Harvard vs Houston — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Harvard is the more selective of the two (3.6% vs 73.9% acceptance). Harvard ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#1 vs #201-300). Harvard graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($102K vs $62K). Houston has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,547 vs $61,676 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, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Houston for: lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Harvard is more selective (3.6% vs 73.9% acceptance); Harvard has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1250).
Harvard graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($102K vs $62K); Harvard has a higher 6-year graduation rate (97.6% vs 64.6%).
Houston has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,547 vs $61,676); Harvard offers a larger average aid package ($74,387 vs $16,450).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Harvard | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #1 | #201-300 |
| Rank · THE | #3 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 3.6% | 73.9% |
| Yield rate | 83.6% | 26.5% |
| Median SAT | 1553 | 1250 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.20 | 3.50 |
| Number of applications | 54,008 | 31,716 |
| International students | 25% | 16% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $102K | $62K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $139K | $61K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $200K | $93K |
| Graduation rate | 97.6% | 64.6% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 87% |
| Median debt | $14,000 | $18,194 |
| Tuition · year | $61,676 | $22,547 |
| Avg. aid package | $74,387 | $16,450 |
| % of need met | 100% | 55.1% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $22,262 | $21,819 |
| Application fee | $85 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 21,189 | 47,980 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Harvard or Houston?
It's harder to get into Harvard. Harvard accepts 3.6% of applicants, while Houston accepts 73.9%.
Do Harvard or Houston graduates earn more?
Harvard graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $102K vs $62K.
How much is tuition at Harvard vs Houston?
Sticker-price tuition is $61,676 per year at Harvard and $22,547 per year at Houston.
What SAT score do you need for Harvard or Houston?
The median admitted SAT score is 1553 at Harvard and 1250 at Houston; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Harvard or Houston?
Harvard ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #1 for Harvard vs #201-300 for Houston.
Which university offers more financial aid — Harvard or Houston?
The average aid package is $74,387 at Harvard and $16,450 at Houston.
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