Is Harvard Extension easy to get into?

Harvard Extension School admission isn't "easy," but it's accessible through an "earn-your-way-in" system, meaning you prove your ability by passing required foundational courses (usually three) with at least a 'B' grade, rather than through traditional applications with essays or SAT scores, though the courses themselves are rigorous and demand commitment to graduate. While anyone can take courses, formally entering a degree program requires demonstrating you can handle Harvard-level work, making the pathway in different, but the journey to graduation is selective and challenging, with many starting but fewer finishing.

Is the Harvard Extension School difficult to get into?

We typically accept all applicants who meet the eligibility criteria, earn a B or higher grade in the admission courses, and submit a complete application.

What is the acceptance rate for Harvard Extension?

HES boasts of nearly 15,000 students taking classes at any given time. Nearly 5000 of those students are admitted (meaning they passed the first three courses, and their essay and resume were good) which is 30%. Of that 5000 only about 1000 graduate (6.6% if the 15,000).

What GPA do you need for Harvard Extension School?

Although there is no minimum prior school GPA, it is unlikely that applicants with an undergraduate GPA below 3.0 will be accepted.

Is Harvard Extension School a real Harvard degree?

Yes, a degree from Harvard Extension School (HES) is a legitimate Harvard University degree, carrying the Harvard insignia and making graduates members of the Harvard Alumni Association, but the diploma specifies "Extension Studies" (e.g., Bachelor of Liberal Arts in Extension Studies or Master of Liberal Arts in Extension Studies) to denote it's earned through the extension program, which serves adult learners and is distinct from traditional Harvard College or graduate school programs.
 

Things you Must Know about Harvard Extension School before you apply

Can a 2.5 GPA go to Harvard?

While it's technically possible to get into Harvard with a 2.5 GPA due to their holistic review, it's extremely improbable and requires truly exceptional, world-class achievements in other areas (like being a top recruited athlete, a Nobel laureate's child, or having massive family donations) to overcome such a low academic record. The average admitted student has a GPA near perfect (4.0+), and a 2.5 signals significant academic risk that most candidates can't compensate for, even with high test scores. 

Is Harvard Extension Ivy League?

Harvard Extension School (HES) is the continuing education school of Harvard University, a private Ivy League research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States. Established in 1910, it is one of the oldest liberal arts and continuing education schools in the United States.

What is the easiest Harvard grad program to get into?

While no Harvard master's is truly "easy," programs at the Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) and the Harvard Divinity School (HDS) are often cited as less competitive than other graduate programs, with HGSE offering specialized tracks and HDS having a reputation for broader entry, though still requiring strong applicants; for a distinct, flexible path, the Harvard Extension School (HES) provides access to Harvard faculty and courses for different goals. 

How expensive is Harvard Extension School?

Harvard Extension School (HES) costs vary by program, with 2025-26 tuition around $2,160 for a 4-credit undergraduate course ($540/credit) and $3,440 for a 4-credit graduate course ($860/credit), with total costs for degrees ranging from roughly $34,560 to over $69,000 depending on credits needed, plus potential fees and program-specific costs, though financial aid is available. 

Is Harvard Extension selective?

Because Harvard Extension School is an open-enrollment institution, prioritizing access, equity, and transparency, admission to its degree programs strongly aligns with these values.

What is the #1 hardest school to get into?

There isn't one single #1 hardest school, as it varies slightly by year and source, but Harvard University, Stanford University, MIT, and Caltech consistently rank among the top, often with acceptance rates below 4%, with some lists pointing to Harvard or even Minerva University as the absolute lowest (around 1-3%) due to extreme competition and high standards. 

Is Harvard free if your family makes less than 200k?

Yes, starting in the 2025-26 academic year, Harvard College offers free tuition for students from families with annual incomes of $200,000 or less, with additional aid covering room, board, and other costs, and full financial support (including tuition, room, board, fees, travel) for families earning $100,000 or less, making it significantly more affordable for many middle-income families. 

Are Harvard Extension students Harvard alumni?

When you graduate from a degree program at Harvard Extension School, you automatically become an Alumni Member of the HEAA. You also become a member of the Harvard Alumni Association (HAA), extending your benefits to the greater university community.

What is the easiest ivy to get into ED?

While no Ivy League is "easy," Cornell often has the highest overall acceptance rate due to its diverse colleges, making some programs comparatively less competitive, and Dartmouth or Brown/Penn often show strong Early Decision (ED) boosts, with Brown's ED rate sometimes exceeding 17% compared to its Regular Decision rate below 5%. Applying ED significantly improves your chances at any Ivy, with Brown and Penn often showing large percentage increases in their ED acceptance rates.
 

Is a Harvard Extension School graduate certificate worth it?

Yes! Earning a graduate certificate can be a great first step toward earning a master's degree. At Harvard Extension School, 44% of certificate earners choose this route, affording them the benefits of both credentials. Most of our certificates stack toward at least one Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) degree.

Can anyone get into Harvard Extension School?

Harvard Extension School emphasizes that no student has a “right” to admission into an Extension School degree program. Satisfaction of the applicable academic requirements and maintaining good academic standing are necessary, but not sufficient, conditions for admission.

What's the lowest GPA Harvard has ever accepted?

There's no official minimum GPA for Harvard, but successful applicants average around 3.9-4.0 unweighted, with most having GPAs above 3.75; however, some with lower GPAs (even below 3.0) have been admitted due to extraordinary achievements, recruited athletic status, exceptional personal essays, overcoming severe hardships, or being "academic late bloomers" with incredible maturity and test scores, though this is extremely rare and requires exceptional circumstances. 

Is Harvard Extension School Harvard?

Harvard Extension School is one of the 12 degree-granting schools at Harvard University.

Is Harvard Extension hard?

Completing a degree at Harvard Extension is no easy feat. It takes immense dedication, sacrifice, and passion for your field. Our graduates have unique perspectives on what it takes to see a program through to completion.

Can Harvard Extension graduates join the Harvard Club?

Anyone who has been connected for at least one academic year with any school of Harvard University – including the Business School, College, Divinity School, Extension School, Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, Graduate School of Design, Graduate School of Education, Kennedy School, Law School, Medical School, ...

Is Harvard Extension School as prestigious as Harvard University?

While HES is part of Harvard, its degrees might not carry the same weight as those from Harvard College or other graduate schools within the university. However, HES courses are still taught by Harvard faculty and experienced professionals, ensuring a high-quality educational experience.

Did Mark Zuckerberg get a 1600 on his SAT?

Yes, reports widely state that Mark Zuckerberg scored a perfect 1600 (or sometimes a near-perfect 1590) on his SAT, achieving top marks before attending Harvard University, consistent with his reputation as a gifted student and programmer.
 

What GPA is top 1%?

A GPA in the top 1% generally means a near-perfect or perfect GPA, typically around 3.9 to 4.0 (or higher with weighted courses), often qualifying for the highest academic honor, summa cum laude, at many universities, though the exact number can vary by institution and class size. In high school, a 4.0 often places you in the top 2-5%, but achieving the very top percentile (1%) usually requires perfect scores or extremely high weighted scores from AP/IB classes. 

How do you get a 100% scholarship to Harvard?

Scholarships & Grants

Because Harvard is committed to affordability, our scholarships are designed to cover 100% of your demonstrated financial need. Here is our process: First we determine your award by establishing your parent contribution. Then we factor in student employment and any outside awards you've received.