MIT vs. Harvard: Which is best?

MIT vs. Harvard: Comparing Top Schools

As two of the most competitive and prestigious schools in the country, comparing MIT vs. Harvard can be challenging. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University both offer excellent educational resources, world-renowned faculty, and incredible opportunities to jumpstart your career. However, each school also has their own unique characteristics. 

What is MIT known for, and what is Harvard known for? When comparing MIT vs. Harvard, there are many factors to consider. This guide will help break down MIT vs. Harvard and how to decide which school is the better fit for you.

In this guide, specifically, we’ll: 

• Explore MIT vs. Harvard locations 
• Compare MIT vs. Harvard rankings 
• Review MIT vs. Harvard tuition rates
• Break down the Harvard cost of attendance vs. MIT cost of attendance after financial aid
• Discuss the types of students who pick MIT vs. Harvard 
• Highlight the benefits of attending MIT vs. Harvard, and more!

By the end, you’ll know how these two schools differ in overall experience, resources, and educational focuses. To kick off our discussion of MIT vs. Harvard, let’s start by looking at where these two schools are located.

Best Colleges in Boston

When comparing MIT vs. Harvard, you’ll notice that both colleges are in Boston. While MIT and Harvard often surface in conversations about the best colleges in Boston, they’re not alone. Boston is home to many top-tier schools, including Boston University, Boston College, Tufts, and Northeastern. 

With so many top-ranked colleges packed into one city, it’s no surprise Boston is a major intellectual hub. Beyond world-class research, students also have access to some of the best liberal arts colleges in the U.S., making it a standout place to study.

Still, MIT and Harvard are generally the best colleges in Boston — and for good reason. Both are extremely selective and have global reputations for excellence. However, their close proximity and shared prestige can make comparing MIT vs. Harvard tricky. We’ll break down the key differences between the two later in this guide. But first, let’s get a better sense of Boston’s exciting college landscape.

How many colleges are in Boston?

The Boston/Cambridge area has over 60 colleges and universities. These range from 2-year community colleges and technical programs to rigorous 4-year colleges and graduate schools, like MIT and Harvard. With such a concentrated hub, finding the best colleges in Boston isn’t difficult. 

Boston has many Massachusetts state schools, such as Bunker Hill Community College and UMass Boston. Many private universities are also in Boston, such as Suffolk, Emerson, and Simmons. Speciality schools like Boston Architectural College and the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts make Boston an incredibly dynamic and rich city for students and professionals alike. 

The high academic concentration makes Boston a great place for networking, innovation, and collaboration across schools. When deciding between MIT vs. Harvard, know that you’ll be in close proximity to the best minds in the country, no matter where you end up! 

Where is MIT?

Located in Cambridge, MA, MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) is just across the Charles River from Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood. Although technically in Cambridge, MIT ties to the city of Boston and sits right next to downtown.

What is MIT known for in regards to its campus?  MIT’s 168 acre campus has iconic landmarks like the Great Dome and the Strata Center. Its location in Kendall Square places it at the heart of a neighborhood famous for biotech companies and innovative tech start-ups.

The school’s modern architecture reflects MIT’s focus on STEM (which we’ll cover in the next section). “Industrial in style” best describes the campus, thanks to its sharp, angular buildings. When comparing MIT vs. Harvard, the campus style is a major point of difference. While Harvard’s historic buildings are classically collegiate, MIT’s modern campus offers a totally different campus feel.

What is MIT known for?

So, what is MIT known for? MIT is best known for its STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) programs. According to U.S. News, the most popular MIT majors are Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Math, Electrical Engineering, and Physics. When comparing MIT vs. Harvard, knowing MIT’s reputation as a STEM-focused school can help narrow down your choice. 

MIT’s research output is also impressive – MIT’s research programs have helped advance many areas of society. From capturing the first image of a black hole, to innovating crucial medical technology such as bionic prosthetics, without MIT’s research, the world would be a very different place.

MIT cost and selectivity

MIT is a hyper competitive school to get into. When comparing MIT vs. Harvard, you’ll notice both schools boast a super low acceptance rate. With an acceptance rate of 4.8%, MIT is one of the hardest schools to get into. For many students, this competitive admissions rate is part of MIT’s appeal. 

The MIT cost of attendance is also a notable factor, as well as the generous MIT financial aid program. The MIT cost of attendance for the 2024-2025 academic year is over $85,000, making it one of the more expensive schools in the country. However, as you’ll see when we compare MIT vs. Harvard tuition charges, both schools charge similar amounts. 

While the MIT cost is high, the MIT financial aid program is very generous. MIT is a full need school, meaning they meet 100% of financial need through the MIT financial aid program. Additionally, families making less than $100,000 will not be expected to contribute financially. To apply for the MIT financial aid program, students must submit a FAFSA (if they are eligible to file) and the CSS Profile. MIT financial aid is open to both domestic and international students, making it a good choice for students applying from countries outside the U.S. 

So, what is MIT known for? To summarize, MIT stands out for its STEM focused MIT majors, innovative research, highly competitive programs, and famous and impactful alumni. Despite the high cost of attendance, MIT students gain exceptional access to world-renowned faculty and have unique opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research.

If you want to learn more, click here to read our in-depth overview of MIT. 

Is MIT in the Ivy League?

No, MIT is not part of the Ivy League. The Ivy League began as an athletic conference among eight private research schools, including Yale, Harvard, and Princeton. However, over time, the term has come to represent academic prestige, becoming synonymous with “elite universities.”

When comparing MIT vs. Harvard, you’ll notice that Harvard is a part of the Ivy League, while MIT is not. But this does not mean that MIT is any less prestigious than Harvard. In fact, many of MIT’s programs outpace Harvard’s in terms of research and innovation.

When deciding between MIT vs. Harvard, don’t let the Ivy League terminology get in the way. You should pick the school that has the best program for your academic interests and can provide the student experience you’re seeking. 

Now that we know a bit more about MIT, let’s turn our attention to Harvard.

Where is Harvard?

Harvard is also in Cambridge, only two miles away from MIT’s campus. This can make choosing between MIT vs. Harvard difficult — with both campuses right on the Charles River, in such proximity, students have to consider other factors when choosing between them. 

What is Harvard known for? Harvard’s central campus area has many historical landmarks, most of which relate to the University. Harvard Square, Harvard Yard, and Harvard Library are all popular tourist attractions and bring many visitors throughout the year. 

Harvard’s historic campus offers a classic college atmosphere. Its cobblestone streets, iconic buildings, and clearly defined main campus give it a strong sense of identity within the area. Compared to MIT, some students may find Harvard’s traditional ambiance more appealing.

What is Harvard known for?

Beyond being one of the best colleges in Boston (and the country), what is Harvard known for? Harvard stands out for its law, business, medicine, humanities, and social science programs. Students interested in any liberal arts field can be sure that they will get a highly prestigious and rigorous education at Harvard. 

As one of the best liberal arts colleges in the U.S., Harvard stands out for its humanities-based programs. According to U.S. News, the most popular Harvard majors are the Social Sciences, with Biology coming in 2nd. Additionally, Harvard Law School has a major reputation as one of the best programs in the world. 

Harvard also attracts attention for its famous alumni, which includes several U.S Presidents, CEOs, Nobel Laureates, and more. Beyond politics and business, many famous actors and writers also studied at Harvard. Harvard alumni go on to shape the world in many different ways, speaking to Harvard’s reputation and impact. 

Harvard cost and acceptance rate 

Like MIT, the Harvard cost is also high. The Harvard tuition alone is $59,320, putting the total cost of attendance for 2024-2025 at $86,926. While the Harvard cost is high, Harvard’s financial aid program is very generous. Many students don’t need to worry about the Harvard tuition, or the total Harvard cost, as their financial aid packages cover significant portions. 

Harvard’s financial aid programs mirror MIT’s — families who make under $100,000 don’t have to contribute anything to their Harvard cost of attendance. For families that make under $200,000, financial aid will cover the total Harvard tuition, plus some portions of living expenses and other costs. For families making over $200,000, Harvard will work with each family to create a financial aid package to meet their needs. They may still have to pay a portion of the Harvard tuition, but Harvard commits to making it work for each family. 

Harvard’s acceptance rate is just 3%, making it even more competitive than MIT. Low acceptance rates can be intimidating, which is why it’s important to reflect on why MIT vs. Harvard is the right fit for you. Applying to a school you’re genuinely passionate about will keep you motivated and help your application stand out.

So, what is Harvard known for? Harvard stands out for its humanities-based Harvard majors, famous alumni, and its dominating presence in higher education. With a generous financial aid program, a world-famous campus, and excellent resources for its students, attending Harvard comes with its own badge of honor. 

If you want to learn more about Harvard, check out our guides: Harvard University and How to Get Into Harvard. 

Is Harvard a college or a university?

Smaller colleges make up Harvard University. As such, you may hear people refer to Harvard College vs. Harvard University. Harvard College refers to Harvard’s undergraduate program, while Harvard University is the larger whole that encompasses all of Harvard’s schools and colleges.

In addition to Harvard College, Harvard University has graduate and professional schools including Harvard Law School, Harvard Medical School, and Harvard Business School. In total, Harvard University has 13 distinct schools and colleges within its umbrella, covering everything from the sciences to the humanities. 

Harvard Rankings vs. MIT Rankings

Since both MIT and Harvard consistently rank highly across various lists, comparing the two can be challenging. We broke down the current rankings of both schools and provided some context below. This will help you understand how to choose a college and get a clearer perspective on rankings. 

MIT Rankings vs. Harvard Rankings

While MIT tends to rank slightly higher than Harvard overall, it’s important to note that each list has slightly different criteria. For example, U.S. News focuses on criteria such as graduation rates, peer assessment, and financial resources per student. Alternatively, Niche focuses on academic rigor, loan debt and post-graduate earnings, as well as student and alumni surveys to build their lists. 

One factor contributing to MIT’s high ranking is its emphasis on STEM education. Many of MIT’s programs prepare students for high-demand careers, which boosts several ranking categories such as post-graduate earnings. The institution’s reputation as a leader in innovation and research within STEM has further enhanced its position in recent years. However, it’s important to consider the underlying assumption that STEM fields are more valuable than humanities majors, which may give MIT an edge in these rankings.

It’s also important to note that these rankings focus only on undergraduate programs. With Harvard’s strong reputation at the graduate level, its rankings may be higher on more specialized lists. Additionally, many of these rankings are U.S.-centric — when looking at global lists, Harvard often comes out on top. 

Regardless of what list you’re reviewing, you’ll likely see both MIT and Harvard at the top. Both schools have incredible reputations for a reason. The high level of academic rigor, access to the best resources and networking opportunities, and the prestige attached to both schools, make either an excellent choice for any high-achieving student. 

Academics at MIT vs. Harvard

With both MIT and Harvard ranking so highly, as well as their close proximity, academics may be the most important factor when deciding between MIT vs. Harvard. Beyond MIT’s STEM focus and Harvard’s focus on the liberal arts, both schools have distinct educational styles which can greatly impact the student experience. 

Academic approach

MIT’s curriculum focuses on projects, requiring students to problem solve and collaborate closely with classmates. With MIT’s focus on STEM, this educational style mirrors the kinds of work students may find after graduation. MIT’s focus on innovation and research also drives this educational style, encouraging students to spearhead their own projects. 

Harvard bases their educational style in reading, writing, and class discussion. Harvard’s focus on the humanities informs this educational style, encouraging students to engage with core material in thoughtful ways. For students who want to develop their writing skills and participate in debates and discussions, Harvard’s educational style may be a better fit. 

Majors and required courses

Both schools offer small class sizes, ample research opportunities, and strong faculty support for students. As such, choosing between MIT vs. Harvard will likely come down to the types of classes that interest you, your intended major, and the educational environment you’re looking for. As you start deciding which schools to apply to, knowing how to choose a college based on your academic interests is key. 

Knowing what type of bachelor’s degree interests you can help guide your decision. Harvard offers a wide range of programs, including both Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees, while MIT exclusively offers Bachelor of Science degrees. It’s also important to review the required courses and policies. For example, if you’re hoping to use your IB or AP scores for credit, make sure those scores meet the qualifications for credit at your chosen school.

Reviewing each school’s general education requirements can also provide some valuable insight. Since students at MIT pursue Bachelor of Science degrees, you’ll need to complete courses in Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and Biology, regardless of your major. Harvard’s general education requirements, on the other hand, differ greatly. Students must complete several courses spread out across different categories, including Aesthetics & Culture, Ethics & Civics, and Histories, Societies, Individuals. For students with interests in theory, writing, and debate, Harvard’s curriculum may provide a better environment. 

While you’ll find excellent academics at both schools, knowing your personal interests will help you decide which school is best for you. Take some time to explore videos and articles on the student experience — understanding classroom environments and how you’ll collaborate with fellow students can offer important clarity. 

Comparing the Cost of College

Now that we’ve compared MIT vs. Harvard on the academic and rankings front, let’s talk finances. When it comes to cost, the answers to “What is MIT known for?” and “What is Harvard known for?” are very similar. That is to say, both MIT and Harvard tuition rates are extremely high.

As two of the best colleges in Boston — and private ones at that — it’s no surprise that both institutions are expensive. But that doesn’t necessarily put these schools out of reach. Despite the high MIT and Harvard cost of attendance, both schools can still be affordable thanks to their generous financial aid offerings. With the help of need-based financial aid, many students ultimately pay far less than the schools’ advertised “sticker prices” to attend. Note that Harvard and MIT financial aid comes in the form of need-based aid, and not merit-based scholarships.

In the following sections, we’ll take a look at the costs of MIT vs. Harvard. In addition to providing the latest numbers for the Harvard/MIT cost of attendance, we’ll also discuss how financial aid helps students pay for MIT and Harvard tuition costs. To start, let’s answer the question: what is Harvard known for in regards to cost and financial aid?

Harvard Cost

According to the Harvard financial aid website, the estimated Harvard cost for 2025–2026 is as high as $95,426. This is the total cost of attendance, which includes Harvard tuition, housing, and additional expenses like books and transportation. While this is an eye-watering figure, don’t let it dissuade you from your Harvard dreams — most students pay much less.

Annual household income determines student responsibility for the Harvard tuition and fees. For families that make less than $100,000 per year, Harvard financial aid covers the entire cost of college. At up to $200,000 income per year, families can expect Harvard tuition to be covered, with the possibility of more financial aid. Even for families above this threshold, there is some aid available to help with the Harvard cost.

According to the Harvard admissions website, 55% of students receive financial aid, and approximately 25% pay nothing to attend. Harvard financial aid packages consist solely of grants — they don’t include loans. However, the Harvard Loan program is available for families that need extra assistance. Remember that you can also seek outside scholarships and federal loans (if eligible) to help finance your education.

MIT Cost

Now, let’s take a look at the other side of this MIT vs. Harvard comparison. What is MIT known for regarding cost and financial aid?

According to MIT financial aid resources, the annual MIT cost of attendance is approximately $85,960 for 2024–2025. Again, this number includes tuition as well as housing, meals, fees, and more. Comparing MIT vs. Harvard, MIT is clearly less expensive — but is it necessarily more affordable?

Like its neighbor, MIT financial aid is need-based and dependent on factors like annual family income. The income tiers for aid eligibility are also the same regardless of MIT vs. Harvard. That is to say, MIT also covers tuition for families with an annual income under $200,000. Families making under $100,000 don’t need to pay at all, although students need to contribute through work-study.

In the 2023–2024 academic year, 58% of full-time undergraduates received aid; 39% received scholarships equal to or greater than MIT tuition. Median aid awards were as high as $76,825 for families with the highest need. Like Harvard, MIT financial aid packages do not include loans.

Now that we’ve compared the institutional side of MIT vs. Harvard, let’s look at the students. What does it take to gain entry to the best colleges in Boston?

Student profiles at Harvard & MIT

It probably goes without saying, but comparing student academics at MIT vs. Harvard paints two very similar pictures. Both institutions demand excellence from their students: academic performance in AP or IB courses, demonstrated leadership potential, and burning curiosity and passion. But you knew that already. What are the numbers?

Again, we find many similarities in the statistics for MIT vs. Harvard incoming students. According to Harvard’s 2023–2024 Common Data Set, about 74% of incoming students had a 4.0 GPA; over 97% had above 3.5. The median ACT composite score was 35, and the median SAT ERW and SAT Math scores were 760 and 790, respectively. While fewer than 30% of students submitted their class rank, over 99% of them were in the top quarter of their class.

How about MIT? The MIT 2023–2024 Common Data Set doesn’t contain data on class rank or GPA, although they are part of the review process for applicants. Submitting standardized test scores is a requirement, and that data is available. The middle 50% of admitted students for the class of 2028 scored a 35-36 composite on the ACT. For the SAT ERW and SAT Math, the median score ranges were 740–780 and 780–800, respectively.

Like we said, comparing MIT vs. Harvard incoming student profiles gives very similar answers. One interesting area where they differ, though, is in academic interest. Unsurprisingly, MIT majors like engineering and math are more popular among incoming students. On the other hand, Harvard majors are more evenly distributed, with 49% of admitted students aiming for humanities or social sciences. Either way, it’s clear that these best colleges in Boston only take students of the highest caliber.

MIT Application vs. Harvard Application

With so many overlaps in student profiles, you may think the MIT vs. Harvard admissions processes are quite similar. Their applications, however, have some notable differences. 

For starters, MIT has its own application portal — you can’t use the Common Application to apply to MIT. Harvard, meanwhile, accepts the Common App and Coalition App. With that said, both universities are QuestBridge schools, offering scholarship opportunities alongside some of the best liberal arts colleges in the U.S.

Although the application platforms differ for MIT vs. Harvard, they share many of the same requirements. Applicants must submit transcripts, recommendation letters, and other documents along with five short-answer essay questions. Both institutions offer interviews (at their discretion) with local alumni. However, since there is no guarantee of interviews, applications without interviews aren’t adversely affected. Although both schools were test-optional following the COVID-19 pandemic, they now require SAT or ACT scores.

There are also differences in MIT vs. Harvard admissions deadlines. Harvard offers regular decision and restrictive early action; unlike standard early action, restrictive early action forbids students from applying to other early deadlines. However, it’s still non-binding, meaning that you don’t have to attend if you’re accepted. MIT offers a standard early action deadline in addition to a regular decision option. For both schools, the early deadline is on November 1st, and the regular decision deadline is in early January.

Knowing how to choose a college means knowing how to plan your admissions strategy. When assembling your college list, dig deep into application requirements and deadlines so they don’t catch you by surprise. 

Why apply to MIT?

What is MIT known for? Unsurprisingly, Massachusetts Institute of Technology provides one of the world’s best educational experiences in science and technology. But in addition to raw resources, MIT also provides a wealth of opportunities for research and entrepreneurship. The institution’s project-based approach encourages students to take a project from start to finish — whether that’s an open source repository or a startup.

For instance, the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) partners students with faculty and mentors to conduct real research. During an UROP, students go beyond being lab assistants; they actively contribute to the project and propose new ideas. Students can find UROPs in any of the MIT majors, allowing students of all stripes to get valuable research experience. The program is hugely successful, with over 90% of the class of 2024 participating before graduating.

Unsurprisingly, MIT grads have great post-graduation prospects. In 2024, 93% of graduates proceeded directly to employment (44%) or graduate school (49%). The average starting salary for MIT graduates was over $126,000. Nearly half of graduates surveyed took math or computer science jobs, and around 1 in 5 entered engineering or architecture positions. Clearly, MIT sets students up for success throughout their time as undergraduates, and it pays off in the long run.

Is MIT harder than Harvard?

When comparing MIT vs. Harvard, it can be tempting to look for simple answers. What is MIT known for if not being on the cutting edge of research? It must be harder than all-rounder Harvard. But it’s not that simple when comparing MIT vs. Harvard.

MIT has a reputation for academic intensity in STEM and beyond, and for very good reason. Complex problem sets, lab work, and fast-paced technical courses can be overwhelming even for the kind of high achievers at MIT. However, Harvard has its own rigor: core curriculum and a liberal arts angle necessitates lots of reading, writing, and research. In short, weighing MIT vs. Harvard to see which one is harder is moot. They’re both hard, just in different ways.

Fortunately, the faculty and staff at both universities know how rigorous their programs are. Accordingly, both MIT and Harvard offer thorough academic support systems to keep students on track. Office hours let students visit professors and personally discuss questions about coursework. Through tutoring, students can help each other check their knowledge, complete assignments, and dig deeper into particular areas. Personalized academic advising provides opportunities for students to refine their goals and the path they’ll take to get there.

Although it can seem like gaining admittance is the hardest part, it’s only the beginning. Fortunately, even though both MIT and Harvard are extremely rigorous, there’s no shortage of resources to help students thrive. 

Is Harvard more prestigious?

If asked, “What is Harvard known for?”, most people would answer something about it being the world’s top university. While Harvard might be more widely known than MIT, it’s not necessarily more prestigious where it counts. MIT is highly esteemed, not only in STEM fields but also in fields like art and design.

Both schools have stellar reputations across the globe in many disciplines, with alumni on the boards of elite companies and organizations. MIT and Harvard alumni alike find doors open to top jobs, graduate programs, and research opportunities. And as lifelong members of the alumni community, graduates can benefit from networking with fellow alumni long after getting a diploma.

Ultimately, the meaning and value of prestige comes down to college fit. If the answer to, “What is Harvard known for?” isn’t what interests you, then maybe there’s a school that does it better. Rather than zeroing in on rankings and prestige, consider your academic interests and aspirations. How would MIT vs. Harvard vs. some other school help you get there? By thinking of productive answers to these questions, you’ll get a step closer to finding your dream school. 

MIT vs. Harvard: 5 Benefits of Attending Each

We’ve covered a lot of ground comparing MIT vs. Harvard. There are clear upsides to attending these best colleges in Boston — generous financial aid can help with the Harvard or MIT cost, and there’s even cross-enrollment. But each school has its unique benefits, as well. Here’s a short list summarizing 5 benefits of each school.

Five Benefits of MIT and Harvard

In the end, which school is a better fit for you is up to your goals and aims. When making your college list, don’t lose sight of what you want out of college.

MIT vs. Harvard – Takeaways

In this article, we compared MIT vs. Harvard, the two best colleges in Boston. We started with straightforward questions like, “What is MIT known for? What is Harvard known for? How selective are Harvard and MIT admissions?” Then, we dug deeper into our MIT vs. Harvard comparison, looking at rankings, academics, and cost. Specifically, we discussed Harvard tuition and MIT financial aid policies based on family income. We also talked about questions with no solid answer, like questions of rigor and prestige.

If you’ve learned anything from this article, let it be this: knowing how to choose a college means knowing yourself and your needs. While MIT and Harvard are great to have on a resume, the more important consideration is whether they work for you. Whether you’re exploring schools, aiming for Harvard or MIT (or both!), or just figuring out where to start, CollegeAdvisor is here to help. Our admissions experts will guide you every step of the way, from building your college list to celebrating those acceptance letters. Ready to get started? Book a free consultation today!

This article was written by Jessica Klein and Gina Goosby. Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.