Admissions officers also credited the improved financial aid program with maintaining yield numbers over the past three years at levels not seen since the 1970s.
"The strength of our financial aid program certainly contributes to students' decision to come to Harvard," McGrath-Lewis said.
Over the course of the last three years, Harvard has added a total of $4,000 to student financial aid packages. This year, Harvard decreased the amount each student is expected to contribute by $2,000.
Admissions officers see the boost to the financial aid program as a reflection of the College's overall philosophy.
"We want to make sure that students get the most out of the time they spend here at Harvard," McGrath-Lewis said.
--Staff writer Nicole B. Usher can be reached at usher@fas.harvard.edu.