Academic Comparison between Stanford and Harvard

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

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 has more expensive tuition & fees ($65,910) than Harvard ($61,676).
  • It is harder to admit to Stanford than Harvard.
  • Both Stanford and Harvard have the same submitted SAT scores (1,550).
  • Both Stanford and Harvard have the same submitted ACT scores (35).
  • Harvard has more students with 30,259 students while Stanford has 18,625 students.
  • Stanford has a lower number of students per faculty with 6 to 1 while Harvard's ratio is 7 to 1.
  • Stanford has more full-time faculties with 4,218 faculties while Harvard has 2,117 full-time faculties.
Which school is more in your mind and would you like to go to?
Stanford Harvard
Vote to see the other's choices.

Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Stanford Universityvs.Harvard University
Stanford, CaliforniaLocationCambridge, Massachusetts
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)
$65,9102025 Tuition & Fees$61,676
66%% Receiving Financial Aid50%
$58,449Average Amount of Financial Aid$59,539
3.61 %Acceptance Rates3.65 %
81.91 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)83.60 %
1,550SAT Score1,550
35ACT Score35
92 %Graduation Rate98 %
1 %Transfer-out Rate-
98 %Retention Rate98 %
18,625Student Population30,259
4,218Number of Faculties2,117
6 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio7 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services
More Rivals