Harvard Dental School Acceptance Rate: A Complete Guide

Getting into the Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM) is a significant achievement, marking the beginning of a promising career in dentistry. As one of the most prestigious and competitive dental schools in the world, its acceptance rate is a key indicator of the high standards it maintains. This guide provides a detailed look into the HSDM acceptance rate, admissions statistics, and financial considerations to help you on your journey.

Understanding the Harvard Dental School Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at Harvard Dental School is exceptionally low, reflecting its highly selective admissions process. For the most recent entering class, the acceptance rate stands at approximately 3.2%. This figure underscores the competitive nature of the applicant pool and the exceptional qualifications of those who are admitted.

Harvard School of Dental Medicine

Acceptance Rate (Class of 2027)

3.18%

Applicants: 1,100

Accepted Students: 35

Enrolled Students: 35

Admissions Snapshot (Class of 2027)

Average DAT Score: 22-24
Average GPA: 3.95
Women: 69%

Geographic Composition (Class of 2027)

The Class of 2027 represents a diverse geographic background, with students hailing from across the nation and the globe.

U.S. States Represented: 18
Countries Represented: 6

A detailed breakdown of enrollment by each state is not publicly available.

Enrollment by State (Class of 2024 Data)

The following data reflects the residency of the enrolled class.

In-State (Massachusetts): 5 students (14.29%)
Out-of-State: 28 students (80.00%)
International: 2 students (5.71%)

Tuition & Fees (2025-2026)

The estimated cost of attendance for the Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) program.

Tuition: $73,874
HUSHP Basic (Health Insurance): $1,800

Additional costs for books, supplies, and living expenses should be anticipated. The total cost of attendance can vary.

Loans, Debt & Repayment

Financing a dental education is a significant investment. While specific recent data for Harvard Dental School is limited, national averages provide context.

Average Dental School Debt (National): The average debt for indebted dental school graduates in the Class of 2024 is $312,700.
Harvard Medical School Average Debt (for comparison): The average debt for a graduate of Harvard Medical School in 2022 was approximately $108,382.

It's important to note that many factors influence individual debt levels.

Income Potential

A degree from Harvard School of Dental Medicine can open doors to various lucrative career paths. Salary outcomes can vary based on specialty, location, and type of practice.

Graduates from Harvard School of Dental Medicine earn an average base salary of $153,000, with a typical range between $102,000 and $253,000.

Key Admissions Statistics for the Class of 2027

To understand what it takes to be a competitive applicant, it’s essential to look beyond the acceptance rate and examine the academic profile of the admitted class.

Academic Achievements

Overall GPA: The average overall GPA for the entering class is a stellar 3.9.
Science GPA: The average science GPA is equally impressive at 3.86.
DAT Academic Average: The average Academic Average score on the Dental Admission Test (DAT) for admitted students is 22.6.

Class Demographics

Class Size: A typical entering class at HSDM is small and intimate, with just 35 students.
Female Students: The class demonstrates a strong representation of women, with 69% of the most recent class being female.
Geographic Diversity: Students come from a wide range of backgrounds, representing numerous U.S. states and international countries, highlighting the school’s global reach.

Financial Considerations: Tuition, Debt, and Income

An education at Harvard is a significant financial investment. Understanding the costs involved and the potential return on that investment is crucial for prospective students.

Tuition and Fees

The cost of attendance at Harvard Dental School includes tuition, fees, and living expenses. For the 2023-2024 academic year, the estimated first-year tuition was $69,300. It is important to factor in additional costs for health insurance, dental instruments, and living expenses, which can bring the total cost of attendance higher.

Financial Aid, Loans, and Debt

While the cost is high, Harvard is committed to providing robust financial aid packages. The average debt for a Harvard Medical School graduate in 2022 was approximately

 $108, 382 * *, w hi c hi s l o w er t han t h e na t i o na l a v er a g e f or m e d i c a l s t u d e n t s . Whi l es p ec i f i c d a t a f or t h e d e n t a l sc h oo l c an v a ry, t hi s in d i c a t es a s t ro n g in s t i t u t i o na l co mmi t m e n tt o a ff or d abi l i t y . T h e a v er a g e d e b t f or a llp r i v a t e d e n t a l sc h oo l g r a d u a t es in 2023 w a s * *$

404,153.

Income Potential for Graduates

A degree from Harvard Dental School opens up significant earning potential. The average salary for a dentist in the United States is approximately

 $199, 878 * * p erye a r . G r a d u a t es f ro ma t o p - t i er in s t i t u t i o n l ik eH a r v a r d, es p ec ia ll y t h ose w h o p u rs u es p ec ia l i z a t i o n, c an o f t e n e x p ec tt oe a r n s a l a r i es a tt h e hi g h ere n d o f t hi ss p ec t r u m . T h e a v er a g es a l a ry f orrece n t H S D M g r a d u a t es i sre p or t e d t o b e a ro u n d * *$

115,107.