Is Harvard University a good company to work for?

Harvard University has an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5, based on over 4,620 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 296 reviews)); "great colleagues to work and discuss with" ((in 166 reviews)); "The hours are flexible and fairly easy" ((in 89 reviews)); "Flexibility and good work/life balance" ((in 85 reviews)); "There are many opportunities to collaborate in related fields and attend talks or seminars in entirely different fields that are of interest." ((in 70 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 214 reviews)); "Salaries are low but I believe this to be the case in higher ed more generally." ((in 155 reviews)); "Toxic managers and workplaces were tolerated if the work got done." ((in 25 reviews)); "Senior management and their leadership" ((in 19 reviews)); "Low compensation (although most higher ed is)" ((in 19 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

4.0

Oct 1, 2008

Not as much $ as private sector, but worth it for benefits and stability.

Accountant

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

The best reasons to work for Harvard are the generous benefits package that is offered, and the work-life balance provided by the time off. Also significant is the brand name of the university and the size of institution, which means many opportunities in the accounting/finance side of things are consistently open in various schools and departments around campus.

Cons

The decentralized structure can make some work difficult, since every school or group handles things in their own way. Also, many long-term employees can be resistant to change and increased efficiency through changed business practices, which can be extremely frustrating at times.

3.0

Sep 19, 2008

Make the most of what is available to you

Research assistant

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

It is an amazing educational institution with a wide variety of opportunities available to those who are willing and able to reach for them. The exposure to fascinating people and ideas is truly unique, and some of the senior faculty and management are exceptional leaders and mentors.

Cons

You can't eat prestige. Compensation is not always in line with what is appropriate given the marketplace and Boston. The bureaucracy can be difficult to maneuver at times, particularly in times of transition. Communication can be frustrating and piece meal at times with little attempt to explain changes in structure. This can have real impact on morale. Some senior faculty and management do not have time or interest in working with junior employees.

5.0

Sep 14, 2008

HBS: Not too bad for the money

Desk jockey

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Everyone says the benefits are great, but if you don't have a family, then who really cares? I just want to go to the doctor when I'm sick or the dentist so my teeth don't get jacked up. The best reason is really the flexibility of the managers. Most managers don't care if you need to take time off last minute, want to work from home, or need to leave early. It's also nice to have access to free education through the Harvard Extension school and also through the University. There are also some good attempts at "practical" training through the Center for Workplace Development. Plus, if you're a member of the union, you get a raise (about 5%) every year. There are also a LOT of hotties working at HBS.

Cons

It can be a little stiff in the upper levels of management, and there's a culture of "we have it the worst" in most units: i.e. most offices love to think that no one appreciates them and that they get no respect. The other downside is that you can freeze your ass off in the winter if you take public transportation because there are big gaps between the bus stops and the tunnels.

Viewing 4060 - 4062 of 4,072 Reviews

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Jobs at Harvard University