Texas rio grande valley vs Harvard — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Harvard is the more selective of the two (3.6% vs 94.2% acceptance). Harvard ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#801-900 vs #1). Harvard graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($102K vs $50K). Texas rio grande valley has lower sticker-price tuition ($19,827 vs $61,676 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 Texas rio grande valley for: lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
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 (3.6% vs 94.2% acceptance); Harvard has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 985).
Harvard graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($102K vs $50K); Harvard has a higher 6-year graduation rate (97.6% vs 50.9%).
Texas rio grande valley has lower sticker-price tuition ($19,827 vs $61,676); Harvard offers a larger average aid package ($74,387 vs $11,242).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Texas rio grande valley | Harvard |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #801-900 | #1 |
| Rank · THE | — | #3 |
| Acceptance rate | 94.2% | 3.6% |
| Yield rate | 55.4% | 83.6% |
| Median SAT | 985 | 1553 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 4.20 |
| Number of applications | 12,137 | 54,008 |
| International students | 3% | 25% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $50K | $102K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $44K | $139K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $67K | $200K |
| Graduation rate | 50.9% | 97.6% |
| Retention rate | 78.9% | 98% |
| Median debt | $12,950 | $14,000 |
| Tuition · year | $19,827 | $61,676 |
| Avg. aid package | $11,242 | $74,387 |
| % of need met | 72% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $14,589 | $22,262 |
| Application fee | — | $85 |
| Enrollment | 31,864 | 21,189 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Texas rio grande valley or Harvard?
It's harder to get into Harvard. Texas rio grande valley accepts 94.2% of applicants, while Harvard accepts 3.6%.
Do Texas rio grande valley or Harvard graduates earn more?
Harvard graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $102K vs $50K.
How much is tuition at Texas rio grande valley vs Harvard?
Sticker-price tuition is $19,827 per year at Texas rio grande valley and $61,676 per year at Harvard.
What SAT score do you need for Texas rio grande valley or Harvard?
The median admitted SAT score is 985 at Texas rio grande valley and 1553 at Harvard; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Texas rio grande valley or Harvard?
Harvard ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #801-900 for Texas rio grande valley vs #1 for Harvard.
Which university offers more financial aid — Texas rio grande valley or Harvard?
The average aid package is $11,242 at Texas rio grande valley and $74,387 at Harvard.
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