Stanford University vs Harvard University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Stanford University and Harvard University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Stanford University vs Harvard University at a glance
Stanford University admits 3.6% of applicants and Harvard University 3.7% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $12,307 at Stanford University and $19,148 at Harvard University. Six-year graduation rates are 91.6% and 97.1%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Stanford University admits 3.6% of applicants and Harvard University 3.7%, so both are about equally selective.
- The average net price after grants is $12,307 a year at Stanford University and $19,148 at Harvard University; Stanford University costs $6,841 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $1,067 at Stanford University and $2,542 at Harvard University.
- 91.6% of students graduate within six years at Stanford University, against 97.1% at Harvard University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $125,340 for Stanford University and $121,957 for Harvard University; Stanford University is $3,383 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $10,750 at Stanford University and $17,559 at Harvard University.
- Stanford University enrolls 7,554 students (large suburb) and Harvard University 7,601 (midsize city).
Side by side
Stanford University and Harvard University 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 | Stanford University | Harvard University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 3.6% | 3.7% |
| Applicants | 55,471 | 57,786 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1510–1580 | 1510–1580 |
| ACT middle 50% | 34–35 | 34–36 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $12,307 | $19,148 |
| Tuition, in state | $68,544 | $64,796 |
| Tuition, out of state | $68,544 | $64,796 |
| Cost of attendance | $92,892 | $89,279 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $1,067 | $2,542 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | Not reported | $2,070 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | Not reported | $4,126 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $6,603 | $9,995 |
| Over $110,000 | $47,575 | $51,128 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 91.6% | 97.1% |
| First-year retention | 98.2% | 98.3% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $125,340 | $121,957 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $10,750 | $17,559 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $122 | $200 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 7,554 | 7,601 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | Suburb: Large | City: Midsize |
| Location | Stanford, CA | 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
Stanford University reports 52 bachelor's programs and Harvard University 66; 34 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Stanford University vs Harvard University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Stanford University or Harvard University?
Stanford University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Stanford University admits 3.6% of applicants and Harvard University admits 3.7%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Stanford University 1510–1580; Harvard University 1510–1580.
Which is cheaper, Stanford University or Harvard University?
Stanford University has the lower average net price after grants: $12,307 a year at Stanford University against $19,148 at Harvard University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $1,067 and $2,542. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Stanford University or Harvard University graduates earn more?
Stanford University graduates earn more at the median: $125,340 ten years after entry for Stanford University and $121,957 for Harvard University. Median federal debt at graduation is $10,750 and $17,559.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Stanford University or Harvard University?
Harvard University does: 91.6% of Stanford University students graduate within six years, against 97.1% at Harvard University.
How big are Stanford University and Harvard University?
Stanford University has 7,554 students in Stanford, CA and Harvard University has 7,601 students in Cambridge, MA.