Cornell vs Harvard — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Harvard is the more selective of the two (3.6% vs 8.8% acceptance). Harvard ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#12 vs #1). Median earnings 10 years after enrollment are effectively tied ($104K vs $102K). Harvard has lower sticker-price tuition ($61,676 vs $69,314 per year).
Both universities have complete, comparable data in canonical — the choice should come down to fit (campus culture, major, aid package) alongside the differences visible in the numbers below.
Choose Cornell for: higher graduate earnings.
Choose Harvard for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, a higher graduation rate.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Harvard is more selective (3.6% vs 8.8% acceptance); Harvard has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1535).
Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $102K); Harvard has a higher 6-year graduation rate (97.6% vs 95.4%).
Harvard has lower sticker-price tuition ($61,676 vs $69,314); Harvard offers a larger average aid package ($74,387 vs $62,257).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Cornell | Harvard |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #12 | #1 |
| Rank · THE | #20 | #3 |
| Acceptance rate | 8.8% | 3.6% |
| Yield rate | 66% | 83.6% |
| Median SAT | 1535 | 1553 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 4.20 |
| Number of applications | 67,846 | 54,008 |
| International students | 26% | 25% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $104K | $102K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $101K | $139K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $166K | $200K |
| Graduation rate | 95.4% | 97.6% |
| Retention rate | 97.8% | 98% |
| Median debt | $14,000 | $14,000 |
| Tuition · year | $69,314 | $61,676 |
| Avg. aid package | $62,257 | $74,387 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $27,244 | $22,262 |
| Application fee | — | $85 |
| Enrollment | 19,027 | 21,189 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Cornell or Harvard?
It's harder to get into Harvard. Cornell accepts 8.8% of applicants, while Harvard accepts 3.6%.
Do Cornell or Harvard graduates earn more?
Earnings are practically equal — 10 years after enrollment, the median is $104K at Cornell and $102K at Harvard.
How much is tuition at Cornell vs Harvard?
Sticker-price tuition is $69,314 per year at Cornell and $61,676 per year at Harvard.
What SAT score do you need for Cornell or Harvard?
The median admitted SAT score is 1535 at Cornell and 1553 at Harvard; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Cornell or Harvard?
Harvard ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #12 for Cornell vs #1 for Harvard.
Which university offers more financial aid — Cornell or Harvard?
The average aid package is $62,257 at Cornell and $74,387 at Harvard.
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