Universities: ETH Zurich vs. Harvard University

Quick Verdict

ETH Zurich offers a more affordable education with a strong international presence and industry connections, while Harvard boasts a higher global ranking, lower acceptance rate, and larger research endowment. Student satisfaction is a concern for both institutions, albeit for different reasons.

ETH Zurich has a higher international student percentage (44%) compared to Harvard (27%).
ETH Zurich's tuition fees are significantly lower than Harvard's, although potential fee increases are coming.
Harvard has a much lower acceptance rate (around 3%) compared to ETH Zurich (27%).
Harvard has a larger endowment fund for research compared to ETH Zurich.
ETH Zurich has strong industry partnerships, while information is not available for Harvard.
ETH Zurich's student satisfaction rate has decreased, while Harvard's student satisfaction is lower than peer institutions regarding faculty interaction and social life quality.

Key features – Side-by-Side

Attribute	ETH Zurich	Harvard University
Global Ranking	QS World University Rankings 2026: #7, QS Europe Rankings 2025: #1 in Europe, THE World University Rankings 2024: #11 worldwide	Ranked #5 in QS World University Rankings 2026, Ranked 3rd in Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025, Generally ranked among the top universities in the world.
Research Output Volume	Known for cutting-edge research and innovation	Large, highly residential research university. In 2023, 11,095 degrees were awarded.
Faculty-Student Ratio	Approximately 15.8	7:1
International Student Percentage	44%	Approximately 27% of all students as of Fall 2024. Nearly 7,000 international students from 147 countries in 2024/2025.
Tuition Fees (per year)	Approximately CHF 1,500 (around $1,600 USD), CHF 730 per semester for all Bachelor's and Master's students. New regulation starting Autumn 2025 may triple tuition fees for some students.	$59,076 for 2023-2024, $53,968 for 2024-2025, $57,328 for 2025-2026. Estimated total cost of attendance is $86,705 per year.
Acceptance Rate	Approximately 27%	Around 3%, 3.59% for the Class of 2028.
Number of Programs Offered	24 Bachelor's, 52 Master's, 26 PhD, 87 Continuing Education	50 undergraduate majors, 134 graduate degrees, 32 professional degrees, Over 50 Harvard majors.
Research Funding Available	Various internal and external opportunities; Grants Office support	Largest endowment fund of any university globally.
Industry Partnerships	Strong partnerships supported by ETH Industry Relations, ETH-HSG Manufacturing Alliance with 13 industrial partners	Not available
Campus Facilities Quality	Two main locations: Zentrum in Zurich and H ewblock. Harvard finished construction on the Smith Campus Center and concluded renovations of Winthrop House and Lowell House.	Upperclassmen live in twelve residential houses with dining halls, libraries, and recreational facilities. Harvard finished construction on the Smith Campus Center and concluded renovations of Winthrop House and Lowell House.
Career Services Effectiveness	Employment outcomes ranking in 2025 was 87.2	65% University Satisfaction
Student Satisfaction Rate	62% in 2021 (down from 82% in 2015)	3.95 on a five-point scale. Lower ratings than peer institutions for interaction with faculty and quality of social life.

Overall Comparison

ETH Zurich: QS Rank #7, 44% Int'l Students, 27% Acceptance Rate, ~$1,600 Tuition. Harvard: QS Rank #5, 27% Int'l Students, ~3% Acceptance Rate, ~$57,000 Tuition.

Pros and Cons

ETH Zurich

Pros:

Strong global rankings
High research output
Significant international student percentage
Available research funding
Strong industry partnerships
Good career services effectiveness
Support for international students (visa assistance, cultural integration)
Research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students
Support for innovation and entrepreneurship

Cons:

Decreased student satisfaction rate
Highly competitive acceptance rate
Potential tripling of tuition fees for some students starting in Autumn 2025

Harvard University

Pros:

Strong focus on interdisciplinary learning and research
Offers double degree programs and unique majors
Academic flexibility
Comprehensive financial aid program
Offers many extracurricular opportunities, including over 450 student organizations and 125 community service programs
Offers various resources to support students' mental health, including counseling and mental health services, student support groups, and peer counseling programs
Supports international students in terms of visa assistance and cultural integration

Cons:

Students gave lower ratings than students at peer institutions to the level of interaction with faculty members and the quality of social life
Students who submit work that is either not their own or lacks clear attribution to its sources will be subject to disciplinary action

User Experiences and Feedback

ETH Zurich

What Users Love

Provides information on entry requirements, residence permits, insurance, and employment for international students.
Promotes intercultural exchange by having foreign exchange students live and study with local students.
Offers fully funded international internships to undergraduate and graduate students.
Emphasizes rigorous standards in academic writing and mandates proper citation of all sources to avoid plagiarism.
Offers various programs, funding options like the Pioneer Fellowship, and mentorship programs to support aspiring entrepreneurs.

Common Complaints

Student satisfaction rate decreased from 82% in 2015 to 62% in 2021.

Value Perception

No value feedback reported.

Harvard University

What Users Love

No highlights reported.

Common Complaints

No major complaints reported.

Value Perception

No value feedback reported.