Investing in your education is an investment in your future. When choosing a university, it is important to consider their reputation and resources and how you can contribute to them and develop yourself as a learner and leader.
It is true that the United States is home to the Ivy League, a group of 8 of the world's most prestigious universities. However, the US is also home to numerous world-class universities that are on par with the Ivy League in terms of reputation and academic resources.
If you’re looking to study at a world-leading university in the US, it’s crucial that you consider universities outside of the renowned Ivy League —even if you plan to apply to the Ivies too! With different locations, sizes, academic focuses and research opportunities to take into account, you may find that your best-fit university is one you hadn't previously considered, especially if you look westward!
Stanford and Harvard, in particular, are two of the most prestigious technological institutes in the US. Their classes are just as challenging, their professors just as distinguished, their alumni networks just as esteemed, and their acceptance rates just as competitive.
Each university has its own unique academic and extracurricular programs, and some students may prefer one over the other. What makes each university unique, and how do you decide which university is right for you? What is Stanford known for, and is Harvard better?
We're here to help you better understand the differences between Harvard and Stanford, so, keep reading to learn more!
Read on to learn about the differences between Harvard and Stanford!
Harvard vs. Stanford Overview
Harvard University is one of the most highly ranked and globally respected academic institutions in the world. The private, medium-sized liberal arts university offers 4-year undergraduate programs, made up of the undergraduate college and 11 other postgraduate institutions, including the highly ranked Business School, Law School, Medical School and John F. Kennedy School of Government. Founded in 1636, it was named for the college’s first benefactor, the young minister John Harvard, who, upon his death in 1638, left his library and half his estate to the institution.
Harvard Universityis one of the most highly ranked and globally respected academic institutions in the world. The private, medium-sized liberal arts university offers 4-year undergraduate programs and 11 postgraduate institutions, including the highly ranked business school, law school, medical school, and John F. Kennedy School of Government.Founded in 1636, it was named for the college’s first benefactor, the young minister John Harvard, who, upon his death in 1638, left his library and half his estate to the institution.
Did you know:Harvard is the oldest university in the US and has educated seven US presidents!
There are approximately 271,000 Harvard alumni (living) in the United States and another 52,000 located in over 200 countries around the world!
Stanford University is one of the largest college campuses in the United States, sitting on a sprawling 8,180 acres in Palo Alto, California. The private, 4-year liberal arts university is nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley and has a reputation for producing entrepreneurial students who go on to produce, invent, develop and champion globally significant initiatives.
Stanford is home to 18 interdisciplinary research institutes and seven schools on its single campus. It was founded in 1885 by California senator Leland Stanford and his wife, Jane, who sought advice from the presidents of Harvard, Cornell, and MIT on their vision to open a university to “promote the public welfare by exercising and influence on behalf of humanity and civilization.”
Did you know: Stanford is the alma mater of 30 living billionaires and 17 current astronauts!
| Harvard | Stanford | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Cambridge, Massachusetts | Palo Alto, California |
| QS World University Ranking 2022 | 5 | 3 |
| Class of 2025 Acceptance rate | 3.43% | 3.95% (approx) |
| Average GPA | 3.7-4.0 | 3.7-4.0 |
| Average SAT/ACT scores | SAT: 1460-1580ACT: 32-35 | SAT: 1460-1580ACT: 32-35 |
| Tuition | $51,904 USD | $55,473 USD |
| Median starting salary for graduates | $69,000 USD | $93,000 USD |
Location Overview
Stanford is in Northern California on the west coast, while Harvard sits in New England on the east coast. While experiencing the fall foliage of Massachusetts for the first time will be an unforgettable experience for many international students, the year-round clear, blue skies and temperate climate at Stanford is equally attractive.
Which university has a better location? Is Stanford better than Harvard? It all depends on your personal preference. Check out the differences between Harvard and Stanford below!
| Harvard | Stanford | |
|---|---|---|
| Setting | Urban | Suburban |
| City | Cambridge, Massachusetts — across the Charles River from Boston. The campus is a few steps away from the T, which allows students to explore the different nooks both Boston and Cambridge have to offer. As it is also home to many prestigious universities, the city naturally cultivates an intellectual yet vibrant scene. | California's Palo Alto, nicknamed the "Birthplace of Silicon Valley," is a global leader in cutting-edge technological development — perfect for students looking to immerse themselves in the tech world. Palo Alto is also a great place for outdoor enthusiasts, with hiking, outdoor movies, and many other fun activities. |
| Weather | Harvard is located in New England where you can expect all four seasons, from summers averaging 25°C to winters as cold as 0°C. | Summers at Stanford are long, warm, and comfortable while the winters are short, rainy, and partly cloudy. The temperature varies from 6°C to 25°C throughout the year and rarely drops below 3°C or rises above 30°C. |
Academics Overview
Here are a few of the most popular subjects offered at Harvard and Stanford.
Most popular majors at Harvard
- Molecular and Cellular Biology program
- Computer science
- History
- Psychology
- Mathematics
Most popular majors at Stanford
Student Body Overview
| Harvard | Stanford | |
|---|---|---|
| Student-Faculty ratio | 7:1 | 5:1 |
| Total student population | 35,276 | 16,937 |
| Undergraduate population | 5,222 | 7,645 |
| International student size | 15.6% | 12% |
Tuition Overview
Elite universities in the United States typically charge high tuition rates, but the good news is that Ivy League schools and other top universities offer generous financial aid packages (more on that later). Undergraduate tuition rates at Harvard and Stanford for 2021-2022 are $51,904 and $55,473, respectively. After considering additional costs such as fees, accommodation, travel, and personal expenses, the annual cost to attend either Harvard or Stanford is about $74,029 - $85,060.
Harvard vs Stanford 2021–2022 Tuition and Fees
| Harvard | MIT | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $51,904 | $55,510 |
| Room (Housing) and Board (Meal Plan) | $21,130 | $18,100 |
| Total estimated cost of attendance | $85,060 | $77,020 |
Financial Aid/Scholarships Overview
It’s no secret that the sticker price of attending a top university can be quite high. No matter your reasons for pursuing an education, the cost of tuition shouldn't stop you from achieving your goals.
The figures mentioned above may seem out of reach for many, but there are often financial aid opportunities at both Harvard and Stanford!
Typically, students who earn under a certain level of income are not required to pay tuition at Ivy League universities. In fact, over 20% of families at Harvard pay nothing, and over half of Harvard's undergraduate students receive need-based aid through the university's financial aid program.
Similarly, Stanford offers need-based financial aid for all admitted undergraduate students, emphasizing that they do not expect students to take loans to meet their needs. Nearly half of Stanford undergraduates receive need-based financial aid, with families earning less than $75,000 paying no tuition or room and board.
Crimson's Admissions Experts have provided this free resource on if you'd like to learn more.
Extracurriculars Overview
There are more than 450 student organizations at Harvard, including publications, five orchestras, a community service program, 40 intercollegiate athletic teams, and a wide range of other activities - artistic, musical, political, and social.
With over 625 student groups on campus, Stanford boasts a thriving campus with a vibrant community of creative and ambitious students from around the world. Stanford's campus has an abundance of arts and culture, athletics and fitness organizations, and provides excellent opportunities for its graduate students as well.
And when it comes to international opportunities for students, both Stanford and Harvard offer study abroad programs in collaboration with institutions around the world.
Whatever your extracurricular interests are, there will be a club that suits you. You can also create your own student organization if one doesn't exist at Stanford or Harvard! Both universities offer support and encouragement to carve your own path.
Harvard vs Stanford
Application Overview
Harvard and Stanford are highly competitive academic institutions, and applicants must meet minimum GPA requirements. While grades and accolades are important at these top universities, both consider applicants holistically, beyond academics.
Admissions officers at Harvard holistically evaluate every applicant. They look atextracurricular activities, personal interests and endeavors, and their plans beyond university studies. Through essay questions and supplemental information, admissions officers at Harvard want to know how you plan to make the most of your time at the university. Harvard has created anapplication guideline for prospective studentson their website, so don’t forget to check it out.
Stanford also takes a holistic approach in its selection process, examining every aspect of the application as part of an overall assessment of the individual. Admissions officers at Stanford evaluate prospective students based on academic excellence, intellectual vitality, and extracurricular activities, and they pay close attention to each student's unique circumstances in order to determine how you would thrive on Stanford's campus and how you would make an impact on their community.
If you want to learn how to boost your overall application to top universities and make sure your application stands out, download our free eBook on How to Crush Your US College Application!
Which is easier to get into?
Stanford and Harvard have extremely competitive admissions processes, as you are probably aware. Based on these acceptance rates for Harvard and Stanford's Class of 2025, Harvard may be considered easier — by a margin. Nevertheless, whether you choose to apply to Stanford, Harvard, or both, you need to be a top student and submit a holistic application that highlights why you deserve a place at their universities.
You can use ourUS University Admissions calculatorto determine your chances of attending Harvard or Stanford based on your current grades!
Which is better, Harvard or Stanford?
A quality education is guaranteed regardless of which top US university you attend. When narrowing down your university options, remember to prioritize the academics — examine the course descriptions of each university thoroughly and consider attending open days to get a feel for them. It’s also a good idea to reach out to alumni from Harvard or Stanford to hear their perspectives.
To learn more about the other Ivys and what it takes to gain acceptance, check out ourUltimate Guide to Getting into Ivy League Schools. If you still have questions about which universities to apply to, please contact us! We can connect you with one of our academic advisors who can assist you with the admissions process.
Further Reading
- How to get into Ivy League Schools
- Requirements
- How to write the Stanford University Supplemental Essay 2021/22
FAQs
Which school is more prestigious Stanford or Harvard? ›
This year Harvard University is ranked #1 in Best Global Universities. The Ivy League is followed by another highly competitive school, which is the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Meanwhile, US News ranks Stanford University #3 in Best Global Universities.
Which University is better Harvard or Stanford? ›Harvard and Stanford are both top Universities in America. The former lies on the East coast while the latter is on the West Coast of the United Sates. Harvard University is the leading institution of higher learning located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA while Stanford University is located in Stanford, CA, USA.
Why is Harvard more prestigious than Stanford? ›Both Harvard and Stanford are prestigious U.S. universities that are known for high-quality education. Firstly, as far as academics are concerned, Harvard is better known for its law and business programs, whereas Stanford's speciality is engineering and STEM.
Which University is harder to get into Harvard or Stanford? ›if you're worried about admissions, they're both difficult to get into, but Stanford is actually more selective than Harvard is (by a small margin).
Is Stanford as prestigious as Ivy League? ›While Stanford, Duke, and MIT are all clearly prestigious schools with high national rankings and low selectivity rates comparable to those of Ivy League schools, they are not Ivy League schools simply because they are not members of the Ivy League.
Is Harvard better then Stanford? ›Harvard: Rankings. Stanford has an advantage when it comes to ranking. Both schools have a few points of difference on various ranking lists. For example, QS World University ranks Stanford #1 and Harvard #2 for the best business schools in 2022.
What is the 1 University in the world? ›1. Harvard University. Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S. Harvard University is the standard by which all other research universities are measured.
What University is better than Harvard? ›MIT and Stanford are not Ivy League, but rank better than Harvard. Of the American universities in the QS World University Rankings, for example, the highest placed Ivy League university, Harvard, is third, beaten by non-Ivy universities, MIT and Stanford.
Is Stanford one of the hardest schools to get into? ›For example, Stanford, which tops the list of the hardest school to get into in the world, receives on average over 55,000 applications every year. Of these thousands of applications, they admit less than 2,200 students. That's a low, low admission rate of 3.9%.
Is there a University harder than Harvard? ›Princeton University
Princeton University is one of the hardest schools to get into and has one of the lowest acceptance rates of any college in the world. Some might argue it's the hardest Ivy to get into, even though its current acceptance rate is not quite as low as Columbia or Harvard.
What makes Stanford so prestigious? ›
Stanford is one of the world's best research-intensive universities. More than 68 Stanford faculty, staff, and alumni have won the Nobel Prize since 1952, and Stanford has the most Turing award winners (dubbed the 'Nobel Prize of Computer Science') for a single institution.
Is Oxford more prestigious than Harvard? ›Harvard is ranked second in National Universities, first in Global Universities by U.S. News, and first by the Round University Ranking, while Oxford is ranked first in Best Global Universities in Europe, fifth in Best Global Universities by U.S. News, and second by the QS World University Rankings.
What is the #1 hardest school to get into? ›Niche, a ranking and review site, recently published its list of the “2023 Hardest Colleges to Get Into.” Using data from the U.S. Department of Education on various colleges' acceptance rates and SAT/ACT scores, they found, unsurprisingly, Harvard University to be the most difficult college to get into.
What GPA is required for Harvard? ›The GPA requirements for Harvard University are between 3.9 to 4.1. You will need an incredibly high GPA and will likely be graduating at the top of their class in order to get into Harvard University.
Why do people choose Stanford? ›Stanford may be renowned for its demanding courses, rigorous academic standards, and top-notch educational opportunities. This makes a lot of applicants curious about Stanford University.
What is the smartest Ivy League? ›Some Hidden Ivy schools that make the top 25 are: Stanford University (No. 3)
Why do people choose Harvard? ›Harvard's liberal arts and sciences philosophy encourages you to ask difficult questions, explore unfamiliar terrain, and indulge your passion for discovery. Harvard students have access to courses, research institutes, and faculty mentors from all parts of Harvard.
Which is better Yale or Harvard? ›Top-Ranked Programs
Both Harvard and Yale are competitive rivals in academic programs in medicine, law and management. Beyond that, Yale is more popular for drama and music, while Harvard is more regarded for its engineering and government studies.
Founded in 1636 as Harvard College and named for its first benefactor, the Puritan clergyman John Harvard, it is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Its influence, wealth, and rankings have made it one of the most prestigious universities in the world.
What is the most prestigious college in the world? ›
| Rank | Name Country/Region |
|---|---|
| 1 | University of Oxford United Kingdom |
| 2 | Harvard University United States |
| =3 | University of Cambridge United Kingdom |
| =3 | Stanford University United States |
Why Is It So Difficult? It's so difficult to get into Harvard because of the sheer number of well-equipped and well-educated students trying to get in! The school regularly ranks in the top 5 in the country and employers are impressed if you have a degree from there.
What is the #1 best University? ›- #1. Harvard University.
- #2. Princeton University.
- #3. Yale University.
"Harvard and Yale generally duke it out in the academic arena", but geographic proximity, the history of Yale's founding and social competition between the respective student and alumni bodies animate the athletic rivalry.
What schools are as good as Harvard? ›The Ivy League—a conference of eight elite East Coast schools—consists of Harvard University, Yale University, Princeton University, Columbia University, Brown University, Dartmouth College, University of Pennsylvania, and Cornell University.
Where does Harvard rank academically? ›Harvard University's ranking in the 2022-2023 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, #3. Its tuition and fees are $57,261. Located outside Boston in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Harvard University is made up of 12 graduate and professional schools, an undergraduate college and the Harvard Radcliffe Institute.
Is MIT or Stanford harder to get into? ›Admissions. MIT and Stanford both have acceptance rates right around 4%. Technically, for 2020-2022, Stanford's acceptance rate was 3.95% while MIT's was 3.96%, which are essentially exactly the same. That means both schools are very competitive.
What is the most popular degree at Stanford? ›The most popular majors at Stanford University include: Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services; Engineering; Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies; Social Sciences; Mathematics and Statistics; Physical Sciences; Engineering/Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians; Biological and Biomedical Sciences; ...
What GPA can get you into Stanford? ›GPA Requirements
Stanford University doesn't have a required high school GPA for admission. However, academic excellence carries the most weight in the Stanford admissions process. Over 75% of students who gain admission to Stanford have 4.0 GPAs.
Brown is ranked by the Princeton Review as the 10th happiest campus in the country and the happiest school in the Ivy League, and has a general reputation for being the “Happy Ivy.” But why does Brown have this reputation?
Is Harvard very stressful? ›
The report said that undergraduates reported high levels of stress, overwork, concern about measuring up to peers, and inability to maintain healthy coping strategies. It also found that extracurricular activities at Harvard often represented another source of competition and stress.
What is the hardest Ivy academically? ›Harvard University
The most challenging Ivy League school to get into is Harvard, established in 1636 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. According to Harvard Admissions, only 2,008 out of 43,330 candidates were accepted to the college.
Ranking/Reputation wise, they seem to vary. Princeton is 1st for undergraduate rankings. Stanford and Harvard are usually 1st= for world university rankings. And Yale seems to be falling in their rankings in general.
Is MIT or Stanford more impressive? ›Stanford University is ranked by the popular college ranking site #3 in National Universities. It shares the spot with other prestigious institutions, Harvard University and Yale Universities, both of which are Ivy League schools. MIT, meanwhile, is ranked by US News #2 in National Universities.
How elite is Stanford? ›Academic excellence
According to the 2022 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Stanford is tied for the #5 spot among national universities, along with Columbia and MIT.
Oxbridge: History and Traditions. Here is where the differences between the UK and US universities become more apparent. Though Harvard is the oldest university in America, established in 1636, both Cambridge and Oxford predate it by centuries.
Which university is better MIT or Oxford? ›Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is the world's best university, followed by the University of Cambridge, Stanford University, Oxford, and Harvard. This classification is according to the QS World University Ranking 2023, which features 1418 institutions worldwide, and was released this week.
Is Harvard the most prestigious in the world? ›Harvard University
Established in 1636, Harvard University is the oldest higher education institution in the US. It is considered one of the most prestigious universities in the world and has topped the THE World Reputation Rankings since 2011.
- IDEA McAllen (charter), McAllen, Texas.
- Signature School(charter), Evansville, Indiana.
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- Chartered Accountancy.
- Astrophysics.
- Quantum Mechanics.
- Law.
- Aerospace/ Aeronautical Studies, Engineering.
- Biomedical Studies, Neurosciences, Biochemistry.
- Nursing.
- Dentistry, Medicine.
What is the hardest non Ivy League school to get into? ›
Claremont McKenna College, in Claremont, California, has a 13% acceptance rate.
What is the most famous class at Harvard? ›Ben-Shahar taught two of the most popular classes in the history of Harvard University – Positive Psychology 1504 and The Psychology of Leadership – and continues to share his knowledge of topics such as leadership, ethics, happiness, self-esteem, resilience, goal setting, and mindfulness around the world to ...
What is the easiest class at Harvard? ›- Aesthetic and Interpretive Understanding 33: Ancient Fictions: The Ancient Novel in Context. ...
- Anthropology 1010: The Fundamentals of Archaeological Methods and Reasoning. ...
- Culture and Belief 16: Performance, Tradition and Cultural Studies: An Introduction to Folklore and Mythology.
You should also have a 4.18 GPA or higher. If your GPA is lower than this, you need to compensate with a higher SAT/ACT score. For a school as selective as Harvard, you'll also need to impress them with the rest of your application.
What type of students get into Harvard? ›Harvard is looking for students who are more than just academic achievers. They seek outgoing leaders who can positively impact their campus and the world. Admitted students typically have a strong record of involvement in extracurricular activities, such as sports, music, theater, community service, or other pursuits.
How much does a dorm room cost at Harvard? ›...
| Expense | On Campus |
|---|---|
| Room and Board | $18,941 |
| — Housing | $11,705 |
| — Meals | $7,236 |
| Other Living Expenses | $2,600 |
Harvard University's SAT scores for admitted students range from 1480 - 1580, with an average score of 1530. Although SAT scores are optional, we recommend that students aim for a good SAT score of at least 1530 to be competitive in the admissions process at Harvard University.
Is Stanford the most prestigious school? ›Stanford University Rankings
Stanford University is ranked #3 out of 443 National Universities. Schools are ranked according to their performance across a set of widely accepted indicators of excellence. Read more about how we rank schools.
Harvard University
Established in 1636, Harvard University is the oldest higher education institution in the US. It is considered one of the most prestigious universities in the world and has topped the THE World Reputation Rankings since 2011.
It utilizes a quarter-based academic calendar. Stanford University's ranking in the 2022-2023 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, #3. Its tuition and fees are $56,169. Stanford University's pristine campus is located in California's Bay Area, about 30 miles from San Francisco.
What is the number one university in the world? ›
Harvard University
United States|Cambridge (U.S.)
Harvard University
This Ivy League school is the oldest higher education institution in the country and has the largest endowment of any school in the world. Harvard University is a private institution in Cambridge, Massachusetts, just outside of Boston.
| Rank | Name Country/Region |
|---|---|
| 1 | University of Oxford United Kingdom |
| 2 | Harvard University United States |
| =3 | University of Cambridge United Kingdom |
| =3 | Stanford University United States |
"Harvard and Yale generally duke it out in the academic arena", but geographic proximity, the history of Yale's founding and social competition between the respective student and alumni bodies animate the athletic rivalry.
Is Yale more prestigious than Harvard? ›For instance, in the Wall Street Journal rankings, Harvard is ranked the nation's top college overall, which means that it's also the highest-ranked Ivy League school. On the other hand, Yale is ranked fourth nationally, which is second highest among Ivy League schools.
What degree is Harvard known for? ›The most popular majors at Harvard University include: Social Sciences, General; Biology/Biological Sciences, General; Mathematics, General; Computer and Information Sciences, General; History, General; Physical Sciences, General; Psychology, General; Engineering, General; and Foreign Languages and Literatures, General ...
What major is Stanford known for? ›The most popular majors at Stanford University include: Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services; Engineering; Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies; Social Sciences; Mathematics and Statistics; Physical Sciences; Engineering/Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians; Biological and Biomedical Sciences; ...
Why is Stanford not an ivy? ›Ivy League schools may have prestige and history, but they aren't the only great universities in the U.S. Schools like Stanford, MIT, and the University of Chicago often outrank Ivies in terms of academics. However, since they aren't in the same athletic conference, they technically aren't Ivy League schools.
Why do people go to Stanford? ›Stanford may be renowned for its demanding courses, rigorous academic standards, and top-notch educational opportunities. This makes a lot of applicants curious about Stanford University.