Harvard University vs. Stanford University Overview
You’re wrestling with a tough question: “Should I go to Harvard University or Stanford University?“
Harvard University
Stanford University
Can you get in?
Calculate Your ChancesCan you get in?
Calculate Your ChancesThis complete guide analyzes both the quantitative and qualitative differences between Harvard University and Stanford University. This comparison is particularly valuable at understanding the cultural nuances between the colleges since it uses student videos to capture the “vibes” of campus - these videos are exclusively available on CampusReel :)
Differences between Harvard University and Stanford University
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s go through a general overview of the high-level differences between Harvard University and Stanford University. The table below summarizes some of the most important statistics around competitiveness, costs, etc.
| Harvard University | Stanford University | |
|---|---|---|
| In-state Tuition | $45,278 | $46,320 |
| Net Price | $17,882 | $13,857 |
| Average Financial Aid | $48,524 | $48,029 |
| Total Undergraduates | 7333 | 6994 |
| Average SAT Scores | 1400 - 1600 | 1390 - 1580 |
| Acceptance Rate | 6 | 5 |
| Location | Massachusetts Hall | N/A |
| City Name | Cambridge | Stanford |
WARNINGS: Based on net price alone, Stanford University is the cheaper option. However, this sticker price may not adequately represent the difference in living costs between Cambridge and Stanford. Harvard University is in a New England and Stanford University is in a Mountain - sometimes off campus meals and housing costs can dramatically vary between schools
Is Harvard University or Stanford University Harder to get into? Which school is easier to get into?
If you’re looking at acceptance rate alone, then Stanford University is more difficult to get into. However, each college is looking to fill its incoming class with a variety of students with different strengths, backgrounds, etc.
Therefore, the acceptance rate alone is not a good indicator that Stanford University is a better school or will be more difficult for you specifically to get into. On the flipside, Harvard University is easier to get into based on acceptance rate alone.
You can use the below college admissions predictor to determine your likelihood of acceptance at either school.
How Do Harvard University Dorms Compare to housing Options at Stanford University?
Both colleges provide on-campus living options. Harvard University charges for on-campus living, while Stanford University charges N/A for on-campus living. Most importantly, though, check out the video below for a sample of dorm tours at each school.
Harvard University and Stanford University student body differences
The table below helps demonstrate the student body differences as well.
| Harvard University, % | Stanford University,% | |
|---|---|---|
| White | 43.99 | 37.37 |
| Hispanic | 10.23 | 15.329999999999998 |
| Black | 6.4399999999999995 | 6.08 |
| Foreign | 11.07 | 8.75 |
| Others | 28.3 | 32.5 |
How different is the Harvard University campus compared to Stanford University campus?
The Harvard University campus is located in Cambridge, MA and is characterized as City: Midsize (population of at least 100,000 but less than 250,000). The Stanford University campus is located in Stanford, CA and is characterized as Suburb: Large (outside principal city, in urbanized area with population of 250,000 or more).
Which school gives more financial aid?
Harvard University provides $48,524 whereas Stanford University provides an average of $48,029.
How does Harvard University academics compare to Stanford University?
When analyzing academics between Harvard University and Stanford University we’ll look at both what current students are studying and also where they end up after graduation. After all, college should prepare you for a career! Analyzing each school’s outcomes is super valuable to understand the value of the degree.
| Majors | Harvard University | Stanford University |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture agriculture operations and related sciences | N/A | N/A |
| Natural resources and conservation | 16 | N/A |
| Architecture and related services | N/A | N/A |
| Area ethnic cultural gender and group studies | 24 | 45 |
| Communication journalism and related programs | N/A | 21 |
| Computer and information sciences and support services | 131 | 273 |
| Communications technologies technicians and support services | N/A | N/A |
| Personal and culinary services | N/A | N/A |
| Engineering | 78 | 345 |
| Education | N/A | N/A |
| Engineering technologies and engineering related fields | N/A | 54 |
Which is better: Harvard University or Stanford University?
We’ve compared dorm life, costs, outcomes and more to provide the most complete comparison between Harvard University and Stanford University. But, you’re smart enough to know that numbers paint a terrible picture for truly understanding what each college and community is like. And, the real answer to which school is better is: the school that’s right for you. No matter who you ask, if they know what they’re talking about, the answer is the same: the “better” school is whatever is the best fit for you personally. That’s why it’s extremely important to check out all the videos on CampusReel for each school.
How does Harvard University social life compare to Stanford University?
It’s tough to understand the nuances of social life with data alone. That’s why we’ve brought in real student videos to show how Harvard University social life differs from Stanford University.
Check here.
Check here.