Harvard University vs MIT: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Harvard University vs MIT at a glance
Harvard University admits 3.7% of applicants and MIT 4.6% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $19,148 at Harvard University and $14,815 at MIT. Six-year graduation rates are 97.1% and 95.7%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Harvard University admits 3.7% of applicants and MIT 4.6%, so both are about equally selective.
- The average net price after grants is $19,148 a year at Harvard University and $14,815 at MIT; MIT costs $4,333 less a year.
- 97.1% of students graduate within six years at Harvard University, against 95.7% at MIT.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $121,957 for Harvard University and $152,553 for MIT; MIT is $30,596 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $17,559 at Harvard University and $14,000 at MIT.
- Harvard University enrolls 7,601 students (midsize city) and MIT 4,535 (midsize city).
Side by side
Harvard University and MIT in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | Harvard University | MIT |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 3.7% | 4.6% |
| Applicants | 57,786 | 33,240 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1510–1580 | 1520–1580 |
| ACT middle 50% | 34–36 | 34–36 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $19,148 | $14,815 |
| Tuition, in state | $64,796 | $64,730 |
| Tuition, out of state | $64,796 | $64,730 |
| Cost of attendance | $89,279 | $85,960 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $2,542 | Not reported |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $2,070 | Not reported |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $4,126 | $4,283 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $9,995 | $8,020 |
| Over $110,000 | $51,128 | $50,747 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 97.1% | 95.7% |
| First-year retention | 98.3% | 99.1% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $121,957 | $152,553 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $17,559 | $14,000 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $200 | $159 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 7,601 | 4,535 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Midsize | City: Midsize |
| Location | Cambridge, MA | Cambridge, MA |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
Harvard University reports 66 bachelor's programs and MIT 39; 21 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Harvard University vs MIT
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Harvard University or MIT?
Harvard University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Harvard University admits 3.7% of applicants and MIT admits 4.6%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Harvard University 1510–1580; MIT 1520–1580.
Which is cheaper, Harvard University or MIT?
MIT has the lower average net price after grants: $19,148 a year at Harvard University against $14,815 at MIT. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Harvard University or MIT graduates earn more?
MIT graduates earn more at the median: $121,957 ten years after entry for Harvard University and $152,553 for MIT. Median federal debt at graduation is $17,559 and $14,000.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Harvard University or MIT?
Harvard University does: 97.1% of Harvard University students graduate within six years, against 95.7% at MIT.
How big are Harvard University and MIT?
Harvard University has 7,601 students in Cambridge, MA and MIT has 4,535 students in Cambridge, MA.