Head-to-Head Comparison
Harvard University vs University of Portland
- Harvard Wins
- 29
- Tied
- 13
- Portland Wins
- 10
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Harvard University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $19,066 vs University of Portland's $28,210, 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 University of Portland
- Lower cost: Average net price of $19,066, roughly $9,144 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
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 1.8%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 4% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Portland
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); Portland in Health Professions (29%). 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 University of Portland. Median earnings of $101,817 ten years after enrollment vs $82,804.
Pick Harvard University over University of Portland. Net price $19,066 vs $28,210.
Pick Harvard University over University of Portland. 1.8% mobility rate vs 0.9%.
Pick Harvard University over University of Portland. 97% completion rate vs 80%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Harvard University and University of Portland are close on paper, but Harvard University wins the head-to-head, leading on 6 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 University of Portland takes 89%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,553 to 1,277.
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 $9,144 a year below University of Portland's $28,210. Graduates of Harvard University also borrow less: median debt of $14,000, against $21,370.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $36,576 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 $82,804 at University of Portland. That is a 23% advantage. Set against borrowing, Harvard University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.14x to 0.26x.
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 80%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 17% 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
Harvard University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 1.8%; at University of Portland, it is 0.9%. Harvard University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 3% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 2.8%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Harvard 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.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Harvard University to keep costs and debt down.
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
Their academic identities diverge. Harvard University concentrates enrollment in Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical, Mathematics & Statistics, while University of Portland leans toward Health Professions, Business & Marketing, Engineering. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Business and consulting-track students: Harvard University has less business program depth, and University of Portland offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Harvard University's enrollment of 7,601 far exceeds University of Portland's 2,957.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $28,210 runs well above Harvard University's $19,066.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $21,370, against $14,000 at Harvard University.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Test scores matter less at Portland, where only about 9% 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.
University of Portland
Portland, OR · Private nonprofit
With an enrollment of just under 3,000 students, the University of Portland is a great fit for those seeking a close-knit community while still accessing solid academic programs. Students here often dive into popular fields like Health Professions, Business & Marketing, Engineering, Biology & Biomedical, and Psychology. An acceptance rate of 89% indicates that the university welcomes a diverse range of applicants, making it an appealing option for many.
After graduation, students can expect to earn about $82,804 within ten years, which can be quite encouraging when considering job prospects. This earning potential reflects the university's focus on practical skills and career readiness. While nearly a quarter of students receive Pell Grants, the supportive environment helps many move up in their careers, even if specific mobility rates aren’t available.
When it comes to the financials, the net price after aid sits at $28,210, which can be manageable for many families. The median debt for graduates is $21,370, suggesting that most students can graduate with a reasonable amount of student loans. Those who thrive here are often proactive, engaged, and looking for a collaborative atmosphere that values both academic and personal growth.
Rankings They Appear On
Harvard University is featured on the Colleges With the Highest Graduation Rates ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Harvard's top program is Sociology (27% of enrollment), while Portland leads with Nursing (BSN) (29%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Harvard) and Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Portland).
The two schools feed different job markets. Harvard University is strongest in Social Sciences, Mathematics & Statistics, Computer Science & IT, while University of Portland concentrates in Health Professions, Business & Marketing, Engineering. 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 University of Portland?
Harvard University is harder to get into, admitting 4% of applicants compared with 89% at University of Portland.
Which is more affordable, Harvard University or University of Portland?
Harvard University is more affordable, with an average net price of $19,066 after aid versus $28,210 at University of Portland.
Do Harvard University or University of Portland graduates earn more?
Harvard University graduates earn more: median earnings of $101,817 ten years after enrollment, versus $82,804 at University of Portland.
Which has a better graduation rate, Harvard University or University of Portland?
Harvard University has the higher graduation rate, 97% versus 80%.
Harvard University vs University of Portland: which is better for social mobility?
Harvard University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 1.8% versus 0.9%.
Should you choose Harvard University or University of Portland?
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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