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Harvard University vs Massachusetts Institute of Technology

46 data points compared. Stronger value in each row highlighted. Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS.

17
Harvard Wins
7
Tied / N/A
22
Massachusetts Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Urban
New England
Region
New England
7,601
Enrollment
4,535
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

4%
Acceptance Rate
5%
1553
SAT Average
1560
35
ACT Midpoint
N/A
1510-1580
SAT Range
1520-1580

Cost & Financial Aid

$61,676
In-State Tuition
$62,396
$61,676
Out-of-State Tuition
$62,396
$19,066
Average Net Price
$20,111
$8,697
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$-2,533
$2,991
Net Price ($30-48K)
$93
$2,091
Net Price ($48-75K)
$1,480
$53,337
Net Price ($110K+)
$48,479
16%
Pell Grant Rate
19%
4%
Federal Loan Rate
7%

Academics

97%
Graduation Rate
96%
98%
Retention Rate
99%
87%
Full-Time Faculty
99%
$25,048
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$24,177
26%
First-Gen Students
26%

Student Body

50%
Female
37%
31%
White
21%
12%
Hispanic
14%
9%
Black
8%
22%
Asian
35%
0.81
Diversity Index
0.79

Outcomes

$99,572
Earnings (6yr)
$131,633
$101,095
Earnings (8yr)
$135,278
$101,817
Earnings (10yr)
$143,372
$14,000
Median Debt
$14,768
0.14x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.1x
88%
Earning Above HS
87%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

175.92%
Mobility Rate
339.82%
5774.2%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
6652.9%
304.7%
From Bottom 20%
510.8%
$174,000
Parent Median Income
$141,000

Social Capital

1.69
Economic Connectedness
1.86
0.02
Friending Bias
-0.01
9.6%
Volunteering Rate
6.1%

Research (Times HE)

#1
World Rank
#3
99.7
Teaching Score
97.8
98.7
Research Score
91.4
98.8
Citations Score
99.9

The Overviews

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA · Private nonprofit

4% accept 97% grad $101,817 earnings $19,066 net

With an acceptance rate of just 4%, Harvard University is a place where the most driven and ambitious students find their footing. It’s especially suitable for those drawn to rigorous academic programs like Social Sciences, Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Mathematics, Computer Science, and Physical Sciences. The environment here encourages intellectual curiosity and a commitment to excellence, attracting a diverse group of scholars who are ready to engage deeply with their studies.

After graduation, the financial outlook is promising, with alumni earning an average of $101,817 within ten years. This level of earning power is a significant motivator for students considering their future. While the cost of education is an important factor, many graduates see a strong return on their investment, which makes the financial commitment worthwhile for those who can navigate the admissions process.

When we look at the practical aspects, the net price after aid stands at $19,066, and the median debt is relatively manageable at $14,000. This financial structure allows students to focus on their education without being overwhelmed by debt. Those who thrive at Harvard often share a passion for learning and a desire to make a difference in the world, making the most of the resources and opportunities available to them.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge, MA · Private nonprofit

5% accept 96% grad $143,372 earnings $20,111 net

With an acceptance rate of just 5%, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology attracts a highly motivated and academically driven student body. This is a place for those who excel in challenging fields, particularly in engineering, computer science, mathematics, physical sciences, and biology. Students here are often hands-on learners, engaging in rigorous projects and research that push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Once students graduate, they typically see significant financial returns on their investment. With an average salary of $143,372 after ten years, graduates are well-positioned in the job market. This level of earning power speaks volumes about the value of the education they receive here. The affordability of attending is also noteworthy; with a net price of $20,111 after aid, many students leave with a manageable median debt of $14,768, making the financial landscape more navigable.

The practical aspects of attending MIT align well with the ambitions of its students. Those who thrive here are often those who embrace intense academic rigor and collaborative environments. With a graduation rate of 96%, it’s clear that the supportive community helps students succeed. The combination of a strong educational foundation and a network of driven peers prepares graduates for a range of career paths and success in their chosen fields.

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