Harvard University School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) is one of the oldest engineering schools in the United States. Founded in 1847, it is the second oldest engineering school in the country behind Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. The school was originally part of Harvard’s Lawrence Scientific School which was established to provide students with a practical education in the sciences and engineering. At first, students were taught only mathematics, chemistry and mineralogy. However, over time, courses in mechanical engineering were added as well as civil engineering and architecture courses. By 1872, SEAS had grown to include courses in electrical engineering, mining and metallurgy. In 1886, SEAS was officially established as an independent school within Harvard University with its own faculty and curriculum. Since then, SEAS has grown to become one of the top engineering schools in the world with a wide range of research areas including robotics, artificial intelligence, energy technologies and nanotechnology. The school also offers a variety of master’s degree programs such as Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence (CSAI), Electrical Engineering & Computer Science (EECS) and Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science (MEMS). With its world-class faculty members, cutting-edge research opportunities and top-notch educational programs, SEAS continues to be one of America’s premier institutions for higher learning in science and technology.
As one of the best engineering schools in the state of Massachusetts, Harvard University School of Engineering and Applied Sciences has reported the following admissions statistics, including the acceptance rate, average GPA/GRE scores, and minimum TOEFL scores for iBT and paper test. Also covered is overall rankings and tuition scholarship information for Harvard University School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.
Harvard University School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) is one of the top engineering schools in the world. The admissions rate for SEAS is highly competitive, with only 7% of applicants being admitted. The admitted students have an average GPA of 3.9 and an average SAT score of 1530. The school also has a strong focus on diversity, with over 40% of its student body composed of international students from over 80 countries. Additionally, SEAS has an impressive faculty-to-student ratio of 1:4, ensuring that each student receives individualized attention from their professors. SEAS also offers a range of financial aid options to help make attending the school more accessible for those who may not otherwise be able to afford it. In addition to traditional forms of aid such as grants and scholarships, SEAS also offers a number of merit-based awards and fellowships that are designed to reward academic excellence and provide financial assistance to those who demonstrate need.
Fall 2022 Admissions Statistics
Total applicants (master’s and Ph.D.)
1,331
Total acceptances (master’s and Ph.D.)
199
Overall acceptance rate
15.0%
Fall 2022 Admissions Information
Application deadline for U.S. residents
01/02
Application fee for U.S. residents
$90
Application deadline for international students
01/02
Application fee for international students
$90
Director of admissions
Christine Summer
2022 Entering Class GPA and GRE Scores
GRE required?
The GRE is required for all departments.
Average GPA of new entrants in master’s program
3.70
Number reporting GPA for master’s programs
17
Average verbal GRE score of new entrants in master’s program
539
Number reporting verbal GRE score for master’s programs
17
Average quantitative GRE score of new entrants in master’s program
778
Number reporting quantitative GRE score for master’s programs
17
Average writing GRE score of new entrants in master’s program
4.40
Number reporting writing GRE score for master’s programs
17
Average GPA of new entrants in doctoral program
3.80
Number reporting GPA for doctoral programs
65
Average verbal GRE score of new entrants in doctoral program
566
Number reporting verbal GRE score for doctoral programs
65
Average quantitative GRE score of new entrants in doctoral program
782
Number reporting quantitative GRE score for doctoral programs
65
Average writing GRE score of new entrants in doctoral program
4.30
Number reporting writing GRE score for doctoral programs
30
Average GPA of new entrants in both master’s and doctoral programs
3.80
Number reporting GPA for both master’s and doctoral programs
82
Average verbal GRE score of new entrants in both master’s and doctoral programs
560
Number reporting verbal GRE score for both master’s and doctoral programs
82
Average quantitative GRE score of new entrants in both master’s and doctoral programs
781
Number reporting quantitative GRE scores for master’s and doctoral programs
82
Average writing GRE score of new entrants in both master’s and doctoral programs
4.34
Number reporting writing GRE score for both master’s and doctoral programs
47
TOEFL
TOEFL required for international students?
Yes
Minimum TOEFL score required for computer test
213
Minimum TOEFL score required for paper test
550
Ranking: Harvard University
Harvard University School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) is consistently ranked among the top engineering schools in the world. According to U.S. News & World Report, SEAS is ranked #3 in the nation for its graduate engineering program and #5 for its undergraduate program. The QS World University Rankings has also placed SEAS at #2 worldwide for its graduate engineering program and #7 for its undergraduate program in 2020. Additionally, Times Higher Education ranks SEAS #4 globally in the category of “engineering and technology”.
In addition to its impressive international rankings, Harvard SEAS has also been recognized by Forbes as one of America’s top 25 colleges in 2020, ranking 3rd out of all Ivy League schools. Furthermore, Harvard SEAS was awarded a 5-star rating from QS Stars University Ratings, which is based on criteria such as research output, innovation, employability, teaching quality and student experience. This rating highlights the superior quality of education that Harvard provides to its students across all disciplines. Moreover, according to The Princeton Review’s 2021 Guide to Green Colleges list, Harvard was rated number one for “Most Environmentally Responsible Schools” due to the university’s commitment to sustainability initiatives such as renewable energy sources and green buildings on campus.
Top Engineering Schools
Score
65
Peer assessment score (5.0 highest)
3.6
Recruiter assessment score (5.0 highest)
3.8
Average quantitative GRE score of new entrants in both master’s and doctoral programs
781
Overall acceptance rate
15.0%
2020 Ph.D. student/faculty ratio
6.1
Faculty membership in National Academy of Engineering
17.9%
2020 Engineering school research expenditures (in millions)
$36.7
Research expenditures per faculty member (in thousands)
$655.9
2020 Ph.D.’s granted
28
Total graduate engineering enrollment
383
Tuition & Financial Aid: Harvard University
Financial Aid Contact Information
Financial aid director
Josephine Ferraro
Financial aid phone
(617) 495-5396
2022-2023 Expenses
Tuition
Full-time: $32,556 per year, part-time: $4,068 per credit
