Penn vs Harvard — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Harvard is the more selective of the two (3.6% vs 5.4% acceptance). Harvard ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#14 vs #1). Penn graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($111K vs $102K). Harvard has lower sticker-price tuition ($61,676 vs $68,686 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 Penn 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 5.4% acceptance).
Penn graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($111K vs $102K); Harvard has a higher 6-year graduation rate (97.6% vs 96.5%).
Harvard has lower sticker-price tuition ($61,676 vs $68,686); Harvard offers a larger average aid package ($74,387 vs $70,971).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Penn | Harvard |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #14 | #1 |
| Rank · THE | — | #3 |
| Acceptance rate | 5.4% | 3.6% |
| Yield rate | 68% | 83.6% |
| Median SAT | 1553 | 1553 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.90 | 4.20 |
| Number of applications | 65,236 | 54,008 |
| International students | 24% | 25% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $111K | $102K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $132K | $139K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $183K | $200K |
| Graduation rate | 96.5% | 97.6% |
| Retention rate | 98.8% | 98% |
| Median debt | $15,715 | $14,000 |
| Tuition · year | $68,686 | $61,676 |
| Avg. aid package | $70,971 | $74,387 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,558 | $22,262 |
| Application fee | $75 | $85 |
| Enrollment | 24,023 | 21,189 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Penn or Harvard?
It's harder to get into Harvard. Penn accepts 5.4% of applicants, while Harvard accepts 3.6%.
Do Penn or Harvard graduates earn more?
Penn graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $111K vs $102K.
How much is tuition at Penn vs Harvard?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,686 per year at Penn and $61,676 per year at Harvard.
What SAT score do you need for Penn or Harvard?
The median admitted SAT score is 1553 at Penn and 1553 at Harvard; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Penn or Harvard?
Harvard ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #14 for Penn vs #1 for Harvard.
Which university offers more financial aid — Penn or Harvard?
The average aid package is $70,971 at Penn and $74,387 at Harvard.
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