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Harvard University vs Smith College

Harvard University is a private university in Cambridge, MA, and Smith College is a private college in Northampton, MA. Harvard University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 4% of applicants against 21% at Smith College. Harvard University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $19,066 a year against $27,579 at Smith College. About 97% of students graduate at Harvard University, compared with 89% at Smith College. Ten years after enrolling, Harvard University alumni earn a median of about $101,817, against $64,027 for Smith College.

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Harvard University

Cambridge, MA · Private

Smith College

Northampton, MA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Cambridge, MA
Northampton, MA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
7,601
2,544
Acceptance rate
4%
21%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.53–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1510–1580
1420–1540
ACT (middle 50%)
34–36
32–35
Test policy
Required
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$19,066
$27,579
Full cost / yr
$85,540
$86,030
In-state tuition
$61,676
$65,178
Out-of-state tuition
$61,676
$65,178
Application fee
$85
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$8,697
$1,363
$30k - $48k
$2,991
$3,737
$48k - $75k
$2,091
$6,559
$75k - $110k
$9,941
$11,750
Over $110k
$53,337
$40,477
Outcomes
Graduation rate
97%
89%
Freshman retention
98%
94%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$99,572
$45,731
Median earnings (10 yr)
$101,817
$64,027
Median debt at graduation
$14,000
$17,550
Student body
Pell grant recipients
16%
18%
First-generation students
26%
19%
International students
15%
14%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 15
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 1
Jan 15

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 Smith College harder to get into?
Harvard University is harder to get into. It admits about 4% of applicants, compared with 21% at Smith College. 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 Smith College?
Harvard University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $19,066 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $27,579 at Smith College. 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 Smith College?
Before aid, Harvard University costs about $85,540 a year and Smith College about $86,030. 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 Smith College?
Smith College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $1,363 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 Smith College?
Harvard University is the larger of the two, with about 7,601 undergraduates against 2,544 at Smith College.
Does Harvard University or Smith College have a better graduation rate?
Harvard University has the higher graduation rate, at about 97% against 89% at Smith College.
Do graduates of Harvard University or Smith College earn more?
Harvard University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $101,817 ten years after enrolling, against about $64,027 for Smith College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Harvard University and Smith College require SAT or ACT scores?
Harvard University requires SAT or ACT scores. Smith College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Harvard University and Smith College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1510–1580 at Harvard University and 1420–1540 at Smith College. 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