Head-to-Head Comparison
Harvard University vs Washington University in St Louis
- Harvard Wins
- 32
- Tied
- 11
- Washington St Wins
- 11
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Harvard University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $19,066 vs Washington University in St Louis's $21,786, 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.
54 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, 18% more than Washington University in St Louis
- Lower cost: Average net price of $19,066, roughly $2,720 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
- Research prestige: THE World Rank #1
Washington St
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); Washington St in Engineering (14%). 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 Washington University in St Louis. Median earnings of $101,817 ten years after enrollment vs $86,182.
Pick Harvard University over Washington University in St Louis. Net price $19,066 vs $21,786.
Pick Harvard University over Washington University in St Louis. THE World Rank #1 vs #38.
Pick Harvard University over Washington University in St Louis. 1.8% mobility rate vs 1%.
Pick Harvard University over Washington University in St Louis. 97% completion rate vs 94%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Harvard University and Washington University in St Louis 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 Washington University in St Louis takes 12%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,553 to 1,530.
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 $2,720 a year below Washington University in St Louis's $21,786. Graduates of Harvard University also borrow less: median debt of $14,000, against $17,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $10,880 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 $86,182 at Washington University in St Louis. That is a 18% advantage. Set against borrowing, Harvard University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.14x to 0.2x.
So what: An earnings gap of 18% 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 94%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 3% 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 Washington University in St Louis, it is 1%. Harvard University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 3% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 1.9%.
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.
Research standing
In the Times Higher Education world table, Harvard University sits higher, at #1 versus #38.
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.
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 Mathematics & Statistics, while Washington University in St Louis leans toward Engineering. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Engineering-focused students: Washington University in St Louis has the stronger engineering programs.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $21,786 runs well above Harvard University's $19,066.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $17,500, against $14,000 at Harvard University.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Harvard holds onto its admits more tightly: 84% of admitted students enroll, versus 48% at Washington St — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Washington St 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 Washington St, where only about 61% 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) 6 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.
Washington University in St Louis
St. Louis, MO · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 12%, Washington University in St. Louis attracts driven students looking for a rigorous academic environment. It’s a great fit for those interested in fields like engineering, biology, social sciences, computer science, and business. The graduation rate of 94% reflects a supportive community that helps students succeed and achieve their goals.
Life after graduation looks promising, with alumni reporting an average earnings of $86,182 ten years out. This figure highlights the potential for financial stability in a variety of career paths. While nearly 18% of students receive Pell Grants, the school’s commitment to affordability helps ensure that students from different economic backgrounds can thrive.
On the financial side, the net price after aid stands at $21,786, and the median debt for graduates is $17,500. This manageable debt load suggests that students here often leave school with a solid foundation for their financial futures. Those who tend to thrive are often self-motivated and eager to engage deeply with their studies and the campus community.
Rankings They Appear On
Harvard University and Washington University in St Louis appear together in 3 rankings. On the Colleges With the Highest Graduation Rates, Harvard University ranks #1 — Harvard University outranks Washington University in St Louis by 15 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Harvard's top program is Sociology (27% of enrollment), while Washington St leads with Mechanical Engineering (14%).
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 Washington St).
The two schools feed different job markets. Harvard University is strongest in Mathematics & Statistics, Computer Science & IT, while Washington University in St Louis concentrates in Engineering, 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 Washington University in St Louis?
Harvard University is harder to get into, admitting 4% of applicants compared with 12% at Washington University in St Louis.
Which is more affordable, Harvard University or Washington University in St Louis?
Harvard University is more affordable, with an average net price of $19,066 after aid versus $21,786 at Washington University in St Louis.
Do Harvard University or Washington University in St Louis graduates earn more?
Harvard University graduates earn more: median earnings of $101,817 ten years after enrollment, versus $86,182 at Washington University in St Louis.
Which has a better graduation rate, Harvard University or Washington University in St Louis?
Harvard University has the higher graduation rate, 97% versus 94%.
Harvard University vs Washington University in St Louis: which is better for social mobility?
Harvard University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 1.8% versus 1%.
Should you choose Harvard University or Washington University in St Louis?
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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