Head-to-Head Comparison
Harvard University vs The University of Texas at Austin
- Harvard Wins
- 27
- Tied
- 5
- Texas Austin Wins
- 16
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Harvard University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $19,066 vs The University of Texas at Austin's $19,857, 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.
48 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, 36% more than The University of Texas at Austin
- Lower cost: Average net price of $19,066, roughly $791 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
Texas Austin
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 2.2%, 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 (30% of degrees); Texas Austin in Biology & Biomedical (10%). 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 The University of Texas at Austin. Median earnings of $101,817 ten years after enrollment vs $75,121.
Pick Harvard University over The University of Texas at Austin. Net price $19,066 vs $19,857.
Pick Harvard University over The University of Texas at Austin. THE World Rank #1 vs #29.
Pick The University of Texas at Austin over Harvard University. 2.2% mobility rate vs 1.8%.
Pick Harvard University over The University of Texas at Austin. 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 The University of Texas at Austin 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 The University of Texas at Austin takes 27%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,553 to 1,395.
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 $791 a year below The University of Texas at Austin's $19,857. 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 $3,164 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 $75,121 at The University of Texas at Austin. That is a 36% advantage. Set against borrowing, Harvard University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.14x to 0.27x.
So what: An earnings gap of 36% 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
The University of Texas at Austin does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 2.2%; at Harvard University, it is 1.8%. The University of Texas at Austin also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 5% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 3%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, The University of Texas at Austin 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 #29.
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 The University of Texas at Austin 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 The University of Texas at Austin posts the higher mobility rate, at 2.2%. 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 Social Sciences, Mathematics & Statistics, while The University of Texas at Austin leans toward Engineering, Business & Marketing. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Engineering-focused students: The University of Texas at Austin has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $20,500, against $14,000 at Harvard University.
- Students who want a smaller campus: The University of Texas at Austin's enrollment of 42,855 far exceeds Harvard University's 7,601.
Full Data Breakdown
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 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.
The University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX · Public
The University of Texas at Austin is home to over 42,000 students who are drawn to its strong programs in fields like Biology, Engineering, Business, Communications, and Computer Science. With an acceptance rate of 27%, it’s a competitive environment that suits those ready to engage deeply in their studies and campus life. The vibrant city of Austin enhances this experience, offering a unique blend of cultural, professional, and recreational opportunities that appeal to students looking for both academic and personal growth.
After graduation, students can expect solid earning potential, with a median salary of around $75,121 ten years post-degree. This financial outcome reflects the value of the education received here and the demand for graduates in the job market. The affordability factor is significant as well; even with a net price of $19,857, many students find support through financial aid, helping to ease the transition into the workforce.
When it comes to the practical aspects of attending UT Austin, students typically graduate with a median debt of $20,500. This manageable debt level, combined with the strong earning potential, makes the financial landscape here more accessible. Students who tend to thrive at UT Austin are those who embrace the challenges and opportunities of a large public university, taking advantage of the resources available while actively participating in the diverse and dynamic community.
Rankings They Appear On
Harvard University and The University of Texas at Austin appear together in 2 rankings. On the Best Research Universities in America, Harvard University ranks #1 — Harvard University outranks The University of Texas at Austin by 13 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Harvard's top program is Sociology (30% of enrollment), while Texas Austin leads with Biology (10%).
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 Texas Austin).
The two schools feed different job markets. Harvard University is strongest in Social Sciences, Mathematics & Statistics, Computer Science & IT, while The University of Texas at Austin concentrates in Engineering, Business & Marketing, Communications. 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 The University of Texas at Austin?
Harvard University is harder to get into, admitting 4% of applicants compared with 27% at The University of Texas at Austin.
Which is more affordable, Harvard University or The University of Texas at Austin?
Harvard University is more affordable, with an average net price of $19,066 after aid versus $19,857 at The University of Texas at Austin.
Do Harvard University or The University of Texas at Austin graduates earn more?
Harvard University graduates earn more: median earnings of $101,817 ten years after enrollment, versus $75,121 at The University of Texas at Austin.
Which has a better graduation rate, Harvard University or The University of Texas at Austin?
Harvard University has the higher graduation rate, 97% versus 88%.
Harvard University vs The University of Texas at Austin: which is better for social mobility?
The University of Texas at Austin is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 2.2% versus 1.8%.
Should you choose Harvard University or The University of Texas at Austin?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Harvard University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose The University of Texas at Austin 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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