DEEPCOLLEGES · OPS · v3.3 SCHOOLS·INDEXED 120 SOURCES IPEDS · CDS · SCORECARD LAST·SYNC 2026.04.29
HEAD TO HEAD · LIVE FROM IPEDS

Harvard University vs MIT

Side-by-side comparison with data from federal sources. Every metric traceable to IPEDS or College Scorecard.

SCHOOL A · PRIVATE

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA
58
DECISION SCORE
vs
METRICS
SCHOOL B · PRIVATE

MIT

Cambridge, MA
58
DECISION SCORE
01

Metric-by-metric

winner highlighted
MetricHarvard UniversityMITEdge
Acceptance Rate 3.5% 4.7% MIT (easier)
Average SAT 1540 1545 MIT
Enrollment 37,613 12,829 Harvard University larger
Median Earnings (10yr) $101,817 $143,372 MIT
Median Debt $14,000 $14,768 Harvard University lower
Pell Grant Rate 16.0% 19.0% Higher = more low-income students
02

Decision scores

Harvard University

58 Overall Fit 50 ROI 25 Transfer

MIT

58 Overall Fit 50 ROI 27 Transfer
03

Top majors

Harvard University

Social Sciences 31.6%
Biological Sciences 11.1%
Mathematics/Statistics 11.0%
Computer Science 8.6%
History 7.6%

MIT

Engineering 29.7%
Computer Science 27.7%
Mathematics/Statistics 11.0%
Multidisciplinary 9.8%
Physical Sciences 7.8%

Which Should You Choose?

Both Harvard University and MIT are outstanding institutions. The right choice depends on your priorities:

  • If location matters: Harvard University is in Cambridge, MA while MIT is in Cambridge, MA
  • If cost is a factor: Compare net prices for your family income bracket above
  • If career outcomes are the priority: Look at the salary data by major for each school
  • If getting in is the concern: Check which school's acceptance rate and profile better match yours

Harvard University vs MIT FAQs

Which is harder to get into, Harvard University or MIT?
Harvard University is harder to get into, with a 3.5% acceptance rate vs MIT's 4.7%. Lower acceptance rate means more competitive admission, but admission profile (GPA, SAT, course rigor) matters more than the rate alone.
Which is more expensive, Harvard University or MIT?
Harvard University has a higher sticker cost of attendance ($85,540/yr) vs MIT ($82,730/yr) — a difference of $2,810/yr at sticker price. But after financial aid, the average family pays $15,411/yr at Harvard University vs $11,815/yr at MIT.
Which has higher graduate earnings, Harvard University or MIT?
MIT graduates earn more — a median of $143,372 10 years post-grad, vs $101,817 at Harvard University. Note this is school-wide median; major choice impacts earnings far more than school choice.
Which should I choose, Harvard University or MIT?
It depends on your priorities. Harvard University is in Cambridge, MA; MIT is in Cambridge, MA. Weigh acceptance odds against your profile, net cost for your family income, salary outcomes for your intended major, and campus fit (location, size, urban vs rural).
Which has better programs, Harvard University or MIT?
Both Harvard University and MIT have multiple top-ranked programs. The right answer depends on your major. Compare the salary-by-major tables on each school's salary page — Harvard University's salary page and MIT's salary page — to see which school's grads in your target major earn more.
04

Explore each school

HARVARD UNIVERSITY
Acceptance Rate Tuition & Cost Salary & ROI
MIT
Acceptance Rate Tuition & Cost Salary & ROI

Data source: College Scorecard, IPEDS.