At $16,816/yr net price, Harvard University graduates earn $101,817/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $67,817/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $16,816 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $67,264 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $101,817/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$67,817/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 97.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $14,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $2,895/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $2,496/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $2,167/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,937/yr |
| $110,001+ | $53,571/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences. | Certificate | $174,023 | $278,414 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Doctoral | $171,907 | $41,000 |
| Law. | Doctoral | $165,340 | $93,235 |
| Computer Engineering. | Master | $137,605 | |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $128,737 | |
| Statistics. | Bachelor | $128,716 | |
| Public Health. | Master | $117,916 | $49,681 |
| Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology. | Master | $106,421 | $63,553 |
| Education, General. | Doctoral | $98,670 | $25,465 |
| Public Administration. | Master | $97,071 | $70,763 |
The Risk Factor
97.3% of students at Harvard University graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Harvard's financial return is strong across the board, with a rare combination: high earnings, low debt, and a net price that stays affordable for most families. You graduate with a median debt of $14,000, less than many public schools charge, and a 97% graduation rate means you almost certainly finish what you start.
Computer Science and Statistics are the clear winners here, each paying around $128,000 ten years out. That's a $50,000 gap over Research and Experimental Psychology, which sits near $57,000. Applied Mathematics and Economics land in the middle, with Economics standing out for its low $6,617 median debt. If you're choosing a major with earnings in mind, the quantitative fields pay off hardest, while psychology delivers the weakest return of the programs listed.
The main financial risk is the sticker price if your family earns over $110,000. You pay $53,571 a year at that tier, roughly three times the school's average net price, and that figure assumes you take a psychology-level earnings path where the math gets tight over four years. The high-paying majors absorb that cost easily. the lower-paying ones require you to think harder about the return.
The net price tiers reward lower- and middle-income families heavily. If your family earns under $75,000, you pay between $2,167 and $2,895 a year , near-free. The $75,000-$110,000 tier jumps to $13,937, still well below full cost. Above $110,000, you pay close to full freight.
Harvard is a good financial fit if your family income is under $110,000, or if you're targeting Computer Science, Statistics, or Economics at any income level. If you're paying the top-tier price and leaning toward a lower-earning major, run the four-year cost against your expected salary before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Harvard University worth the high cost of attendance?
Harvard's net price averages $16,816 per year due to generous financial aid, making it more affordable than many state schools for most families. Graduates earn a median of $101,817 ten years after graduation, which provides strong return on investment even with the low debt burden of $14,000.
What Harvard University programs offer the best financial return?
Harvard's dental programs lead with median earnings of $174,023, followed by business at $171,907 and law at $165,340. Even lower-paying programs like computer science still deliver solid returns at $128,737 median earnings.
How much debt do Harvard University graduates typically have?
Harvard graduates have a median debt of just $14,000, well below the national average. The university's need-blind admissions and generous aid mean families earning under $85,000 typically pay nothing.
Does Harvard University provide good value compared to other schools?
Harvard delivers exceptional value with a 97% graduation rate, low debt burden, and high earnings potential across all majors. The combination of generous financial aid and strong career outcomes makes it one of the best ROI investments in higher education.