Harvard College Yield Rises Even After Tumultuous Year, Admissions Dean Says

More than 84 percent of Harvard College’s admitted Class of 2028 will be enrolling, Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid William R. Fitzsimmons ’67 announced in his Class Day address to the Class of 2024.

The figure is slightly higher than last year’s yield, according to Fitzsimmons, and is a sign of further resilience for Harvard admissions amidst the most tumultuous year for the University in decades. Approximately 84 percent of the admitted Class of 2027 ultimately matriculated.

“The yield on admitted students this year was higher than it was last year, which is amazing,” Fitzsimmons said. “It was a little over 84 percent, and that is one of the highest yields since the ’70s.”

A Harvard College spokesperson did not immediately comment.

Though the specific number has fluctuated over the years, yield to Harvard has generally risen since the admitted Class of 2015. The Class of 2025 had the highest recorded yield rate in the College’s history, at 85 percent.

“It’s an incredible achievement, and I think it speaks to the fundamental strength of the institution,” Fitzsimmons added.

The yield rate is the first piece of information about the Class of 2028 that the College has released since the decisions were released in late March.

Harvard still has yet to release data on the racial demographics of the Class of 2028, a break from precedent after the Supreme Court overturned the College’s race-conscious admissions policies in June 2023.

—Staff writer Elyse C. Goncalves can be reached at elyse.goncalves@thecrimson.com. Follow her on X @e1ysegoncalves or on Threads @elyse.goncalves.

—Staff writer Matan H. Josephy can be reached matan.josephy@thecrimson.com. Follow him on X @matanjosephy.