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An elegant wrought iron gate with decorative elements, partially open. The Harvard gate has a detailed crest at the center top and appears to be quite old. Above the gate, lush green trees create a canopy, with the sunlight filtering through the leaves, creating a play of light and shadow. The sun is visible through the trees, adding a warm, bright spot to the upper left corner of the image. In the background, a red brick building with white framed windows can be seen, which complements the historical feel.

Mission, Vision, & History

Overview

The Transformative Power of a Liberal Arts and Sciences Education

Our mission to educate future leaders is woven throughout the Harvard College experience, inspiring every member of our community to strive toward a more just, fair, and promising world.

Mission

The mission of Harvard College is to educate the citizens and citizen-leaders for our society. We do this through our commitment to the transformative power of a liberal arts and sciences education.

Beginning in the classroom with exposure to new ideas, new ways of understanding, and new ways of knowing, students embark on a journey of intellectual transformation. Through a diverse living environment, where students live with people who are studying different topics, who come from different walks of life and have evolving identities, intellectual transformation is deepened and conditions for social transformation are created. From this we hope that students will begin to fashion their lives by gaining a sense of what they want to do with their gifts and talents, assessing their values and interests, and learning how they can best serve the world.

Vision

Harvard College sets the standard for residential liberal arts and sciences education. We have committed to creating and sustaining the conditions that enable all Harvard College students to experience an unparalleled educational journey that is intellectually, socially, and personally transformative.

History

History

When you attend Harvard College, you become a part of the rich history of the nation’s oldest institution of higher learning. Founded in 1636, Harvard has changed dramatically over the centuries, but has always served as a haven for the world’s most ambitious scholars and leaders.

History of Financial Aid

For almost as long as the College has existed, Harvard has provided financial aid to students. This tradition began with Anne Radcliffe, Lady Mowlson of London, who in 1643 left a bequest to aid students with need admitted to Harvard College.

Learn more about Harvard's history of financial aid

Related Topics

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.

Residential Life

Residential Life at Harvard provides the opportunity to develop your own community through shared experiences.

Campus

From our libraries to our museums, our support services to our common spaces, our campus is teeming with resources to guide your experience.

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