Skip to content

Harvard University vs Williams College

Harvard University is a private university in Cambridge, MA. Williams College is a private college in Williamstown, MA. Harvard University admits about 4% of applicants and Williams College about 8%, making Harvard University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $17,716 a year at Williams College after aid, and about $19,066 at Harvard University. About 97% of students graduate at Harvard University, compared with 95% at Williams College. Ten years after enrolling, Harvard University alumni earn a median of about $101,817, against $88,665 for Williams College.

See which of these two fits you, and what each would actually cost you.

Start the free quiz

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA · Private

Williams College

Williamstown, MA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Cambridge, MA
Williamstown, MA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
7,601
2,076
Acceptance rate
4%
8%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.54–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1510–1580
1490–1570
ACT (middle 50%)
34–36
34–35
Test policy
Required
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$19,066
$17,716
Full cost / yr
$85,540
$84,860
In-state tuition
$61,676
$68,560
Out-of-state tuition
$61,676
$68,560
Application fee
$85
$65
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$8,697
$0*
$30k - $48k
$2,991
$0*
$48k - $75k
$2,091
$0*
$75k - $110k
$9,941
$3,030
Over $110k
$53,337
$49,594
Outcomes
Graduation rate
97%
95%
Freshman retention
98%
97%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$99,572
$71,754
Median earnings (10 yr)
$101,817
$88,665
Median debt at graduation
$14,000
$12,761
Student body
Pell grant recipients
16%
18%
First-generation students
26%
22%
International students
15%
9%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 15
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 1
Jan 5

* 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 Williams College harder to get into?
Harvard University is harder to get into. It admits about 4% of applicants, compared with 8% at Williams 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 Williams College?
Williams College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,716 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $19,066 at Harvard University. 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 Williams College?
Before aid, Williams College costs about $84,860 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 Williams College?
Williams College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $-2,610 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 Williams College?
Harvard University is the larger of the two, with about 7,601 undergraduates against 2,076 at Williams College.
Does Harvard University or Williams College have a better graduation rate?
Harvard University has the higher graduation rate, at about 97% against 95% at Williams College.
Do graduates of Harvard University or Williams College earn more?
Harvard University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $101,817 ten years after enrolling, against about $88,665 for Williams College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Harvard University and Williams College require SAT or ACT scores?
Harvard University requires SAT or ACT scores. Williams College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Harvard University and Williams College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1510–1580 at Harvard University and 1490–1570 at Williams College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

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