Harvard vs Massachusetts Institute of Technology - US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
The verdict, from the data
The one that looks dearer ends up cheaper: Harvard lists $87,926 against $86,904 (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), but after average aid what remains is $13,539 against $18,546.
The gap in median earnings after a decade favours Massachusetts Institute of Technology: $143K against $102K.
At 3.6% and 4.5%, both admissions processes remain a lottery for any candidate; the difference between them is not an argument here.
The SAT profile is practically identical (1553 against 1550), so a test score will not tip the balance either way.
The indicators describe a university as a whole, and your own course can sit a long way from that average.
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 4.55% 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). Massachusetts Institute of Technology has lower sticker-price tuition ($64,730 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, a higher graduation rate.
Choose Massachusetts Institute of Technology for: higher graduate earnings, higher retention, lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Harvard is more selective (3.65% vs 4.55% acceptance); Harvard has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1550).
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%).
Massachusetts Institute of Technology has lower sticker-price tuition ($64,730 vs $64,796); 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 | 3.65% | 4.55% |
| Yield rate | 83.6% | 86.1% |
| Median SAT | 1553 | 1550 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.21 | - |
| Number of applications | 54,008 | 28,232 |
| International students | 15.7% | 11.7% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $102K | $143K |
| Bottom 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $65K | $88K |
| 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 | $64,796 | $64,730 |
| 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 3.65% of applicants, while Massachusetts Institute of Technology accepts 4.55%.
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 $64,796 per year at Harvard and $64,730 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 1550 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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