Head-to-Head Comparison
Harvard University vs Union College
- Harvard Wins
- 28
- Tied
- 19
- Union Wins
- 5
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Harvard University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $19,066 vs Union College's $34,561, 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, 15% more than Union College
- Lower cost: Average net price of $19,066, roughly $15,495 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
Union
No clear advantage detected in core metrics.
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Harvard graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (27% of degrees); Union in Social Sciences (21%). 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 Union College. Median earnings of $101,817 ten years after enrollment vs $88,604.
Pick Harvard University over Union College. Net price $19,066 vs $34,561.
Pick Harvard University over Union College. 97% completion rate vs 83%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Harvard University and Union College 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 Union College takes 44%. 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 $15,495 a year below Union College's $34,561. Graduates of Harvard University also borrow less: median debt of $14,000, against $25,337.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $61,980 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 $88,604 at Union College. That is a 15% advantage. Set against borrowing, Harvard University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.14x to 0.29x.
So what: An earnings gap of 15% 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 83%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 15% 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.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Harvard University to keep costs and debt down.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 5 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Counterintuitive Insights
Their academic identities diverge. Harvard University concentrates enrollment in Mathematics & Statistics, while Union College leans toward Engineering. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Engineering-focused students: Union College has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Harvard University's enrollment of 7,601 far exceeds Union College's 2,046.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $34,561 runs well above Harvard University's $19,066.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $25,337, against $14,000 at Harvard University.
Full Data Breakdown
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.
Union College
Schenectady, NY · Private nonprofit
Union College is a solid choice for students interested in a diverse range of studies, particularly in social sciences, engineering, biology, and psychology. With an enrollment of about 2,046 students and an acceptance rate of 44%, it strikes a balance between being accessible and maintaining a close-knit community. The graduation rate of 83% reflects a supportive environment where students tend to thrive and complete their degrees.
When it comes to what happens after graduation, students from Union College can expect a median earning of $88,604 within ten years of finishing their degree. This level of earning power suggests that graduates are well-prepared for the job market, with many finding roles that allow them to grow both personally and professionally. The affordability factor also plays a role in this, as financial burdens are important to consider when thinking about long-term success.
The financial bottom line shows a net price of $34,561 after aid, which is manageable compared to the potential earnings. With a median debt of $25,337, students can graduate with a reasonable financial outlook, especially relative to their earning potential. Those who tend to thrive at Union are likely to be motivated, engaged, and ready to take on the academic rigor of the programs offered, all while enjoying the vibrant community atmosphere in Schenectady.
Rankings They Appear On
Harvard University is featured on the Colleges With the Highest Graduation Rates ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Sociology as their top enrolled program field, comprising 27% of Harvard's student body and 21% of Union's.
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Harvard) and Mechanical Engineer, Civil Engineer, Electrical Engineer (for Union).
The two schools feed different job markets. Harvard University is strongest in Mathematics & Statistics, Computer Science & IT, while Union College concentrates in Engineering, Humanities. 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 Union College?
Harvard University is harder to get into, admitting 4% of applicants compared with 44% at Union College.
Which is more affordable, Harvard University or Union College?
Harvard University is more affordable, with an average net price of $19,066 after aid versus $34,561 at Union College.
Do Harvard University or Union College graduates earn more?
Harvard University graduates earn more: median earnings of $101,817 ten years after enrollment, versus $88,604 at Union College.
Which has a better graduation rate, Harvard University or Union College?
Harvard University has the higher graduation rate, 97% versus 83%.
Should you choose Harvard University or Union College?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Harvard University if affordability and lower debt come first. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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