Massachusetts institute of technology vs Harvard — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Harvard is the more selective of the two (3.6% vs 4.5% acceptance). Harvard ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#3 vs #1). Massachusetts institute of technology graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($143K vs $102K). Harvard has lower sticker-price tuition ($61,676 vs $62,396 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 Massachusetts institute of technology for: higher graduate earnings, higher retention.
Choose Harvard for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, a higher graduation rate.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Harvard is more selective (3.6% vs 4.5% acceptance); Massachusetts institute of technology has a higher median SAT (1560 vs 1553).
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%).
Harvard has lower sticker-price tuition ($61,676 vs $62,396); Harvard offers a larger average aid package ($74,387 vs $68,358).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Massachusetts institute of technology | Harvard |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #3 | #1 |
| Rank · THE | #2 | #3 |
| Acceptance rate | 4.5% | 3.6% |
| Yield rate | 86.1% | 83.6% |
| Median SAT | 1560 | 1553 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 4.20 |
| Number of applications | 28,232 | 54,008 |
| International students | 33% | 25% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $143K | $102K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $154K | $139K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $243K | $200K |
| Graduation rate | 96.4% | 97.6% |
| Retention rate | 99% | 98% |
| Median debt | $14,768 | $14,000 |
| Tuition · year | $62,396 | $61,676 |
| Avg. aid package | $68,358 | $74,387 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $29,488 | $22,262 |
| Application fee | $75 | $85 |
| Enrollment | 11,886 | 21,189 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Massachusetts institute of technology or Harvard?
It's harder to get into Harvard. Massachusetts institute of technology accepts 4.5% of applicants, while Harvard accepts 3.6%.
Do Massachusetts institute of technology or Harvard 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 Massachusetts institute of technology vs Harvard?
Sticker-price tuition is $62,396 per year at Massachusetts institute of technology and $61,676 per year at Harvard.
What SAT score do you need for Massachusetts institute of technology or Harvard?
The median admitted SAT score is 1560 at Massachusetts institute of technology and 1553 at Harvard; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Massachusetts institute of technology or Harvard?
Harvard ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #3 for Massachusetts institute of technology vs #1 for Harvard.
Which university offers more financial aid — Massachusetts institute of technology or Harvard?
The average aid package is $68,358 at Massachusetts institute of technology and $74,387 at Harvard.
Stanford
Princeton
Yale
Cornell
Penn
Johns hopkins
Washington university
Northwestern
North carolina
Duke