Both Harvard University and the University of Cambridge are world-renowned institutions with distinct strengths. Harvard boasts a lower acceptance rate and a massive endowment, facilitating extensive financial aid and resources. Cambridge, while having a higher acceptance rate, excels in research output and offers a unique college system for personalized teaching. The choice depends on individual priorities: Harvard for its prestige and resources, or Cambridge for its research focus and collegiate environment.
| Attribute | Harvard University | University of Cambridge |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | Around 3-4% (Class of 2026, Class of 2028) | Undergraduate: 16%-18% (offer rate 20%-21%). 2023/24 undergraduate offer rate: ~21%. International undergraduate students (2024): ~10.9%. Postgraduate: offer rate 29%-43% |
| Tuition Fees (per year) | Undergraduate: Approximately $57,246 (2023-2024). Total cost of attendance around $86,705 per year (2023-24). Graduate: Vary, ranging between $30,000 and $56,000 (2023-2024), but some programs can be $60,000+ | UK undergraduate: £9,250. International undergraduate: Varies by course |
| Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 7:1 | Not available |
| Research Output (publications per year) | Not available | 375,031 scientific papers published |
| Endowment Size | $53.2 billion (as of June 30, 2024) | £2.62 billion (2024; excluding colleges). Cambridge University Endowment Fund: £4 billion. University group (excluding colleges) 2023: £3.736 billion. 31 colleges collective endowment reserve: £4.582 billion |
| Number of Undergraduate Programs | 50 | 30 undergraduate courses in more than 65 subject areas |
| Number of Graduate Programs | 134 graduate degrees and 32 professional degrees | 300 undergraduate and postgraduate programs |
| Global Ranking (e.g., QS, THE) | U.S. News & World Report: #3 (National Universities). Times Higher Education: #3 (World University Rankings). QS World University Rankings: #4 | QS World University Rankings: 6th. Times Higher Education (THE): 5th |
| Alumni Network Strength | Over 370,000 living alumni | Over 300 alumni groups, serving over 215,000 alumni. Expanding to include everyone with a qualification |
| Campus Size (acres) | Main campus (Cambridge): 209 acres. Allston campus: 358 acres. Longwood Medical Area: 21 acres. Total: 5,000 acres | 617 hectares (1,520 acres). Another source mentions 710 acres. Churchill College: 42 acres |
| Availability of Financial Aid | Yes | Available, including government student loans, Cambridge Bursary Scheme, and College awards. International students have limited options compared to domestic students |
| Job Placement Rate after Graduation | Placement rate stands at 77% for business school graduates. 95% placement rate for graduate students | 95.2%. >70% found full-time paid work. MBA graduates: 86% employability within three months |