Loading…
Getting the next page ready.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University are both private nonprofit institutions — Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, MA and Harvard University in Cambridge, MA. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Cambridge, MA · Private
Acceptance rate: 4.5%
Undergrad enrollment: 4,535
Tuition: $62,396/year
Student-faculty ratio: 3.0:1
Graduation rate: 96.4%
Top programs: Computer science, Engineering, Mathematics
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Cambridge, MA with published program strength in Computer science and Engineering.
Cambridge, MA · Private
Acceptance rate: 3.6%
Undergrad enrollment: 7,601
Tuition: $61,676/year
Student-faculty ratio: 7.0:1
Graduation rate: 97.6%
Top programs: Social sciences, Biological sciences, Mathematics
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Cambridge, MA with published program strength in Social sciences and Biological sciences.
| Factor | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Harvard University |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 4.5% | 3.6% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 1520–1580 |
| 1510–1580 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 34–36 | 34–36 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 4,535 | 7,601 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $62,396/year | $61,676/year |
| Average net price after aid | $20,111 | $19,066 |
| Graduation rate | 96.4% | 97.6% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $143,372 | $101,817 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 3.0:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Institution type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Location | Cambridge, MA | Cambridge, MA |
| Largest program areas | Computer science, Engineering, Mathematics | Social sciences, Biological sciences, Mathematics |
Both schools admit a similar share of applicants (4.5% vs 3.6%). Harvard University has a lower average net price after grant aid ($19,066 vs $20,111). Harvard University reports the higher graduation rate (97.6% vs 96.4%). Harvard University is the larger undergraduate campus (7,601 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology vs Northeastern University
4.5% vs 5.2% acceptance rate
Massachusetts Institute of Technology vs Williams College
4.5% vs 8.3% acceptance rate
Massachusetts Institute of Technology vs Amherst College
4.5% vs 9.0% acceptance rate
Massachusetts Institute of Technology vs Tufts University
4.5% vs 11.5% acceptance rate
Common questions when choosing between Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology has an acceptance rate of 4.5%; Harvard University is around 3.6%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology tuition is $62,396/year. Harvard University is $61,676/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
Add both schools to our free side-by-side comparison tool — tuition, outcomes, and more.
Open Comparison Tool