Harvard University

Founded in 1636, Harvard University is the oldest higher education institution in the country. Located in Cambridge, MA, Harvard has carried on a gold-standard tradition of quality academics and prestige for nearly four centuries. Its undergraduates can choose from 50 concentrations, take advantage of countless research opportunities, or delve into the books at the largest academic library in the world. Harvard students come from every American state and more than 80 foreign countries; the school’s admissions policy ensures that all admitted students will be able to afford their education. It has the largest academic endowment in the world, at $37.1 billion. Harvard places all freshmen in special dorms in and near Harvard Yard, then assigns them to one of 13 residential communities for their final three years. Among Harvard graduates are 48 Nobel Laureates, 32 heads of state and 48 Pulitzer Prize winners. The school’s dropouts are equally distinguished: billionaires Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg, actor Matt Damon, and publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst.