Head-to-head · 2026
Franklin W Olin College of Engineering vs Harvard University
Compare average net price ($25,171 at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering; $19,066 at Harvard University), ROI score (12.86 vs 13.35), ten-year median earnings ($129,455 vs $101,817), and admissions selectivity (25.2% acceptance at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering; 3.7% at Harvard University) using federal College Scorecard data. Harvard University has a 6-1 metric-level edge. Harvard University leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Franklin W Olin College of Engineering | Harvard University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 12.86 | 13.35 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $25,171 | $19,066 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $129,455 ✓ | $101,817 |
| Acceptance rate | 25.2% | 3.7% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 96.4% | 97.6% ✓ |
| Median debt | $19,500 | $14,000 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 377 | 7,601 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | 1520 | 1553 ✓ |
| Metric advantages | 1 | 6 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Franklin W Olin College of Engineering costs $6,105 more per year than Harvard University ($25,171 vs $19,066). Franklin W Olin College of Engineering graduates report $27,638 higher median earnings after ten years ($129,455 vs $101,817). On EduGradify's model that puts Harvard University ahead on projected ROI (13.35 vs 12.86, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Harvard University) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Franklin W Olin College of Engineering is selective at 25.2% acceptance versus 3.7% (highly competitive) at Harvard University.
Frequently asked
Franklin W Olin College of Engineering vs Harvard University, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Franklin W Olin College of Engineering or Harvard University the better value?
Harvard University has the higher EduGradify ROI score (13.35 vs 12.86), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Harvard University is cheaper — average net price $19,066 per year vs $25,171 at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering. The annual difference of $6,105 adds up to about $24,420 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Franklin W Olin College of Engineering reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $129,455 vs $101,817 at Harvard University. The annual gap in the federal data is $27,638.
Which school is harder to get into?
Harvard University is more selective at 3.7% acceptance vs 25.2% at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Franklin W Olin College of Engineering reports a A value grade; Harvard University reports A.