Harvard vs Northwestern — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Harvard is the more selective of the two (3.6% vs 7.7% acceptance). Harvard ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#1 vs #33). Harvard graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($102K vs $89K). Harvard has lower sticker-price tuition ($61,676 vs $68,322 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.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Harvard is more selective (3.6% vs 7.7% acceptance); Harvard has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1533).
Harvard graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($102K vs $89K); Harvard has a higher 6-year graduation rate (97.6% vs 95.1%).
Harvard has lower sticker-price tuition ($61,676 vs $68,322); Harvard offers a larger average aid package ($74,387 vs $68,110).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Harvard | Northwestern |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #1 | #33 |
| Rank · THE | #3 | #31 |
| Acceptance rate | 3.6% | 7.7% |
| Yield rate | 83.6% | 55.3% |
| Median SAT | 1553 | 1533 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.20 | — |
| Number of applications | 54,008 | 49,474 |
| International students | 25% | 20% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $102K | $89K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $139K | $93K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $200K | $139K |
| Graduation rate | 97.6% | 95.1% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 98% |
| Median debt | $14,000 | $15,000 |
| Tuition · year | $61,676 | $68,322 |
| Avg. aid package | $74,387 | $68,110 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $22,262 | $32,540 |
| Application fee | $85 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 21,189 | 23,431 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Harvard or Northwestern?
It's harder to get into Harvard. Harvard accepts 3.6% of applicants, while Northwestern accepts 7.7%.
Do Harvard or Northwestern graduates earn more?
Harvard graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $102K vs $89K.
How much is tuition at Harvard vs Northwestern?
Sticker-price tuition is $61,676 per year at Harvard and $68,322 per year at Northwestern.
What SAT score do you need for Harvard or Northwestern?
The median admitted SAT score is 1553 at Harvard and 1533 at Northwestern; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Harvard or Northwestern?
Harvard ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #1 for Harvard vs #33 for Northwestern.
Which university offers more financial aid — Harvard or Northwestern?
The average aid package is $74,387 at Harvard and $68,110 at Northwestern.
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