Harvard College recently admitted 3.59 percent of applicants to its Class of 2028, marking the highest acceptance rate in four years. This comes in the first admissions cycle since the fall of affirmative action, which now prohibits the consideration of race during the admissions process.
In total, Harvard offered admission to 1,245 applicants, who will join the 692 students previously accepted in the early admission cycle. This brings the total number of admitted students for the Class of 2028 to 1,937.
The Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid, William R. Fitzsimmons, expressed his excitement for the admitted class, stating, “We think they’re the greatest… We really want to see them come here.” Despite facing a 5.14 percent decrease in total applications from last year, Harvard continued to receive over 50,000 applications for the fourth consecutive year.
Interestingly, Harvard did not release race and ethnicity data for the incoming class, a departure from previous years. The College intends to withhold this data until admitted students formally accept or decline their offers later in the summer. Additionally, transfer applications are still being processed, and waitlist decisions will be made once admitted students have made their decisions.
While the acceptance rate may have increased, the cost of attending Harvard has also risen. Tuition for students without financial aid now stands at $82,866, representing a 4.3 percent increase from the previous year. However, Harvard did not raise its threshold for receiving full financial aid this year, a contrast to the past two years when the threshold increased by $10,000. Notably, students with annual family incomes below $85,000 will still benefit from free tuition.
The Class of 2028 includes a diverse student body, with 20.7 percent of students eligible for Pell Grants and over 20 percent being the first in their family to attend college. Women also continue to make up the majority, accounting for 53.1 percent of the admitted class.
Geographically, the Class of 2028 represents all 50 states in the U.S., with the largest number of admitted students coming from Massachusetts, followed by California, New York, and New Jersey. The class also has an international presence, with over 15 percent of accepted applicants hailing from 94 countries. Canada, the United Kingdom, and China are the most represented countries among international students.
Harvard’s decision to remain test-optional for the Class of 2030 is another noteworthy development. While several other colleges and universities have reverted to requiring standardized testing, Harvard has chosen to continue its test-optional policy. This allows applicants to decide whether or not to submit their test scores as part of their application.
Looking ahead, these trends in Harvard’s admissions process offer valuable insights into the future of higher education. The increasing geographic diversity and representation of international students indicate a growing global perspective in education. The emphasis on financial aid and support for students from lower-income backgrounds is vital in promoting equal opportunities.
As the landscape of college admissions continues to evolve, it is essential for institutions to prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion. By removing race from the admissions process, Harvard and other institutions are challenged to find alternative ways to create a diverse student body that reflects society’s makeup.
In light of emerging trends, it is crucial for universities to adapt and redefine their admissions strategies. This may involve implementing new evaluation methods that focus on an applicant’s holistic qualities rather than relying solely on standardized test scores. It is also important to provide comprehensive financial aid packages to ensure accessibility for students from all socioeconomic backgrounds.
In conclusion, Harvard College’s admissions statistics for the Class of 2028 shed light on the changing dynamics in higher education. By analyzing these key points, we can identify potential future trends in university admissions and make recommendations for the industry. Emphasizing diversity, equity, and inclusion will be fundamental in creating a more equitable and inclusive higher education system for all students.