Head-to-Head Comparison
Harvard University vs New York University
- Harvard Wins
- 32
- Tied
- 10
- New York Wins
- 10
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Harvard University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $19,066 vs New York University's $37,050, Harvard University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Harvard University's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
52 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Harvard
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $101,817 ten years after enrollment, 23% more than New York University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $19,066, roughly $17,984 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 97% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $14,000, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 4% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
- Research prestige: THE World Rank #1
New York
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 3.6%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Harvard graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (27% of degrees); New York in Visual & Performing Arts (16%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick Harvard University over New York University. Median earnings of $101,817 ten years after enrollment vs $82,509.
Pick Harvard University over New York University. Net price $19,066 vs $37,050.
Pick Harvard University over New York University. THE World Rank #1 vs #60.
Pick New York University over Harvard University. 3.6% mobility rate vs 1.8%.
Pick Harvard University over New York University. 97% completion rate vs 88%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Harvard University and New York University are close on paper, but Harvard University wins the head-to-head, leading on 5 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Harvard University is the harder admit. It takes 4% of applicants, while New York University takes 9%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,553 to 1,520.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Harvard University sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, Harvard University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $19,066, about $17,984 a year below New York University's $37,050. Graduates of Harvard University also borrow less: median debt of $14,000, against $20,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $71,936 before any change in aid. Choosing Harvard University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Harvard University graduates report median earnings of $101,817, compared with $82,509 at New York University. That is a 23% advantage. Set against borrowing, Harvard University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.14x to 0.25x.
So what: An earnings gap of 23% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Finishing the degree
Harvard University graduates a larger share of its students, 97% versus 88%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 9% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Moving people up
New York University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 3.6%; at Harvard University, it is 1.8%. New York University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 6.9% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 3%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, New York University offers the stronger statistical shot at reaching the top of the income distribution. The gap is wide enough to weigh in any access-minded decision.
Research standing
In the Times Higher Education world table, Harvard University sits higher, at #1 versus #60.
So what: Research rank matters most for students headed to graduate school or hoping to work in faculty labs. For undergraduates going straight into the job market, it is a weak predictor of earnings.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Harvard University to keep costs and debt down; pick New York University if upward mobility and access matter most.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 6 of 6 core signals used here, so every comparison above matches reported data against reported data.
Counterintuitive Insights
Harvard University is harder to get into, with a 4% admit rate, but New York University posts the higher mobility rate, at 3.6%. Selectivity and income mobility measure different things; here, the easier admit does more for the low-income students it enrolls.
Their academic identities diverge. Harvard University concentrates enrollment in Biology & Biomedical, Mathematics & Statistics, while New York University leans toward Visual & Performing Arts, Business & Marketing. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
No strong negative signals — Harvard competes well across the dimensions measured.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $37,050 runs well above Harvard University's $19,066.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $20,500, against $14,000 at Harvard University.
- Students who want a smaller campus: New York University's enrollment of 28,663 far exceeds Harvard University's 7,601.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Harvard holds onto its admits more tightly: 84% of admitted students enroll, versus 55% at New York — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. New York offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Harvard does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there. Test scores matter less at New York, where only about 38% of enrolled freshmen submitted any SAT or ACT.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 4 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA · Private nonprofit
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.
New York University
New York, NY · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 9%, New York University attracts driven students who are ready to dive deep into their passions. This urban campus is ideal for those interested in fields like Visual & Performing Arts, Social Sciences, Business & Marketing, Computer Science, and Humanities. It’s a place where creativity meets practicality, and students can thrive in a vibrant, diverse environment.
After graduation, students can expect strong earning potential, with a median salary of $82,509 ten years after completing their degree. That’s a significant number, especially when you consider the potential for upward mobility in competitive fields. The financial investment in an NYU education often pays off, making it a compelling choice for those who are eager to make their mark.
When it comes to the cost, the net price after aid sits at $37,050, with a median debt of $20,500. This means many students graduate with manageable debt, especially considering their earnings potential. NYU tends to attract motivated individuals who are ready to engage with the world around them and capitalize on the myriad opportunities available in New York City.
Rankings They Appear On
Harvard University and New York University appear together in 4 rankings. On the Best Research Universities in America, Harvard University ranks #1 — Harvard University outranks New York University by 24 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Harvard's top program is Sociology (27% of enrollment), while New York leads with Studio Art / Fine Arts (BFA) (16%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Harvard) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for New York).
The two schools feed different job markets. Harvard University is strongest in Biology & Biomedical, Mathematics & Statistics, while New York University concentrates in Visual & Performing Arts, Business & Marketing. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Harvard University or New York University?
Harvard University is harder to get into, admitting 4% of applicants compared with 9% at New York University.
Which is more affordable, Harvard University or New York University?
Harvard University is more affordable, with an average net price of $19,066 after aid versus $37,050 at New York University.
Do Harvard University or New York University graduates earn more?
Harvard University graduates earn more: median earnings of $101,817 ten years after enrollment, versus $82,509 at New York University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Harvard University or New York University?
Harvard University has the higher graduation rate, 97% versus 88%.
Harvard University vs New York University: which is better for social mobility?
New York University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 3.6% versus 1.8%.
Should you choose Harvard University or New York University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Harvard University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose New York University if upward mobility and access to low-income students matter most. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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