Harvard University campus

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Harvard Demographics & Diversity

  • 10/10 Overall Rating
  • 4 Year
  • Cambridge, MA
  • 4.8 4 reviews
#4 Best Colleges in America
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Racial Demographics & Diversity

Racial Diversity

Racial Diversity

Very High

Racial Diversity Index: 72%

Racial diversity is the chance that two students chosen at random are from different racial or ethnic groups, using the U.S. Census Bureau Diversity Index. Students at Harvard are predominantly White with a smaller Asian population. The school has very high racial diversity. 56% percent of students are minorities or people of color (BIPOC). The ethnic breakdown is detailed in the following table.

Racial demographics of Harvard University students
Race Percent of Students
White
44%
Black
6%
Hispanic
10%
Asian
19%
American Indian / Alaskan
0%
Hawaiian / Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6%
International
11%
Race Unknown
3%

Gender Demographics & Diversity

Gender Diversity

Gender Diversity

Very High

Gender Diversity Index: 50%

There are 19% more female students than male students enrolled at Harvard University with a gender ratio of 54% women to 46% men. Compared to the US average of 56% female students, Harvard has a higher gender diversity than other US colleges and is very inclusive of both genders.

Male to female gender ratio for Harvard University students
Gender Percent of Students
Men
46%
Women
54%
Enrollment by gender for Harvard University students
Gender Number of Students
Men
13,812
Women
16,447

Geographic Diversity

Geographic Diversity

Geographic Diversity

Very High

Geographic Diversity Index: 86%

Harvard draws 14 percent of students from Massachusetts, 68 percent from other states, and 17 percent from other countries. Geographic diversity is the share of students from outside Massachusetts, including other U.S. states and other countries.

Enrollment by geographic location for Harvard University students
Origin Percent of Students
In State
14%
Out of State
68%
Foreign
17%
Unknown Location
0%

Economic Diversity

Median Household Income

Median Household Income

$76,879 per year

20% of students can be considered low-income as indicated by their receipt of Federal Pell Grant Aid.

Total Enrollment

Total Enrollment

Total enrollment

30,259
Share of undergraduates by age and part-time status
Segment Percent of Students
Students Over 25 Years Old 20.6%
Part-time undergraduates 6%

Other Colleges to Consider

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Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=166027.

Racial and gender diversity ratings use the U.S. Census Bureau Diversity Index (Gini-Simpson): the probability that two students chosen at random belong to different groups. See the Census method note, Measuring Racial and Ethnic Diversity for the 2020 Census. Geographic diversity is the share of students from outside the college's home state (other U.S. states plus international). IPEDS does not publish enrollment by individual state of residence.

Last updated: August 2026