Massachusetts Institute of Technology vs Harvard - US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
The verdict, from the data
The one that looks dearer ends up cheaper: Harvard lists $87,926 against $86,904 (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), but after average aid what remains is $13,539 against $18,546.
The gap in median earnings after a decade favours Massachusetts Institute of Technology: $143K against $102K.
At 3.6% and 4.5%, both admissions processes remain a lottery for any candidate; the difference between them is not an argument here.
The SAT profile is practically identical (1550 against 1553), so a test score will not tip the balance either way.
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 4.55% 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). Massachusetts Institute of Technology has lower sticker-price tuition ($64,730 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 Massachusetts Institute of Technology for: higher graduate earnings, higher retention, lower tuition.
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 (3.65% vs 4.55% acceptance); Harvard has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1550).
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%).
Massachusetts Institute of Technology has lower sticker-price tuition ($64,730 vs $64,796); 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 | 4.55% | 3.65% |
| Yield rate | 86.1% | 83.6% |
| Median SAT | 1550 | 1553 |
| Avg. GPA | - | 4.21 |
| Number of applications | 28,232 | 54,008 |
| International students | 11.7% | 15.7% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $143K | $102K |
| Bottom 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $88K | $65K |
| 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 | $64,730 | $64,796 |
| 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 4.55% of applicants, while Harvard accepts 3.65%.
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 $64,730 per year at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and $64,796 per year at Harvard.
What SAT score do you need for Massachusetts Institute of Technology or Harvard?
The median admitted SAT score is 1550 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.
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