences.

Professionals curious about funding their higher education can find many resources under the school’s financial wellness guide . The financial office can assist students to budget, fund, and finance their educational studies, accommodating their financial situations.

Once students have completed their courses, they can enjoy attending Harvard University’s commencement and walking among the entire Harvard community of students and faculty. Joining the Harvard Extension Alumni Association can help alums receive a rich postgraduate experience for students to enjoy for the rest of their lives.

Harvard Extension School Acceptance Rate

When it comes to enrolling in a course at HES, the acceptance rate is 100%, seeing as anyone with the desire to learn can register for courses. 

However, when it comes to being admitted into Harvard Extension School’s ALB or ALM programs, the school is more selective. While Harvard has not published, to our knowledge, the acceptance rate into these degree programs, it is certain that the acceptance rate is not 100% for those degrees.

When it comes to registering for classes, the enrollment process is straightforward, much like an online shopping experience. Students can add the courses of their choice to their carts and submit their registration. 

With three credit level options, learners can choose the level they wish to enroll in, which are undergraduate, graduate, or noncredit. For students who wish to take undergraduate or graduate courses, they must be at least 15 and 18 years of age respectively . 

From age 15 years and up, students can audit select courses by registering for a noncredit level. While grades and academic credit will not be given for noncredit courses, students can still expect to see these courses on their transcripts. 

However, before planning course schedules, it’s advised to ensure that enrollment for courses hasn’t filled up. In the event that a class has reached full capacity, students may have the option to join the waitlist until a spot becomes available. 

While flexibility remains in the structure of programs, courses can be offered seasonally through Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer terms. It is recommended that students frequently check the course catalog and verify which courses are offered per term and their availability. 

In addition, specific courses may require placement tests before registering. As an example, math diagnostic tests help students prepare for the level of coursework covered in mathematics and economics. 

Harvard Extension School Notable Alumni

Notable alumni come from diverse industries, which have even led some to become professors at Harvard University. 

With two teaching positions, Dr. Latanya Sweeney is the Daniel Paul Professor of the Practice of Government and Technology at the Harvard Kennedy School and the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences. 

Graduating with a degree in computer science from HES, Dr. Sweeney recently received a $3 million grant from the Ford Foundation funding her tech initiative, Public Interest Technology Lab. 

Mark Plotkin, a graduate of HES, is a world-renowned ethnobotanist and co-founder of the Amazon Conservation Team. In 2019, the HES alumni association awarded Plotkin with the Michael Shinagel Award for Service. 

Plotkin was inspired to continue his education at HES after taking a course by the leading expert in biocultural conservation, Richard Schultes. Continuing both of their legacies, Plotkin and Schultes introduced the first course on rainforest conservation, as co-teachers, at HES. 

In the art world, a notable alum is Boston-based artist Allan Rohan Crite. Earning his Bachelor of Arts at HES in 1968, Crite’s artwork, which spans over seven decades, depicted the daily experiences of African Americans in the greater Boston area. In 1986, Crite was awarded with the 350th Harvard University Anniversary medal. 

Jenny Allard is the current head coach of the Harvard University softball team. Allard is an alum from both HES and Harvard University, earning two master’s degrees in education and psychology, respectively. 

What is the Course Catalog At Harvard Extension School?

For students who are unsure about what curriculum to pursue, HES features courses that can assist students in finding their desired programs. Whether those courses are online or in-person, there are over 1000 offered through HES. 

A newly added and defining course at HES is the Academic Gap Year , where students can access the classes that will prepare them for their continued education. This year-long course focuses on all pertinent topics students will need to maintain momentum in their academic careers. 

An exceptional feature for students looking to pursue medicine is the school’s premedical program . Students can receive personalized programs, advising for the med school application process, and discounted online courses from Harvard Medical School. 

With over 20 fields to pursue, students have the incredible opportunity to earn a graduate degree of their interest. While admissions for graduate degree programs will require students to apply, prior education history is not required.

HES will only require graduate applicants to demonstrate their educational abilities at the time of application.

For students interested in attending online, in-person, or live courses, the course catalog provides a breakdown of classes for each category. Based on their preferences, professionals can structure how they’d like to learn that suits their lifestyle. 

HES offers an incredible joint degree program where students can receive their undergraduate and graduate degrees at once. Without taking gaps in between, HES provides the students an efficient way to build a full academic career in over nine fields of study. 

Should You Attend Harvard Extension School?

The Harvard Extension School is the ideal institution for students and professionals looking to advance their careers with both rigor and ease. While the courses and programs at HES will be challenging, students won’t need to upend their lives in order to succeed. 

Being enrolled at HES means having access to the greater Harvard University experience. Students can enjoy on-campus resources such as libraries, study spaces, and the community.

For degree candidates, unique study opportunities at Harvard University schools, and renowned institutions , are made available. Students can gain access to internships, workshops, and other exclusive events for specific programs.

With flexible online and live classroom experiences, learners of any age can find a program that’s compatible with their interests and mode of learning. There is a program for anyone with a passion for taking their education to the next level.

Attending HES means being a part of a leading institution on the edge of pioneering technology and innovation in the fields of medicine, technology, business, law, health, and beyond. For professionals, their education can lend itself to the advancement of these industries.

Career-ready certifications prepare students to pivot themselves to growing sectors. Professionals will receive guidance and support from launching into new careers after graduation.

With a global community of learners, students can experience more than just an education. The virtual classrooms build community and cross-cultural exchange that gives students a valuable international perspective.

At HES, there is something for everyone to learn, not only through their education but as participants in this growing global community.

Related Posts

Harvard Medical School sets the standard for medical research programs. Its curriculum for primary care…

Part of Harvard’s main campus in Cambridge, the Harvard Law School represents one of the…

Besides the far-reaching cultural impact of a Harvard Business School degree and the power that…

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Ivy League Acceptance Rates – Getting Accepted to the Ivies

Discover 10 Amazing “Ivy Plus” Schools As Good As the Actual Ivies

The 10 Best Ivy League Schools in Canada

Is Hamilton College Ivy League? Ranking, Acceptance Rate, and More

Is Bowdoin College Ivy League? Ranking, Acceptance Rate, and More

Is Drexel University Ivy League? Ranking, Acceptance Rate, and More

POPULAR POSTS

The 10 Best Marine Biology Colleges in the US

Here Are the 10 Best Optometry Schools in the US

Here Are the 10 Best Dental Schools in the US

Popular category.

• Acceptance Rates 253
• Hidden Gem Colleges 81
• Medical Schools 76
• Ivy League Schools 62
• Law Schools 49
• Performing Arts 45
• Art Schools 42
• Health Sciences 40
• Summer Programs 39
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy

Admitted Degree Candidate Privileges

Prioritize your courses for admission to become a candidate in a Harvard Extension School degree program as soon as possible!

As an admitted degree candidate, you’ll have access to exclusive benefits that can expand and deepen your Harvard experience and support your personal and professional development.

Harvard Extension School Opportunities

Upon your admission, the Bachelor of Liberal Arts (ALB) and Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) academic advising team will support you until graduation. In addition, graduate students pursuing thesis projects and student-directed capstones are assigned a research advisor to help design scholarly independent projects.

To meet and schedule a time with your advisor, log in to MyDCE , choose “ALB/ALM Community” to access the Degree Candidate portal. Have a quick question? Email them via the portal as well.

Also on the Degree Candidate portal, you’ll find your most up-to-date academic progress reports, which track your remaining degree requirements, GPA, and mandatory 5-year-degree-completion deadline (ALM candidates only).

Priority Registration

Admitted degree candidates have the advantage of enrolling in classes before the general population. See the  calendar  for dates.

Payment Plans

Admitted degree candidates may be eligible to enroll in an interest-free payment plan for fall, spring, and summer tuition. Plans are offered per semester and payments are made in four installments. Plan enrollment is open from the first day of course registration through the course change deadline, for a $40 enrollment fee. Course registration that occurs outside the regular enrollment periods for the semester, such as thesis courses, are not eligible for payment plans. See  payment options , Payment Plans for detailed information.

Reduced Harvard Summer School Tuition Pricing

Admitted degree candidates pay the Harvard Extension School tuition rate for undergraduate and graduate credit in Harvard Summer School courses. This includes three- and seven-week courses as well as on-campus and online courses and represents a significant cost savings. Study abroad and noncredit courses are not eligible for the tuition discount. All you need to do is register for a Harvard Summer School course as usual, and the reduced pricing will be automatically applied during the final step of the process. 

Student Research

You can work as a research assistant for an instructor through the  Faculty Aide Program .

Convocation

Each fall, Convocation is held to honor the achievements of recently admitted degree candidates and welcome them to our vibrant community. This inspiring ceremony marks the beginning of their academic pursuits just as gloriously as Commencement punctuates its conclusion. Degree candidates admitted between August of the previous calendar year and June of the current calendar year are sent invitations by the School requesting their attendance.

Strengthen connections with Harvard Extension School degree candidates and alumni who share similar academic experiences and career interests and goals to yours!

• As an admitted degree candidate, you’re eligible to join the Harvard Extension Degree Candidates and Alumni LinkedIn group, as well as the LinkedIn group that corresponds to your degree program. These exclusive forums allow you to take part in discussions and expand your network in areas that are relevant to your life as a professional as well as a student at Harvard. 
• Membership is open to alumni and active degree candidates in good academic standing. Candidates should visit the ALB/ALM Community in MyDCE for more information.

Harvard Extension Student Association

The Harvard Extension Student Association (HESA) is the umbrella organization for all student groups at the Extension School. Degree candidates are voting members of HESA. Visit the  HESA website  for more information.

All Ivy Environmental and Sustainable Development Career Fair

The annual All Ivy Environmental and Sustainable Development Career Fair, hosted at Columbia University (typically in late February or early March), provides admitted degree candidates and alumni with an opportunity to meet with representatives from organizations in the private, non-profit and public sectors across a multitude of industries. In previous years, the  Harvard Extension Student Environmental Club  (HESEC) has organized bus transportation (ticket purchase required) to New York City for degree candidates residing in the Boston area who wish to travel to the career fair together as a group. Registration for the fair is completed separately via the  All Ivy Career Fair website  where additional information can be found.

New England Museum Association

The Harvard Extension School’s Museum Studies Program is a member of the New England Museum Association (NEMA), which allows all degree candidates to become individual members through it. Enjoy access to discounts on the annual conference, webinars, and workshops; NEMA’s online resource library and publications; their Professional Affinity Groups and informal networking opportunities; and free admission to some regional NEMA member museums. Contact Kathy Jones, Museum Studies Program Director, for more information.

Harvard University Opportunities

Linkedin learning.

LinkedIn Learning provides degree candidates with over 15,000 on-demand courses on computer software, business skills, and creative skills from industry experts.

To access LinkedIn Learning :  Click the Login button and enter your HarvardKey. Once your eligibility is confirmed, you’ll be automatically logged into LinkedIn Learning and given the option of connecting your account to a LinkedIn profile.

ID Card Privileges

You are eligible for a  Harvard University photo ID card  that grants you access to benefits like the  Harvard libraries  and  Harvard museums .

University-wide policy requires you to pick-up your ID card in person. Please visit the Announcements page on Campus Services’s website for pick-up locations and hours.

Microsoft Office

Your program benefits include access to Microsoft Office, OneDrive, and SharePoint. You can access these tools at office.com . Select “Sign in”, then “Sign-in options”, “Sign in to an organization”, and finally input “harvard.edu” as the organization domain. From there, you will be prompted for your HarvardKey credentials.

If your HarvardKey login address is a non-Harvard email address, you must use <NetID>@harvard.edu as your login address with your HarvardKey password.  Don’t know your assigned NetID? Visit Find your NetID .

If you continue to have difficulties accessing O365, contact [email protected] .

Harvard University Online Directory

Your name, school affiliation, and e-mail address is automatically included in the public and internal Harvard University online directories. In the internal directory, your ID card photo also displays. You can request that your information be removed from the directory or only viewable by the Harvard community. To request a change, submit the  privacy level selection form  to the Harvard Extension School Registrar’s Office.

Career Services

The Mignone Center for Career Success at Harvard University provides extensive career resources to admitted degree candidates. Visit  Career Services  to learn more about how the office can help you.

Academic Resource Center

The Academic Resource Center (ARC) at Harvard University provides subject-matter peer tutoring and individual academic coaching to a limited number of admitted degree candidates and Premedical Program participants on a referral basis. For more information, talk to your academic advisor or refer to the ARC Information sheet .

Innovation Lab

The Harvard i-lab is the central component of the Harvard Innovation Labs , a cross-disciplinary ecosystem for the Harvard community to explore innovation and entrepreneurship. It consists of the Student i-lab Membership for current degree-seeking Harvard students, the Life Lab, a wet lab for student- and faculty-led life science ventures, and Launch Lab X GEO for alumni-founded ventures in the pre-seed to seed stage. The Student i-lab Membership provides advising and subject-matter experts to help Harvard students move their startup ideas forward.

Harvard Extension admitted degree candidates in ALB and ALM programs and PMP students can participate in the Student i-lab Membership community in fall and spring semesters if they currently hold a minimum 4-credit course registration status. Membership is by application only. Apply at the beginning of the term to take advantage of orientation, mentorship, and funding opportunities for your venture idea. Or, you may apply later in the semester using the rolling admission cycle for membership. Please visit the Student i-lab Membership page for more information and to apply. Please reach out to the Career and Academic Resource Center if you have any questions.

Culture Lab

The Harvard Culture Lab Innovation Fund awards grants to Harvard students, staff, faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and academic personnel to pursue ideas that seek to strengthen Harvard’s capacity to advance a culture of belonging. Proposals should aim to focus on having a direct connection to the Harvard community and influence the University’s trajectory towards sustainable inclusive excellence.

Full-time admitted ALB and ALM degree students are eligible to apply. Admitted degree candidates whose current registration status is less than full-time may apply if a member of their team is a full-time admitted degree candidate – at Harvard Extension School or another school within Harvard University. You can learn more about the program – including deadlines, grant guidelines, and FAQs – on the Harvard Office for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion & Belonging website .

Athletics, Dining, and Student Employment

You can purchase discount  athletics  privileges, open a  Crimson Cash  debit account, and dine in the  various cafes on campus . 

Harvard Off-Campus Housing

Harvard University Housing has engaged Off Campus Partners to create an  apartment rental listing for Harvard University Affiliates . On the site you can view maps, photos, and more. You are invited to post a listing for a small fee or search the site for free. There is also a free roommate matching section. 

Study Spaces and Collaboration

The  Richard A. and Susan F. Smith Campus Center  offers comfortable and convivial gathering spaces for Harvard University students, faculty, academic personnel, staff, and visitors. While three floors are open to the general public, ​ Harvard affiliates  have the option to reserve additional space.

In addition, the Harvard Library website offers the  Find a Space  tool that allows you to search for group study rooms; shows the availability of amenities like printers and scanners; and lists food and drink policies for the spaces.

Presidential Public Service Fellowship Program

The Harvard University President’s Office, with the generous support of an anonymous donor, has established the  Presidential Public Service Fellowship Program  to provide funding to students interested in pursuing public service work during the summer. Deadlines are in early February.

Office for the Arts at Harvard

The  Office for the Arts  at Harvard (OFA) supports student engagement in the arts and integrates the arts into University life. Through its programs and services, the OFA teaches and mentors, fosters student art making, connects students to accomplished artists, commissions new work, and partners with local, national, and international constituencies. The OFA enables students to explore an art form in depth and to work directly with professional artists in a wide range of classes, workshops, and apprenticeships. The OFA also sponsors Arts First, a weekend of artistic celebration each May.

Phillips Brooks House Association

Phillips Brooks House Association  is a student-run public service organization at Harvard University consisting of nearly 80 program committees and more than 1,800 student volunteers, and serves close to 10,000 clients in the Cambridge and Boston area.

To volunteer, attend the PBHA open house that is ordinarily held during the first of week of classes each fall and spring term.

Institute of Politics Forum

This Harvard Kennedy School institute hosts the  JFK Jr. Forum , the premier arena for political speech, discussion, and debate. The forum regularly hosts heads of state and leaders in politics, government, business, labor, and the media. Be sure to sign up for e-mails so you won’t miss an important event at the forum.

Writers at Work

The  Harvard Writers at Work lecture series  focuses on the ways that writing, by those at Harvard, connects academic and professional work and the broader public. The series is co-sponsored by many University entities, including the Harvard Extension School Journalism Graduate Program.

The Harvard Chaplains

The University’s interfaith coalition of chaplains,  Harvard Chaplains , offers on campus services and guidance for members of many world religions.

Office of Student Life

The Office of Student Life is the place to explore  student organizations . While some organizations are limited to Harvard College students, others are open to members of the entire Harvard Community. Once you find an organization that interests you, email the contact person to inquire if Extension School degree candidates can participate. Degree candidates have enjoyed participating in the Harvard Chorus, ballroom dancing, and much more.

Harvard Graduate and Professional Student Government

The  HGSG  is the official student government for all graduate and professional schools of Harvard University. If you are a master’s degree candidate, we encourage you to get involved.

Beyond Graduation

Harvard extension alumni association.

Alumni can attend the many events sponsored by the Harvard Extension Alumni Association (HEAA). For information about upcoming events, see the  HEAA website .

Harvard Alumni Association

Alumni of the Harvard Extension School also have access to the benefits of the Harvard Alumni Association (HAA). The HAA is the official alumni association of Harvard University, and it sponsors events, continuing education opportunities, and activities around the world. To find out more, visit the  HAA website .

Access to Other Harvard University Schools’ Student Services

Harvard Extension School makes no claim that as a Harvard Extension School undergraduate or graduate degree candidate you have full access to all Harvard College or Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) students services. Each of the 12 schools that compose the University—Harvard Extension School being one of them—is distinct from the other, with its own academic programs, reporting structures, and funding, among other attributes. These conditions justifiably permit each school to extend student services to other University populations at their discretion.

Harvard Division of Continuing Education

The Division of Continuing Education (DCE) at Harvard University is dedicated to bringing rigorous academics and innovative teaching capabilities to those seeking to improve their lives through education. We make Harvard education accessible to lifelong learners from high school to retirement.

The Complex Factors Affecting English-Learner Graduation Rates

• Share article

The likelihood of an English learner graduating from high school within four years may depend on the student’s race and ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic status, according to a new study from New York University and University of Houston researchers.

Federal data from 2019-20 show that while the national English-learner graduation rate has increased to about 71 percent, those students still lag behind the overall rate of 86 percent.

For their study published in the Educational Researcher journal this month, researchers reviewed graduation data of more than 127,900 New York City students who began 9th grade in 2013 and 2014. While students overall who received federally mandated language services—English learners—were about 4 percent less likely to graduate on time, the narrative quickly changed when data for race, gender, and socioeconomic status were broken down.

For instance, girls—who at any point in their K-12 education were identified as English learners—were more likely to graduate than their male counterparts. Black English learners had higher graduation rates than Black peers who never had specialized language services. Asian and Pacific Islander English learners graduated at higher rates than all Latino and Black peers, while Latino English learners were the group least likely to graduate out of all . Median household incomes of where English learners lived also influenced graduation outcomes.

“What our work suggests is that we have to think about the intersectional identities that students hold,” said Michael Kieffer, an associate professor of literacy education at the NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development and a co-author of the report.

What happens when you disaggregate English-learner data

While qualitative research in the past has looked into what happens when you disaggregate English-learner data, the new study was intended to identify any trends across a large data set, Kieffer said.

Another motivation for the study stemmed from the field of raciolinguistics, where racialized students are perceived differently because of their multilingualism, based on how their race and ethnicity are viewed. For instance, multilingual white students may have their linguistic assets praised more than multilingual Black and Latino students, said Ben Le, a co-author of the study and a doctoral student at NYU Steinhardt.

This intersectional lens was crucial to the study.

For instance, for the cohort of students identified as English learners, no distinction was made between those who were reclassified out of English-learner status in their elementary years and those who received language services for a longer period of time. Yet, disparities among race, gender, and socioeconomic status lines remained, Le said.

For instance, all English learners in low-income neighborhoods, where the median household income was below $40,000, were equally likely to graduate compared with their non-English-learner peers in similar neighborhoods. But in middle- and high-income neighborhoods, English learners in general were less likely to graduate than non-English learners in similar neighborhoods.

It’s why Le recommends that when educators disaggregate their local data on English-learner graduation rates, they should take stock of what resources were available to the students both in and out of school and what perceptions of a student’s assets are at play.

What educators should keep in mind

The study overall not only highlights the value of educators and researchers alike breaking down English-learner data, but it also brings into question how the English-learner label works, said Lucrecia Santibañez, a professor at the University of California, Los Angeles School of Education & Information Studies.

When the NYU and University of Houston study pointed out the disparities at play when English learners were in middle- and high-income neighborhoods, Santibañez said the label of English learner might lead to tracking students out of advanced coursework as other national research studies have found.

The label itself is needed to denote who legally qualifies for language-instruction support, yet educators need to be careful not to let deficit mindsets tied to that label get in the way of students accessing high-quality education, she added.

Although the study focuses on New York City data, past research suggests such disparities are not unique to this data set but play out in different contexts, Le said.

“Thinking about this approach in different places, this kind of intersectional approach is still very valuable,” Kieffer added.

Sign Up for EdWeek Update

Edweek top school jobs.

Sign Up & Sign In

Building The ‘Bridge’ Between Research and Practice

• Posted May 20, 2024
• By Ryan Nagelhout

The way Doug Mosher tells the story, he didn't really come to the Harvard Graduate School of Education. HGSE came to him.

Mosher, Ph.D.’24, was working as a first-grade teacher at an underperforming elementary school in Nashville when a consultant came to introduce what he describes as “an awesome vocabulary intervention.”

The consultant, Claire White, Ed.M.’99, Ed.D.’05, was an Ed School alum whose goal was to help third- and fourth-grade students improve their language skills and reading vocabulary by discussing “controversial topics that are engaging,” says Mosher. White had worked with HGSE Professor Catherine Snow on the project and was now applying it in the field.

At first, his colleagues were reluctant to try something new, but Mosher was intrigued, and worked with White to modify the word generation lessons for his younger students. It was a “chance” brush with putting academic research into practice that changed the trajectory of his entire life.

“I feel so lucky to have been in that position,” says Mosher, a Ph.D. marshal for the HGSE class of 2024. “It just seemed fun, and I was at a point where I was looking for some new ideas to try in the classroom and this just seemed awesome.”

Mosher dove into the project for the next three years, helping White track student performance, collect data, and build lesson plans that he used in his own classroom. The program saw positive results, and soon the vocabulary intervention was implemented in other classrooms in the school. Mosher said he learned a lot, first and foremost that he really enjoyed doing academic research. And so when White told Mosher he could earn his doctorate doing this kind of work at HGSE – and maybe even get paid to do it – he was intrigued.

“I was just so excited about research. Having questions and designing things and then testing them out,” says Mosher. “I thought I was going to be a teacher forever. But I was starting to burn out. I was working really long hours. It’s a lot of pressure at an underperforming school to turn it around, and a lot of excitement. But at the same time, I was thinking I have to go back to school eventually.”

Teaching wasn’t exactly Mosher’s first love. A professional saxophonist, Mosher started substitute teaching when he moved to Nashville in the early 2000s. He learned to love the classroom, though, finding that same rush of energy and excitement he’d also experienced performing on stage.

Mosher applied to HGSE, particularly interested in the vocabulary research being done by Professor James Kim at the READS Lab, where he now conducts his own research. The three-part dissertation he defended this spring is a capstone of sorts, what Mosher describes as a shifting of his purpose in life.

“It’s been fun to see my true passion shift more toward research and working with schools and districts,” says Mosher. “Music will always be a part of my life, but I feel like this is my purpose now.”

That shift has changed how he views teachers, too. The learning environment at HGSE, he explains, is a big departure from the stereotypical music teacher myth that a “cold” and “suffering” teacher gets the most out of their students. Mosher called the faculty “a warm safety blanket” that created a welcoming learning environment over the last six years.

“It’s kind of what we try to do in intervention research,” says Mosher. “Create lessons that are engaging, build interest, build knowledge, make connections. That’s what all the faculty do.”

With Kim and the READS Lab, Mosher has worked on projects to improve reading comprehension in elementary school students using its Model of Reading Engagement (MORE) program. The project recently received a grant from the U.S. Department of Education to scale that model for use in new school districts. Mosher, always looking for chances to connect back with the classroom, describes the work as building “the bridge over the gap” that often exists between research and practice.

“Doug's exceptional research program shows how small improvements in the quality of teachers’ talk can have a big impact on students’ ability to read challenging science and social texts with greater understanding and engagement,” says Kim.

The work has certainly been noticed by the members of his cohort as well. Mosher calls his nomination to be a Ph.D. marshal “out of the blue.” He recalls the initial anxiety of joining a group of talented educators with experience working in so many impressive fields before arriving at HGSE. To be recognized by them, he says, reflects the support he’s felt from the community.

“I’m just very honored and touched that they voted me as a marshal,” says Mosher. “The cohort I’m in is full of really awesome, interesting, passionate people who are really dedicated to their areas of study. I was very surprised, but touched and honored.”

Mosher noted the difficulties his cohort experienced over the last six years, including a pandemic that disrupted research and entire ways of life. While some classmates moved away for good, Mosher doesn’t see himself leaving anytime soon.

“It feels like home,” says Mosher, whose father grew up in New England and has seen more family move to the area in recent years as well. “It's a really exciting thing to live in a place where I’ve always wanted to be. I finally ended up here and I don’t really want to leave.”

Mosher’s former school in Nashville, by the way, is now thriving. And here in Cambridge, so is he.

The latest research, perspectives, and highlights from the Harvard Graduate School of Education

Related Articles

Improving the Teacher Workforce

With her research work, doctoral marshal Mary Laski, Ph.D.'24, is trying to make teaching in K–12 schools more sustainable and attractive

Exploring the Effects of Desegregation

The Impact of Immigration on Families