“Harvard University is proud to be part of a remarkable ecosystem of innovation. As we strive to overcome the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, we remain committed to mission-driven work that benefits Massachusetts and contributes to the region’s vitality. Discoveries and advances made in our labs, expertise and experience shared with our partners in government, and dedication and resolve demonstrated by health care workers in our affiliated hospitals are all causes for hope and gratitude as we look forward to resuming our important work together.”
Lawrence S. Bacow
President of Harvard University
Harvard Students and Employees from Massachusetts
With thousands of students, employees, and alumni from across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Harvard University plays an important role in supporting the region through campus-born research and innovation, employment and local spending, community-serving partnerships, and financial aid for Massachusetts residents.
County Data in Table Format
| MA County | Employees | Students |
|---|---|---|
| Barnstable, Berkshire, Dukes, Hampden, Nantucket | 47 | 137 |
| Bristol | 164 | 103 |
| Essex | 743 | 414 |
| Franklin | 12 | 12 |
| Hampshire | 20 | 25 |
| Middlesex | 11,214 | 6,293 |
| Norfolk | 2,290 | 1,052 |
| Plymouth | 389 | 190 |
| Suffolk | 3,891 | 2,885 |
| Worcester | 294 | 182 |
| Note: Employee Data as of January 2020 | Student Population Data for 2018 – 2019 Academic Year | ||
Supporting Massachusetts Residents Through Employment
Harvard is one of Massachusetts’ largest employers leading a dynamic nonprofit sector that anchors and fuels the regional economy. Employees hail from across the Commonwealth and benefit from competitive pay and industry-leading benefits. To help employees advance in their careers, the University provides leadership and skills training through its Center for Workforce Development and the ability to earn an undergraduate or graduate degree from a Harvard school for a fraction of the cost through tuition assistance programs.
18,627
Massachusetts residents employed at Harvard
5TH
Largest employer in Massachusetts
$2.3B
Wages, salaries, and benefits paid to Massachusetts residents in FY20
700+
High school students have worked in various office and lab positions across Harvard over the past 5 years
Powering the Regional Economy
The University’s operations and research activities have a critical impact on the local economy, supporting businesses small and large across the Commonwealth. Harvard’s research enterprise fuels an ecosystem that attracts hundreds of millions in funding to the state. This money supports salaries and wages for Massachusetts residents, purchasing from local businesses, and further feeds the state’s innovation economy – advancing scientific discoveries that bring to life new companies which in turn attract investment dollars and contribute to the public good.
Supporting Local Businesses
Harvard Spending in Construction, Supplies, and Services in FY19
$1.7B
Spent in Massachusetts
$987M
Spent in Boston
$156M
Spent in Cambridge
Research Impact
Ecosystem of Innovation
Harvard is at the heart of Massachusetts’ unique ecosystem of innovation. The University’s research enterprise, coupled with its affiliated teaching hospitals, create a powerhouse for attracting funding and generating early stage ideas, driving innovation, discovering cures, and building the regional economy.
3,887
Patents held by Harvard as of July 2020
1,600+
Ventures created through Harvard Innovation Labs in past decade
120+
Startups launched around Harvard research innovation in past decade
Companies Launched Around Harvard Technologies
Partnering to Address Regional Issues
Whether in collaboration with local nonprofits or government, Harvard is an active partner around some of the region’s most pressing challenges. These partnerships represent another extension of the University’s nonprofit mission and a shared vision of community.
Affordable Housing
To address the housing affordability crisis, Harvard has committed $20 million to help create and preserve affordable housing in Greater Boston through a partnership with three nonprofit lending organizations.
7,000+
Units of affordable housing have been created or preserved in the past 20 years in Greater Boston through the Harvard Local Housing Collaborative
Expanding Access to Education
Harvard is deeply committed to expanding access to education and eliminating economic obstacles for students attending college. Through the Harvard Financial Aid Initiative that was launched in 2004, the University has awarded more than $2.4 billion in grant aid to undergraduates.
2019 – 2020 Academic Year
$21M
In scholarships awarded to Harvard College students from Massachusetts
1,021
Massachusetts students enrolled in Harvard College
12,265
Students from Massachusetts at Harvard
5,562
Massachusetts residents enrolled in coursework at Harvard Extension School
Spotlights
Harvard Law School Clinical and Pro Bono Programs
One of the largest providers of free legal services in New England, Harvard Law School’s Clinical and Pro Bono Programs serve hundreds of Massachusetts residents across the state on a wide range of legal issues, including housing, immigration, and government benefits.
LabXchange
A free digital learning platform designed to support classroom learning and to bring the scientific process to life, LabXchange helps to expand access to STEM education and promote students’ exploration of STEM careers.
