Harvard vs Iowa State - US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
The verdict, from the data
These are two different admissions games: Harvard admits 3.6% of applications, Iowa State admits 88.7%.
The more international environment is at Harvard (15.7% international students) than Iowa State (3.7%).
Real money goes to international students at Harvard ($81,046 on average), while Iowa State stops at $12,582.
The order of prices reverses once aid is counted: Harvard starts at $87,926 against $42,789 and ends at $13,539 against $27,124 (Iowa State).
These numbers describe the cohorts already enrolled, not your chances; treat them as a starting point rather than a forecast.
Every sentence above comes from a field we hold in canonical. Where the data is missing, or the gap is small enough to be noise, the sentence simply does not appear.
EXPERT TAKE
Harvard is the more selective of the two (3.65% vs 88.66% acceptance). Harvard ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#1 vs #501-600). Harvard graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($102K vs $63K). Iowa State has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 vs $64,796 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 Iowa State for: lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Harvard is more selective (3.65% vs 88.66% acceptance); Harvard has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1250).
Harvard graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($102K vs $63K); Harvard has a higher 6-year graduation rate (97.6% vs 75.3%).
Iowa State has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 vs $64,796); Harvard offers a larger average aid package ($74,387 vs $15,665).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Harvard | Iowa State |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #1 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | #3 | - |
| Acceptance rate | 3.65% | 88.66% |
| Yield rate | 83.6% | 28.8% |
| Median SAT | 1553 | 1250 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.21 | 3.75 |
| Number of applications | 54,008 | 23,095 |
| International students | 15.7% | 3.7% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $102K | $63K |
| Bottom 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $65K | $44K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $200K | $90K |
| Graduation rate | 97.6% | 75.3% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 87.6% |
| Median debt | $14,000 | $22,869 |
| Tuition · year | $64,796 | $28,881 |
| Avg. aid package | $74,387 | $15,665 |
| % of need met | 100% | 78% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $22,262 | $29,475 |
| Application fee | $85 | $40 |
| Enrollment | 21,189 | 30,432 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Harvard or Iowa State?
It's harder to get into Harvard. Harvard accepts 3.65% of applicants, while Iowa State accepts 88.66%.
Do Harvard or Iowa State graduates earn more?
Harvard graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $102K vs $63K.
How much is tuition at Harvard vs Iowa State?
Sticker-price tuition is $64,796 per year at Harvard and $28,881 per year at Iowa State.
What SAT score do you need for Harvard or Iowa State?
The median admitted SAT score is 1553 at Harvard and 1250 at Iowa State; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher - Harvard or Iowa State?
Harvard ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #1 for Harvard vs #501-600 for Iowa State.
Which university offers more financial aid - Harvard or Iowa State?
The average aid package is $74,387 at Harvard and $15,665 at Iowa State.
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