Nearly 81 percent of students admitted to the Class of 2016 chose to matriculate at Harvard College. This yield is notably high, with the last time reaching 80 percent being in 1971 for the Class of 1975. The Class of 2015 had a yield of 75.9 percent.

William R. Fitzsimmons, dean of admissions and financial aid, attributed the significant increase in yield to three key factors: the return of Early Action, the importance of the university’s generous financial aid program, and a series of changes enacted over the past decade that greatly enriched the undergraduate experience.

Harvard reintroduced Early Action this year, admitting 774 students to the Class of 2016 in December. Students who apply early often have a strong interest in Harvard and typically do not apply elsewhere. Additionally, offering preliminary financial aid awards to these early admittees provided reassurance about the affordability of the institution.

The financial aid program at Harvard has seen significant enhancements, with additional support provided to low- and middle-income students. Michael D. Smith, dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Evelynn M. Hammonds, dean of Harvard College, and Drew Faust, president of Harvard University, have committed to keeping the doors open to talented students from diverse economic backgrounds. Sarah C. Donahue, director of financial aid, highlighted these efforts.

The Financial Aid Office was operational from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays in April, providing in-person and telephone consultations with students and their families. Seventy percent of Harvard students receive some form of financial aid. Among these, 60 percent receive need-based grants, with an average annual cost to families of $12,000. Families with annual incomes under $65,000 do not pay anything. Families with incomes between $65,000 and $150,000 typically pay between zero and 10 percent of their annual income, and those with higher incomes may still receive need-based aid based on individual circumstances. Students are not required to take out loans, and home equity is not considered in determining financial aid. Each year, Harvard spends $172 million on undergraduate financial aid.

Admitted students cited numerous changes at Harvard over the past decade as influencing their decisions to attend. These included a new core curriculum and General Education program, a fourfold increase in small freshman seminars, and the availability of more than 40 secondary fields of study (minors). The establishment of the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, an augmented advising system with 400 advisors and 200 peer-advising fellows, and 60 resident proctors, expanded opportunities for close collaboration with faculty through research and regional centers, an arts initiative, and revitalized theater opportunities, such as Farkas Hall. Additionally, there are many options for study abroad, supported by a $100 million gift from David Rockefeller.

Visitas, a program aimed at prospective students, took place from April 21 to 23, with over 1,300 students and their parents attending, setting a record. Directed by Valerie Beilenson and assistant director M. Amelia Muller, it allowed students to experience Harvard firsthand, meet faculty and students, and explore Cambridge and Boston. Marlyn E. McGrath, director of admissions, expressed gratitude to all involved in making Visitas a success and thanked the 15,000 alumni who hosted gatherings for admitted students across the nation and the world.

Personalized outreach to admitted students began in December, with individualized notes, phone calls, and emails from the Undergraduate Admissions Council, the Undergraduate Minority Recruitment Program, and the Harvard Financial Aid Initiative.

The Class of 2016 is composed of 52.5 percent men. Prospective social science concentrators make up 29.1 percent, followed by 24.3 percent interested in the biological sciences, 17.5 percent in the humanities, 13.6 percent in engineering and computer science, 8.5 percent in the physical sciences, 6.4 percent in mathematics, and 0.6 percent are undecided. The racial and ethnic diversity of the class includes 9.4 percent African Americans, 22.6 percent Asian Americans, 9.3 percent Latinos, and 1.7 percent Native Americans and Native Hawaiians. International students constitute 11.3 percent of the class.

This year’s high yield means that only a small number (about 25) will be admitted from the waiting list. Historically, this number has ranged from zero to 228.

Harvard’s yield is particularly noteworthy because the College does not offer athletic or other non-need-based scholarships. Harvard’s Early Action program allows admitted students to apply elsewhere and requires them to reply by May 1 after considering other offers of admission and financial aid. This flexibility contributes to Harvard’s nearly 98 percent graduation rate.

William R. Fitzsimmons noted that the Class of 2016 was selected through the most selective admissions process in Harvard’s history. They possess immense potential in every measurable way and demonstrate the intangible strength of character that Harvard has sought since its founding in 1636. He looks forward to following their progress over the next four years and beyond.

A memorial tribute to the life and service of the late John E. Malmstad was presented at a meeting of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences on October 6, 2026.

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