01Founding & History
Harvard was founded in October 1636 as New College, in a settlement then called Newtowne — the town we now know as Cambridge, Massachusetts. Three years later, in 1639, the college was renamed Harvard in honor of clergyman John Harvard, its first major benefactor.
The inaugural graduating class was small by any modern measure: just nine students in 1642. Benjamin Woodbridge holds the distinction of being Harvard's first graduate, receiving the Booke of Arts — the 17th-century equivalent of today's Bachelor of Arts. After commencement, Woodbridge crossed back to England to continue his studies at Oxford.
02Enrollment & Degrees
Compared to Harvard's earliest years, the scale of the institution today is almost unrecognizable. The Bachelor of Arts remains one of the university's most sought-after credentials, alongside graduate programs at the Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and the Harvard Graduate School of Education, which together confer hundreds of master's degrees each year.
03Estimated Tuition Costs
Tuition varies considerably depending on the school and program. Below are yearly estimates for several of Harvard's professional and graduate programs:
| Program | Est. Annual Tuition |
|---|---|
| Harvard Business School (MBA) | ~$78,700 |
| Harvard Law School | ~$76,828+ |
| Harvard Graduate School of Education | ~$62,244 |
Figures are tuition only and don't include mandatory fees, health insurance, or living costs — see the sections below for those.
04Cambridge Housing Costs
Finding housing near campus means budgeting for one of the more competitive rental markets in the Northeast. Average monthly rent varies noticeably between Harvard Square itself and the broader Greater Cambridge area:
| Apartment Size | Harvard Square Avg. | Greater Cambridge Avg. |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $2,505 | $2,923 |
| 1-Bedroom | $2,871 | $3,453 |
| 2-Bedroom | $3,648 | $4,410 |
| 3-Bedroom+ | $6,650 | $5,327+ |
Beyond rent, factor in secondary living costs — food, utilities, renter's insurance, and transit — covered next.
05Living Expenses & Transportation
Food: Budget roughly $750–$850 per month, per person, for groceries and dining.
Public transit: MBTA passes offer solid value depending on commute distance:
- Bus-only semester pass: $192
- Combo Bus & Subway semester pass: $320.40
- Individual fares average $1.70 (one-way bus) and $2.40 (one-way subway)
06Mandatory Student Expenses
Beyond tuition and housing, students should plan for these required and routine costs:
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost | What Students Should Know |
|---|---|---|
| Student Health Fee | ~$1,944/yr | Mandatory fee providing access to Harvard University Health Services (HUHS). Generally cannot be waived. |
| Student Health Insurance Plan | ~$4,954/yr | Mandatory unless waived with proof of comparable outside coverage before the deadline. |
| Utilities (Electric & Gas) | $150–$250/mo | Shared-apartment estimate. Older Cambridge buildings can push winter heating to $200–$400+/mo in Jan–Feb. |
| Internet | $50–$80/mo | Typically split among roommates. |
| Books & Supplies | $1,000–$1,750/yr | Varies by program — design, science, and engineering tracks often run higher. |
| Winter Clothing | $300–$600 one-time | Essential for newcomers from warmer climates: coats, thermal layers, snow boots. |
| Laundry | $20–$30/mo | Common for off-campus apartments with coin- or card-operated machines. |
Keep planning your Harvard budget
We update these tuition and housing estimates every semester. Explore more cost breakdowns, scholarship databases, and nearby apartment listings on Bachelordegrees.com.