All GSAS students are charged tuition based on a tiered tuition structure that reduces over time as students progress through their degree program. Students in PhD programs and some master's programs receive grants and fellowships that cover this cost.

PhD and Master’s Students

Students are required to register continuously from the time they enter a degree program until they receive their degree. Nonresident students with Leave of Absence or Traveling Scholar status are charged, at minimum, the active file fee (see the chart below).

Note: Subject to annual increases

* The Computational Science and Engineering (CSE) master’s programs have a different tuition structure than other degree programs in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences: tuition for the master of science (SM) and the first year of the master of engineering (ME) degrees will be $53,024 in 2018–2019. Tuition for the second research year of the ME program will be $26,512. In 2019–2020, the tuition for the new master of science (SM) degree in Data Science will be the same as the tuition for the first year of the CSE master’s degree. Tuition for the third semester of the Data Science SM program will also be charged at the same rate as the first year tuition rate.

This estimated budget does not include costs of travel or summer support, fees for required tests, application fees, or such initial expenses as home furnishings. Your individual expenses may vary from these figures. Funding and aid are available to meet these costs.

Special Students

Special students engage in coursework or a combination of coursework and research for academic credit for one term or one year only. While not candidates for any degree, special students are admitted to GSAS and access student privileges, which includes a Harvard transcript with coursework and grades listed. Full tuition and student health fees are charged; GSAS does not offer financial aid, work-study opportunities, or student loans to special students. Audited courses and supervised independent research projects are charged the same tuition as courses for credit.

Payment of tuition and fees is due prior to registration.

Note: subject to annual increases

*Special Students enrolled in two or fewer courses may waive the HUSHP fees.

†HUSHP fees can be waived by providing documentation establishing comparable insurance that meets Commonwealth of Massachusetts and Harvard University Health Services criteria.

Below is an estimated budget for living expenses, including housing, food, and miscellaneous expenses. Please note that this is a guide representing the bare minimum for living in the Cambridge area and are subject to change.

Visiting Fellows

Scholars intending to conduct independent research who hold a doctorate, have equivalent professional experience, or are advanced doctoral candidates who have completed all required coursework may register at GSAS as a visiting fellow. Visiting fellows are considered full-time research students, access Harvard University’s libraries and facilities, and may apply for membership in the Harvard Faculty Club. Reduced tuition and student health fees are charged; GSAS does not offer financial aid, work-study opportunities, or student loans to visiting fellows. Tuition cannot be waived or prorated and is non-refundable.

Note: subject to annual increases

†HUSHP fees can be waived by providing documentation establishing comparable insurance that meets Commonwealth of Massachusetts and Harvard University Health Services criteria.

Below is an estimated budget for living expenses, including housing, food, and miscellaneous expenses. Please note that this is a guide representing the bare minimum for living in the Cambridge area and are subject to change.