Academic Comparison between Harvard and Stanford University

Harvard University and Stanford University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, private (not-for-profit). Harvard is located in Cambridge, MA and Stanford University is located in Stanford, CA.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Both schools are four-year, private (not-for-profit) schools.
  • Stanford University has more expensive tuition & fees ($62,484) than Harvard ($59,076).
  • It is harder to admit to Harvard than Stanford University.
  • Both Harvard and Stanford University have the same submitted SAT scores (1,550).
  • Both Harvard and Stanford University have the same submitted ACT scores (35).
  • Harvard has more students with 30,631 students while Stanford University has 18,283 students.
  • Stanford University has a lower number of students per faculty with 5 to 1 while Harvard's ratio is 7 to 1.
  • Stanford University has more full-time faculties with 3,724 faculties while Harvard has 2,120 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Harvard Universityvs.Stanford University
Cambridge, MassachusettsLocationStanford, California
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
$59,0762024 Tuition & Fees$62,484
46%% Receiving Financial Aid63%
$55,433Average Amount of Financial Aid$56,737
3.00 %Acceptance Rates4.00 %
84.02 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)81.01 %
1,550SAT Score1,550
35ACT Score35
97 %Graduation Rate95 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
98 %Retention Rate98 %
30,631Student Population18,283
2,120Number of Faculties3,724
7 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio5 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare
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