Is Harvard University a good company to work for?

Harvard University has an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5, based on over 4,621 reviews left anonymously by employees. This rating has been stable over the past 12 months. 83% of employees would recommend working at Harvard University to a friend and 69% have a positive outlook for the business. The best reviews about Harvard University have been left by employees working as Undergraduate Course Assistant , Course Assistant and Intern .

Does Harvard University pay their employees well?

According to anonymously submitted Glassdoor reviews, Harvard University employees rate their compensation and benefits as 3.8 out of 5. Find out more about salaries and benefits at Harvard University. This rating has decreased by 3% over the last 12 months.

How satisfied are employees working at Harvard University?

83% of Harvard University employees would recommend working there to a friend based on Glassdoor reviews . Employees also rated Harvard University 4.0 out of 5 for work life balance, 3.9 for culture and values and 4.0 for career opportunities.

What are the top reviewed jobs at Harvard University?

Research Assistant (271) , Postdoctoral Fellow (231) , PhD Student (100) , Graduate Student (93) , Research Associate (86) , Teaching Fellow (67) , Teaching Assistant (63) , Graduate Research Assistant (60) , PhD Graduate Student (50) , Staff Assistant (50) , Program Coordinator (43) , Research Fellow (43) , Researcher (41) , Director (35) , Intern (34)

What are the pros of working at Harvard University according to real employee reviews?

"Nice to work with and the people are great." ((in 292 reviews)); "great colleagues to work and discuss with" ((in 155 reviews)); "Flexibility and good work/life balance" ((in 93 reviews)); "The hours are flexible and fairly easy" ((in 87 reviews)); "Great opportunity to advance career." ((in 62 reviews))

What are the cons of working at Harvard University according to real employee reviews?

"Pay is low for the cost of living but worth it if you make the most of it." ((in 207 reviews)); "Salaries are low but I believe this to be the case in higher ed more generally." ((in 154 reviews)); "Toxic culture (depending on lab/department)" ((in 46 reviews)); "Toxic managers and workplaces were tolerated if the work got done." ((in 22 reviews)); "Low compensation (although most higher ed is)" ((in 21 reviews))

What are employees saying about Harvard University layoffs in 2026?

Explore Glassdoor’s employee reviews to understand what current and former employees are saying about Harvard University layoffs and their outlook for job security at Harvard University in 2026.

What are the top reviewed Harvard University locations?

Cambridge , Boston , New York , Harvard , Allston , Washington , Harvard , San Antonio , Los Angeles , San Francisco , Cambridge , Somerville , Houston , Denver , Miami , Brockton , Brookline , Jamaica Plain , Malden , Atlanta , Jersey City , Ohio , Boston , Brooklyn , Madison , Orono , Lander , Austin , Frisco , Lubbock

Harvard University reviews

4.2

83% would recommend to a friend

(4,072 total reviews)

Alan Garber

80% approve of CEO

69% positive business outlook

Company ratings over time

Ratings trend for the last 6 months (4,072 reviews)

Ratings by demographic groups

Race / Ethnicity

Gender

Sexual orientation

Disability

Parent or family caregiver

Veteran status

Harvard University has an employee rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars, based on 4,072 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have an excellent working experience there. The Harvard University employee rating is in line with the average (within 1 standard deviation) for employers within the Education industry (3.7 stars).

Reviews by job title

4K reviews

5.0

Nov 6, 2017

Manager, Technology Support Services

Technology services manager

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Lots of learning and career opportunities; many great perks (inexpensive classes, gym memberships, tickets for events); loads of holiday and vacation time. A large organization with many subdivisions - so a lot of ways to change roles without leaving the organization.

Cons

Inconsistent leadership and vision throughout the organization; the many schools each have their own directions and budgets, and often are not cooperative with each other, in terms of the greater good. Lots of folks who are "retired on the job" and little organizational drive to change or remove such employees.

4.0

Aug 14, 2017

Working at Harvard

Anonymous employee

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

There are 11 schools and numerous museums and libraries to work in. Each school has it's own distinct community and atmosphere. Some are more formal, whereas others are more relaxed. The benefits (health care, transportation subsidies, retirement) are substantial and excellent. There are some lovely people working there.

Cons

Salaries are lower than private businesses. Training and oversight of managers is uneven to nonexistent in some parts of the university.

4.0

Jul 11, 2017

Great benefits, terrible bureaucracy

Anonymous employee

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

The salary was very competitive, and the benefits were terrific. The tuition perks are particularly attractive. I was able to get a Master's Degree from Harvard for under $500.

Cons

The bureaucracy there is ridiculous. It's a huge organization, and getting stuff done can be a Sisyphean task. You can only move up two pay grades at a time, even if you are qualified for a position in a higher grade.

Viewing 250 - 252 of 4,072 Reviews

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Jobs at Harvard University

Outreach & Communications Coordinator

Cambridge, MA

View job

Administrative Coordinator

Executive Assistant/Project Coordinator