* Tuition: This is a significant portion of the cost. For the 2023-2024 academic year, undergraduate tuition was approximately $57,000. This figure changes annually.
* Fees: In addition to tuition, there are various fees, such as room and board, health insurance, and student activity fees. These can easily add another $20,000 to $30,000 per year, bringing the total cost closer to $87,000 to $97,000.
* Books and Supplies: This is another expense to consider, typically ranging from several hundred to a thousand dollars annually.
* Personal Expenses: These are variable and depend on individual lifestyle, including transportation, entertainment, and food beyond the dining hall plan.
Financial Aid: Harvard offers generous financial aid packages, and many students receive significant assistance. Need-based financial aid is designed to meet the full demonstrated financial need of admitted students. This means that the cost for many students is substantially lower than the sticker price. However, even with financial aid, students still usually have significant expenses.
In short: While the official tuition and fees could be near $100,000 annually, the *actual cost* to a student depends heavily on their financial situation and the financial aid they receive. It's best to visit the Harvard University financial aid website for the most up-to-date and detailed information.