Harvard vs Cornell — 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 (#1 vs #12). Median earnings 10 years after enrollment are effectively tied ($102K vs $104K). 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 Harvard for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, a higher graduation rate.
Choose Cornell for: higher graduate earnings.
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 | Harvard | Cornell |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #1 | #12 |
| Rank · THE | #3 | #20 |
| Acceptance rate | 3.6% | 8.8% |
| Yield rate | 83.6% | 66% |
| Median SAT | 1553 | 1535 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.20 | — |
| Number of applications | 54,008 | 67,846 |
| International students | 25% | 26% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $102K | $104K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $139K | $101K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $200K | $166K |
| Graduation rate | 97.6% | 95.4% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 97.8% |
| Median debt | $14,000 | $14,000 |
| Tuition · year | $61,676 | $69,314 |
| Avg. aid package | $74,387 | $62,257 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $22,262 | $27,244 |
| Application fee | $85 | — |
| Enrollment | 21,189 | 19,027 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Harvard or Cornell?
It's harder to get into Harvard. Harvard accepts 3.6% of applicants, while Cornell accepts 8.8%.
Do Harvard or Cornell graduates earn more?
Earnings are practically equal — 10 years after enrollment, the median is $102K at Harvard and $104K at Cornell.
How much is tuition at Harvard vs Cornell?
Sticker-price tuition is $61,676 per year at Harvard and $69,314 per year at Cornell.
What SAT score do you need for Harvard or Cornell?
The median admitted SAT score is 1553 at Harvard and 1535 at Cornell; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Harvard or Cornell?
Harvard ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #1 for Harvard vs #12 for Cornell.
Which university offers more financial aid — Harvard or Cornell?
The average aid package is $74,387 at Harvard and $62,257 at Cornell.
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