NJIT vs Harvard - US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
The verdict, from the data
NJIT accepts most of the applications it receives (65.1%), while Harvard turns away the overwhelming majority (3.6%).
The more international environment is at Harvard (15.7% international students) than NJIT (6.2%).
Real money goes to international students at Harvard ($81,046 on average), while NJIT stops at $28,025.
The one that looks dearer ends up cheaper: Harvard lists $87,926 against $62,714 (NJIT), but after average aid what remains is $13,539 against $44,053.
These numbers describe the cohorts already enrolled, not your chances; treat them as a starting point rather than a forecast.
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 65.08% acceptance). Harvard ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#701-800 vs #1). Harvard graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($102K vs $84K). NJIT has lower sticker-price tuition ($37,664 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 NJIT for: lower tuition.
Choose Harvard for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Harvard is more selective (3.65% vs 65.08% acceptance); Harvard has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1340).
Harvard graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($102K vs $84K); Harvard has a higher 6-year graduation rate (97.6% vs 72.8%).
NJIT has lower sticker-price tuition ($37,664 vs $64,796); Harvard offers a larger average aid package ($74,387 vs $18,661).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | NJIT | Harvard |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #701-800 | #1 |
| Rank · THE | - | #3 |
| Acceptance rate | 65.08% | 3.65% |
| Yield rate | 17.2% | 83.6% |
| Median SAT | 1340 | 1553 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.73 | 4.21 |
| Number of applications | 15,607 | 54,008 |
| International students | 6.2% | 15.7% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $84K | $102K |
| Bottom 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $56K | $65K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $113K | $200K |
| Graduation rate | 72.8% | 97.6% |
| Retention rate | 90% | 98% |
| Median debt | $21,000 | $14,000 |
| Tuition · year | $37,664 | $64,796 |
| Avg. aid package | $18,661 | $74,387 |
| % of need met | 56.8% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,459 | $22,262 |
| Application fee | $75 | $85 |
| Enrollment | 13,247 | 21,189 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into NJIT or Harvard?
It's harder to get into Harvard. NJIT accepts 65.08% of applicants, while Harvard accepts 3.65%.
Do NJIT or Harvard graduates earn more?
Harvard graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $102K vs $84K.
How much is tuition at NJIT vs Harvard?
Sticker-price tuition is $37,664 per year at NJIT and $64,796 per year at Harvard.
What SAT score do you need for NJIT or Harvard?
The median admitted SAT score is 1340 at NJIT and 1553 at Harvard; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher - NJIT or Harvard?
Harvard ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #701-800 for NJIT vs #1 for Harvard.
Which university offers more financial aid - NJIT or Harvard?
The average aid package is $18,661 at NJIT and $74,387 at Harvard.
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