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Harvard University vs University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth

Harvard University is a private university in Cambridge, MA, and University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth is a public university in North Dartmouth, MA. Harvard University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 4% of applicants against 91% at University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth. Harvard University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $19,066 a year against $20,927 at University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth. About 97% of students graduate at Harvard University, compared with 51% at University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth. Ten years after enrolling, Harvard University alumni earn a median of about $101,817, against $68,804 for University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth.

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA · Private

University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth

North Dartmouth, MA · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Cambridge, MA
North Dartmouth, MA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
7,601
5,221
Acceptance rate
4%
91%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.27–3.77
SAT (middle 50%)
1510–1580
1050–1270
ACT (middle 50%)
34–36
26–30
Test policy
Required
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$19,066
$20,927
Full cost / yr
$85,540
$33,485
In-state tuition
$61,676
$15,612
Out-of-state tuition
$61,676
$32,567
Application fee
$85
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$8,697
$15,976
$30k - $48k
$2,991
$16,042
$48k - $75k
$2,091
$17,530
$75k - $110k
$9,941
$22,273
Over $110k
$53,337
$28,147
Outcomes
Graduation rate
97%
51%
Freshman retention
98%
64%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$99,572
$51,475
Median earnings (10 yr)
$101,817
$68,804
Median debt at graduation
$14,000
$25,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
16%
37%
First-generation students
26%
35%
International students
15%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 15
Regular decision
Jan 1
Rolling

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 University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth harder to get into?
Harvard University is harder to get into. It admits about 4% of applicants, compared with 91% at University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth. 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 University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth?
Harvard University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $19,066 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $20,927 at University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth. 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 University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth?
Before aid, University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth costs about $33,485 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 University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth?
Harvard University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $8,697 there, against about $15,976 at University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Harvard University or University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth?
Harvard University is the larger of the two, with about 7,601 undergraduates against 5,221 at University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth.
Does Harvard University or University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth have a better graduation rate?
Harvard University has the higher graduation rate, at about 97% against 51% at University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth.
Do graduates of Harvard University or University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth earn more?
Harvard University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $101,817 ten years after enrolling, against about $68,804 for University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Harvard University and University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth require SAT or ACT scores?
Harvard University requires SAT or ACT scores. University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Harvard University and University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1510–1580 at Harvard University and 1050–1270 at University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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