Harvard vs Rensselaer polytechnic institute — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Harvard is the more selective of the two (3.6% vs 63.5% acceptance). Harvard ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#1 vs #501-600). Median earnings 10 years after enrollment are effectively tied ($102K vs $102K). Harvard has lower sticker-price tuition ($61,676 vs $64,081 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 Rensselaer polytechnic institute for: higher graduate earnings, a larger aid package.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Harvard is more selective (3.6% vs 63.5% acceptance); Harvard has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1456).
Rensselaer polytechnic institute graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($102K vs $102K); Harvard has a higher 6-year graduation rate (97.6% vs 83.6%).
Harvard has lower sticker-price tuition ($61,676 vs $64,081); Rensselaer polytechnic institute offers a larger average aid package ($76,097 vs $74,387).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Harvard | Rensselaer polytechnic institute |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #1 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | #3 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 3.6% | 63.5% |
| Yield rate | 83.6% | 39.7% |
| Median SAT | 1553 | 1456 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.20 | — |
| Number of applications | 54,008 | 15,819 |
| International students | 25% | 19% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $102K | $102K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $139K | $86K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $200K | $137K |
| Graduation rate | 97.6% | 83.6% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 98% |
| Median debt | $14,000 | $23,750 |
| Tuition · year | $61,676 | $64,081 |
| Avg. aid package | $74,387 | $76,097 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $22,262 | $29,149 |
| Application fee | $85 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 21,189 | 6,761 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Harvard or Rensselaer polytechnic institute?
It's harder to get into Harvard. Harvard accepts 3.6% of applicants, while Rensselaer polytechnic institute accepts 63.5%.
Do Harvard or Rensselaer polytechnic institute graduates earn more?
Earnings are practically equal — 10 years after enrollment, the median is $102K at Harvard and $102K at Rensselaer polytechnic institute.
How much is tuition at Harvard vs Rensselaer polytechnic institute?
Sticker-price tuition is $61,676 per year at Harvard and $64,081 per year at Rensselaer polytechnic institute.
What SAT score do you need for Harvard or Rensselaer polytechnic institute?
The median admitted SAT score is 1553 at Harvard and 1456 at Rensselaer polytechnic institute; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Harvard or Rensselaer polytechnic institute?
Harvard ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #1 for Harvard vs #501-600 for Rensselaer polytechnic institute.
Which university offers more financial aid — Harvard or Rensselaer polytechnic institute?
The average aid package is $74,387 at Harvard and $76,097 at Rensselaer polytechnic institute.
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