Harvard Division of Continuing Education
- Acceptance Rate
- 65.0%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.25
- Size
- N/A
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- N/A
- Setting
- N/A
- Graduation Rate
- N/A
- Retention Rate
- N/A
- Tuition (In-State)
- N/A
- Tuition (Int'l)
- N/A
Student Life & Environment
Student life at Harvard Extension School differs fundamentally from traditional college experiences. Most students balance study with full-time employment, family responsibilities, and other commitments. The student body includes working professionals, career changers, retirees, and young adults beginning their education. This diversity creates classroom discussions that draw on varied professional and life experiences. On-campus courses take place primarily in the evening, after most traditional Harvard activities have ended. Students commute to campus for class sessions, typically returning home afterward rather than spending extended time on campus. This pattern limits the traditional extracurricular and social aspects of college life but accommodates students with full schedules. Online courses provide flexibility for students who cannot regularly attend Cambridge-based sessions or prefer remote study. Live online classes maintain real-time interaction, while asynchronous options allow students to engage with content on their own schedules. The blend of online and on-campus options lets students customize their experience. Student organizations serve Extension School students specifically, organizing social events, professional networking, and community service activities. These organizations provide connection opportunities for students who might otherwise feel isolated from the broader Harvard community. Annual events bring together students, faculty, and alumni. The demands of combining study with other responsibilities require discipline and time management. Students should expect to invest significant hours in coursework each week, with assignments and readings that demand attention amid competing priorities. However, the flexibility to pace progress and choose course formats helps students sustain their studies over the multiple years typically required for degrees.
Location & Surroundings
Harvard Extension School operates primarily from the Harvard campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts. On-campus classes meet in Harvard Yard and surrounding facilities, allowing students to experience the historic campus even if their time there is limited. The Extension School's administrative offices are located in the nearby Harvard Square area. Cambridge provides a vibrant urban environment centered on its universities. Harvard Square offers bookstores, restaurants, and cultural venues within walking distance of campus. The broader Boston metropolitan area provides additional amenities, all accessible via public transit. For students attending evening classes, commuting to Cambridge is a significant consideration. The MBTA subway system connects to Cambridge, with the Harvard Square station a short walk from most class locations. Students commuting by car should be aware of limited parking on campus and in surrounding neighborhoods. Many students find public transit more practical despite longer commute times. The climate features cold winters and warm summers. Students attending evening classes should prepare for darkness and potentially harsh weather during winter terms. The campus is well-maintained in winter conditions, but commuting may be more challenging when snow or ice affects travel. Online course options eliminate location constraints for students who cannot regularly travel to Cambridge. Students from anywhere in the world can participate in Extension School courses and complete degree requirements, though some programs include on-campus residency requirements at certain points. Boston's Logan International Airport provides domestic and international connections for students who need to travel to campus occasionally. The area's high cost of living affects students who live locally, though many attend from the suburbs where housing is somewhat more affordable.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Harvard Extension School course tuition is significantly lower than traditional Harvard programs, reflecting the school's accessibility mission. Individual courses typically cost approximately $2,000-3,500 depending on the course level and format. Master's degrees require approximately 12 courses, making total tuition roughly $30,000-40,000 for complete degrees. Additional costs include fees, textbooks, and, for students not local to Cambridge, travel and accommodation for any required on-campus components. Living expenses are not relevant for most Extension School students, who maintain their existing housing while studying part-time. Financial assistance is available for qualifying students. The Extension School offers scholarships and grants based on financial need, and federal student loans are available for degree-seeking students. The relatively low tuition compared to other Harvard programs reduces financial barriers, though the overall investment is still significant. Career outcomes vary widely given the diversity of Extension School students. Many students pursue degrees to advance in their current careers rather than to enter the job market fresh. For these students, the value comes through promotion, new responsibilities, or increased effectiveness in current roles. Career changers use Extension School credentials to enter new fields. The Harvard name carries recognition with employers, though Extension School credentials are understood differently than Harvard College or Business School degrees. Employers familiar with Extension School appreciate the dedication required to complete degrees while working. The credential signals academic capability and commitment rather than the selectivity that traditional Harvard degrees imply. Career services support is available to Extension School students, including advising, employer connections, and professional development resources. Alumni networks provide connections, though students should proactively engage to benefit from these resources.
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