DEEPCOLLEGES · OPS · v3.3 SCHOOLS·INDEXED 120 SOURCES IPEDS · CDS · SCORECARD LAST·SYNC 2026.04.29
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Harvard University vs Stanford University

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

Stanford University

Stanford, CA
58
DECISION SCORE
01

Metric-by-metric

winner highlighted
MetricHarvard UniversityStanford UniversityEdge
Acceptance Rate 3.5% 3.9% Stanford University (easier)
Average SAT 1540 1545 Stanford University
Enrollment 37,613 20,955 Harvard University larger
Median Earnings (10yr) $101,817 $124,080 Stanford University
Median Debt $14,000 $12,000 Stanford 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

Stanford University

58 Overall Fit 50 ROI 25 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%

Stanford University

Computer Science 17.7%
Social Sciences 16.5%
Engineering 15.6%
Multidisciplinary 15.3%
Mathematics/Statistics 5.8%

Which Should You Choose?

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

  • If location matters: Harvard University is in Cambridge, MA while Stanford University is in Stanford, CA
  • 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 Stanford University FAQs

Which is harder to get into, Harvard University or Stanford University?
Harvard University is harder to get into, with a 3.5% acceptance rate vs Stanford University's 3.9%. 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 Stanford University?
Stanford University has a higher sticker cost of attendance ($87,833/yr) vs Harvard University ($85,540/yr) — a difference of $2,293/yr at sticker price. But after financial aid, the average family pays $15,411/yr at Harvard University vs $13,091/yr at Stanford University.
Which has higher graduate earnings, Harvard University or Stanford University?
Stanford University graduates earn more — a median of $124,080 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 Stanford University?
It depends on your priorities. Harvard University is in Cambridge, MA; Stanford University is in Stanford, CA. 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 Stanford University?
Both Harvard University and Stanford University 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 Stanford University'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
STANFORD UNIVERSITY
Acceptance Rate Tuition & Cost Salary & ROI

Data source: College Scorecard, IPEDS.