# About

**Source**: https://college.harvard.edu/about
**Parent**: https://college.harvard.edu/admissions/apply

Video description:

Aerial view of Campus. Lowell House bells, Charles River, Widener library

# About

## Overview

An Undergraduate Experience Like No Other

Harvard College is a close-knit undergraduate community within Harvard University. With world-class [faculty](https://college.harvard.edu/academics/faculty "Faculty"), groundbreaking [research](https://college.harvard.edu/academics/research "Research") opportunities, and a commitment to a diverse environment of bright, talented students, Harvard is more than just a place to get an education—it's where students come to be transformed.

## About Harvard College

From library and museum collections to arts, athletics, and service, Harvard’s [campus resources](https://college.harvard.edu/about/campus "Campus") are unparalleled. Teaching and [research](https://college.harvard.edu/academics/research "Research") are integral to Harvard College—students learn from faculty of the highest caliber, conduct their own investigations, and contribute to research in labs and libraries

At the heart of Harvard College are the Houses, where students live and learn alongside their peers, faculty members, and graduate students. As a smaller home within the College and University, [each House](https://osl.fas.harvard.edu/houses) offers an enriching and supportive environment where students grow as individuals and as members of their community.

### Frequently Asked Questions

- #### What is a "liberal arts & sciences" education?

## Mission, Vision, & History

### Mission, Vision, & History

At Harvard College, we have been shaping the future for nearly 400 years. We are committed to helping students undergo an intellectual, social, and personal transformation far beyond the traditional college experience.

### Facts & Figures

#### Statistics

- 1636

  Opened in
- 98
  %

  Graduation rate of our students
- 7,103

  Students
- 7:1

  Student to faculty ratio

## Intellectual Vitality

### Fostering a Community of Learning

Through intellectual vitality, the Harvard College community seeks to establish a culture in which all members speak, listen, and ask questions of each other – and ourselves – with curiosity and respect. This is critical to achieve the mission of Harvard College and what we as a community believe in.

[Learn more about Intellectual Vitality](https://intellectualvitality.college.harvard.edu/)

## Dean David Deming

### Dean David Deming

David Deming, Isabelle and Scott Black Professor of Political Economy at Harvard Kennedy School, professor of education and economics at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and former faculty dean of Kirkland House, became Danoff Dean of Harvard College on July 1, 2025.

[### Read the Dean's latest messages](http://college.harvard.edu/about/dean-harvard-college/messages-to-students)

## Campus

From health services, advising, and accommodations for disabilities, to help with foreign languages and technology, find all the resources to support and guide you.

[Learn more about our campus](https://college.harvard.edu/about/campus)

- " autoplay muted loop playsinline aria-hidden="true" preload="none">

## College Offices

### College Offices

The staff of Harvard's campus offices ensure you always have somewhere to turn for help navigating college life. Improve your study skills, take the first step on the path to career success, or enliven your day with an infusion of arts and culture.

[### Take a virtual tour](https://college.harvard.edu/admissions/explore-harvard/virtual-tour)

## Learn More About Harvard

Join our email list to download our brochure and stay in touch.

[Sign Up](https://apply.college.harvard.edu/register/?id=1b4499e4-8fd0-47f0-bb86-f17cd0fc8b32)

## Related Topics

[### Campus

From our libraries to our museums, our support services to our common spaces, our campus is teeming with resources to guide your experience.](https://college.harvard.edu/about/campus)

[### Liberal Arts & Sciences

Our liberal arts and sciences philosophy encourages students to step outside their comfort zone. Learn how to achieve your academic goals at Harvard.](https://college.harvard.edu/academics/liberal-arts-sciences)

[### Residential Life

Residential Life at Harvard provides the opportunity to develop your own community through shared experiences.](https://college.harvard.edu/student-life/residential-life)