Harvard vs West Virginia - US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
The verdict, from the data
West Virginia accepts most of the applications it receives (89%), while Harvard turns away the overwhelming majority (3.6%).
The share of international students differs sharply: 15.7% (Harvard) against 1.7% (West Virginia).
Real money goes to international students at Harvard ($81,046 on average), while West Virginia stops at $21,636.
The one that looks dearer ends up cheaper: Harvard lists $87,926 against $47,480 (West Virginia), but after average aid what remains is $13,539 against $30,750.
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 89% acceptance). Harvard ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#1 vs #501-600). Harvard graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($102K vs $56K). West Virginia has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,608 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, higher graduate earnings.
Choose West Virginia for: lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Harvard is more selective (3.65% vs 89% acceptance); Harvard has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1110).
Harvard graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($102K vs $56K); Harvard has a higher 6-year graduation rate (97.6% vs 64.7%).
West Virginia has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,608 vs $64,796); Harvard offers a larger average aid package ($74,387 vs $16,730).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Harvard | West Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #1 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | #3 | - |
| Acceptance rate | 3.65% | 89% |
| Yield rate | 83.6% | 26.5% |
| Median SAT | 1553 | 1110 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.21 | 3.70 |
| Number of applications | 54,008 | 20,150 |
| International students | 15.7% | 1.7% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $102K | $56K |
| Bottom 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $65K | $36K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $200K | $84K |
| Graduation rate | 97.6% | 64.7% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 83.4% |
| Median debt | $14,000 | $22,500 |
| Tuition · year | $64,796 | $28,608 |
| Avg. aid package | $74,387 | $16,730 |
| % of need met | 100% | 63% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $22,262 | $36,010 |
| Application fee | $85 | $65 |
| Enrollment | 21,189 | 23,643 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Harvard or West Virginia?
It's harder to get into Harvard. Harvard accepts 3.65% of applicants, while West Virginia accepts 89%.
Do Harvard or West Virginia graduates earn more?
Harvard graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $102K vs $56K.
How much is tuition at Harvard vs West Virginia?
Sticker-price tuition is $64,796 per year at Harvard and $28,608 per year at West Virginia.
What SAT score do you need for Harvard or West Virginia?
The median admitted SAT score is 1553 at Harvard and 1110 at West Virginia; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher - Harvard or West Virginia?
Harvard ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #1 for Harvard vs #501-600 for West Virginia.
Which university offers more financial aid - Harvard or West Virginia?
The average aid package is $74,387 at Harvard and $16,730 at West Virginia.
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