Head-to-head · 2026
Harvard University vs Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 4 wins for Harvard University, 3 for Massachusetts Institute of Technology — Harvard University has more metric-level advantages.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric, winner flagged
9 metrics, side by side. The colored cell wins. Green = lower-is-better wins, indigo = higher-is-better wins.
| Metric | Harvard University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 13.35 | 17.82 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $19,066 ✓ | $20,111 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $101,817 | $143,372 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 3.7% ✓ | 4.6% |
| Graduation rate | 97.6% ✓ | 96.4% |
| Median debt | $14,000 ✓ | $14,768 |
| Enrollment | 7,601 | 4,535 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | 1553 | 1560 ✓ |
| Wins | 4 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Massachusetts Institute of Technology costs $1,045 more per year than Harvard University ($20,111 vs $19,066). Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduates report $41,555 higher median earnings after ten years ($143,372 vs $101,817). On EduGradify's model that puts Massachusetts Institute of Technology ahead on projected ROI (17.82 vs 13.35, exceptional investment).
The pricier option (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) still wins on return, because stronger graduate salaries outweigh its higher net price. On admissions, Harvard University is highly competitive at 3.7% acceptance versus 4.6% (highly competitive) at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Frequently asked
Harvard University vs Massachusetts Institute of Technology, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Harvard University or Massachusetts Institute of Technology the better value?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology has the higher EduGradify ROI score (17.82 vs 13.35), 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 $20,111 at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The annual difference of $1,045 adds up to about $4,180 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $143,372 vs $101,817 at Harvard University. The annual gap in the federal data is $41,555.
Which school is harder to get into?
Harvard University is more selective at 3.7% acceptance vs 4.6% at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
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. Harvard University reports a A value grade; Massachusetts Institute of Technology reports A+.