Harvard vs Penn — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Harvard is the more selective of the two (3.6% vs 5.4% acceptance). Harvard ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#1 vs #14). Penn graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($111K vs $102K). Harvard has lower sticker-price tuition ($61,676 vs $68,686 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 Penn 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 5.4% acceptance).
Penn graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($111K vs $102K); Harvard has a higher 6-year graduation rate (97.6% vs 96.5%).
Harvard has lower sticker-price tuition ($61,676 vs $68,686); Harvard offers a larger average aid package ($74,387 vs $70,971).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Harvard | Penn |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #1 | #14 |
| Rank · THE | #3 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 3.6% | 5.4% |
| Yield rate | 83.6% | 68% |
| Median SAT | 1553 | 1553 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.20 | 3.90 |
| Number of applications | 54,008 | 65,236 |
| International students | 25% | 24% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $102K | $111K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $139K | $132K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $200K | $183K |
| Graduation rate | 97.6% | 96.5% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 98.8% |
| Median debt | $14,000 | $15,715 |
| Tuition · year | $61,676 | $68,686 |
| Avg. aid package | $74,387 | $70,971 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $22,262 | $32,558 |
| Application fee | $85 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 21,189 | 24,023 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Harvard or Penn?
It's harder to get into Harvard. Harvard accepts 3.6% of applicants, while Penn accepts 5.4%.
Do Harvard or Penn graduates earn more?
Penn graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $111K vs $102K.
How much is tuition at Harvard vs Penn?
Sticker-price tuition is $61,676 per year at Harvard and $68,686 per year at Penn.
What SAT score do you need for Harvard or Penn?
The median admitted SAT score is 1553 at Harvard and 1553 at Penn; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Harvard or Penn?
Harvard ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #1 for Harvard vs #14 for Penn.
Which university offers more financial aid — Harvard or Penn?
The average aid package is $74,387 at Harvard and $70,971 at Penn.
Stanford
Massachusetts institute of technology
Princeton
Yale
Cornell
Johns hopkins
Washington university
Northwestern
North carolina
Duke