Harvard vs Massachusetts institute of technology — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Harvard is the more selective of the two (3.6% vs 4.5% acceptance). Harvard ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#1 vs #3). Massachusetts institute of technology graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($143K vs $102K). Harvard has lower sticker-price tuition ($61,676 vs $62,396 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 Massachusetts institute of technology for: higher graduate earnings, higher retention.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Harvard is more selective (3.6% vs 4.5% acceptance); Massachusetts institute of technology has a higher median SAT (1560 vs 1553).
Massachusetts institute of technology graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($143K vs $102K); Harvard has a higher 6-year graduation rate (97.6% vs 96.4%).
Harvard has lower sticker-price tuition ($61,676 vs $62,396); Harvard offers a larger average aid package ($74,387 vs $68,358).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Harvard | Massachusetts institute of technology |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #1 | #3 |
| Rank · THE | #3 | #2 |
| Acceptance rate | 3.6% | 4.5% |
| Yield rate | 83.6% | 86.1% |
| Median SAT | 1553 | 1560 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.20 | — |
| Number of applications | 54,008 | 28,232 |
| International students | 25% | 33% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $102K | $143K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $139K | $154K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $200K | $243K |
| Graduation rate | 97.6% | 96.4% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 99% |
| Median debt | $14,000 | $14,768 |
| Tuition · year | $61,676 | $62,396 |
| Avg. aid package | $74,387 | $68,358 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $22,262 | $29,488 |
| Application fee | $85 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 21,189 | 11,886 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Harvard or Massachusetts institute of technology?
It's harder to get into Harvard. Harvard accepts 3.6% of applicants, while Massachusetts institute of technology accepts 4.5%.
Do Harvard or Massachusetts institute of technology graduates earn more?
Massachusetts institute of technology graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $143K vs $102K.
How much is tuition at Harvard vs Massachusetts institute of technology?
Sticker-price tuition is $61,676 per year at Harvard and $62,396 per year at Massachusetts institute of technology.
What SAT score do you need for Harvard or Massachusetts institute of technology?
The median admitted SAT score is 1553 at Harvard and 1560 at Massachusetts institute of technology; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Harvard or Massachusetts institute of technology?
Harvard ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #1 for Harvard vs #3 for Massachusetts institute of technology.
Which university offers more financial aid — Harvard or Massachusetts institute of technology?
The average aid package is $74,387 at Harvard and $68,358 at Massachusetts institute of technology.
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