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Harvard University vs Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Harvard University is a private university in Cambridge, MA, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology is a private institute in Cambridge, MA. Harvard University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 4% of applicants against 5% at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Harvard University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $19,066 a year against $20,111 at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. About 97% of students graduate at Harvard University, compared with 96% at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Ten years after enrolling, Massachusetts Institute of Technology alumni earn a median of about $143,372, against $101,817 for Harvard University.

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Harvard University

Cambridge, MA · Private

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge, MA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Cambridge, MA
Cambridge, MA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
7,601
4,535
Acceptance rate
4%
5%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.55–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1510–1580
1520–1580
ACT (middle 50%)
34–36
34–36
Test policy
Required
Required
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$19,066
$20,111
Full cost / yr
$85,540
$82,730
In-state tuition
$61,676
$62,396
Out-of-state tuition
$61,676
$62,396
Application fee
$85
$75
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$8,697
$0*
$30k - $48k
$2,991
$93
$48k - $75k
$2,091
$1,480
$75k - $110k
$9,941
$11,555
Over $110k
$53,337
$48,479
Outcomes
Graduation rate
97%
96%
Freshman retention
98%
99%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$99,572
$131,633
Median earnings (10 yr)
$101,817
$143,372
Median debt at graduation
$14,000
$14,768
Student body
Pell grant recipients
16%
19%
First-generation students
26%
26%
International students
15%
12%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 1
Jan 4

* Reported aid for this income range averaged above the billed cost.

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Harvard University or Massachusetts Institute of Technology harder to get into?
Harvard University is harder to get into. It admits about 4% of applicants, compared with 5% at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Harvard University or Massachusetts Institute of Technology?
Harvard University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $19,066 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $20,111 at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology?
Before aid, Massachusetts Institute of Technology costs about $82,730 a year and Harvard University about $85,540. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Harvard University or Massachusetts Institute of Technology?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $-2,533 there, against about $8,697 at Harvard University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Harvard University or Massachusetts Institute of Technology?
Harvard University is the larger of the two, with about 7,601 undergraduates against 4,535 at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Does Harvard University or Massachusetts Institute of Technology have a better graduation rate?
Harvard University has the higher graduation rate, at about 97% against 96% at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Do graduates of Harvard University or Massachusetts Institute of Technology earn more?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology alumni earn more on average: a median of about $143,372 ten years after enrolling, against about $101,817 for Harvard University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology require SAT or ACT scores?
Harvard University requires SAT or ACT scores. Massachusetts Institute of Technology requires SAT or ACT scores.
What SAT scores do Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1510–1580 at Harvard University and 1520–1580 at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school