Harvard University and ETH Zurich are both world-renowned institutions, but they cater to different student profiles. Harvard, with its extremely selective admissions, generous financial aid, and focus on a broad range of disciplines, is ideal for students seeking a well-rounded education and extensive resources. ETH Zurich, with its emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and lower tuition fees, is a strong choice for students seeking a focused education in STEM fields and a diverse international environment. The choice depends on individual academic interests, financial considerations, and preferred learning environment.
| Attribute | Harvard University | ETH Zurich |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | Around 3-4% (Class of 2028: around 4%) | Approximately 27% for international students |
| Tuition Fees (per year) | Families earning less than $85,000 typically pay nothing (generous financial aid packages available) | Approximately CHF 1,500 (around $1,600 USD or EUR 1460) for international students |
| Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 7:1 | Approximately 100:1, QS faculty student ratio score of 71.7, THE reports 15.8 students per staff |
| Research Output (publications per year) | Very high research activity (R1). Biomedical research is an area of particular strength. | Known for cutting-edge research and innovation, producing excellent results and solutions to current challenges |
| Endowment Size | $53.2 billion (as of June 30, 2024) | Approximately 400 million euros |
| Number of Undergraduate Programs | 50 | 24 |
| Number of Graduate Programs | 134 graduate degrees and 32 professional degrees | 52 Master programs and 26 PhD programs |
| Global Ranking (e.g., QS, THE) | #1 in Best Global Universities 2025, #3 in National Universities by U.S. News and World Report (2025), #3 in the world by Times Higher Education, #4 on the QS World University Rankings | 7th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2025, 11th in Times Higher Education (THE) |
| Faculty Awards (Nobel laureates, Fields Medalists) | Connections to more than 45 Nobel laureates. Over 150 Nobel Prize winners among faculty, alumni, and researchers. | 22 Nobel laureates, 2 Fields Medalists, 3 Pritzker Prize winners, and 1 Turing Award winner |
| Campus Size (acres/hectares) | Main campus: 209 acres (85 ha) in Cambridge; 358-acre campus in Allston | 320,662 square meters |
| Student Diversity (percentage of international students) | 23% of total students are international (6,793 in 2024-2025). For undergraduates in 2023-2024: 14.5% international, 11.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.4% Black or African American, 31.6% White, and 23.5% Asian | 44% |
| Graduation Rate | Around 97-98% | Not available |
| Cost of Living | Not available | Estimated around EUR 2814 per month |
| Support for students with diverse learning needs or disabilities | Inclusive environment for students with diverse learning needs | Information is not available |
| Campus safety and security measures | Available | Information is not available |