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College Comparison

Harvard University vs Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.

Harvard University
#1
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Cambridge, MA

Cambridge, MA

Total Enrollment

30,259

11,886

Undergrad Enrollment

8,844

4,535

Student-Faculty Ratio

7:1

3:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

3.6%

4.5%

Average GPA

4.00

4.00

SAT Range

1510–1580

1520–1580

ACT Range

34–36

34–36

Test Policy

Optional

Required

Application Fee

$85

$75

Total Applicants

54,008

28,232


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$73,849

$77,870

Avg Net Price

$16,816

$20,000

Tuition (In-State)

$52,659

$57,590

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$52,659

$57,590

Room & Board

$21,190

$20,280

% Receiving Aid

56.0%

59.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$68,015

$61,734


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

97.0%

97.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

87.0%

90.0%

Retention Rate

98.0%

99.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$101,817

$143,372

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Harvard is in Cambridge, MA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Harvard University has an acceptance rate of 4%, while MIT has an acceptance rate of 5%. This means Harvard University is more selective than MIT.

The average net price at Harvard University is $16,816 per year, compared to $20,000 at MIT. Harvard University is $3,184 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Harvard University typically score between 1510-1580 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At MIT, the typical SAT range is 1520-1580. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.

Harvard University has a graduation rate of 97%, while MIT has a graduation rate of 97%. MIT has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.

Harvard University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 7:1, while MIT has a ratio of 3:1. MIT offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.

At Harvard University, 56% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $68,015. At MIT, 59% of students receive aid with an average grant of $61,734.

The median earnings for Harvard University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $101,817, compared to $143,372 for MIT graduates. Graduates from MIT tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.

Harvard University is located in Cambridge, MA in a city: midsize setting. MIT is located in Cambridge, MA in a city: midsize setting.