Universities: ETH Zurich vs. Harvard University
Quick Verdict
Both ETH Zurich and Harvard University are top-ranked institutions with distinct strengths. Harvard excels in personalized attention and financial resources, while ETH Zurich offers lower tuition fees and a more international student body.
- Harvard has a significantly lower faculty-student ratio than ETH Zurich, allowing for more personalized attention.
- ETH Zurich has a higher percentage of international students compared to Harvard.
- Harvard's tuition fees are considerably higher than ETH Zurich's, especially for domestic students.
- Harvard boasts a much larger endowment than ETH Zurich (data unavailable for ETH Zurich).
Key features – Side-by-Side
| Attribute | ETH Zurich | Harvard University |
|---|---|---|
| Global Ranking (QS 2026) | 7th | 5th |
| Faculty-Student Ratio | 100:1 | 7:1 |
| International Student Percentage | 35% | 27% |
| Tuition Fees (per year) | CHF 1460 (Swiss/Liechtenstein); CHF 4380 (Foreign, starting 2025) | $54,032 |
| Endowment (approximate) | Not Available | $50.7 billion (2023) |
Overall Comparison
Ranking: Close; Faculty/Student: Harvard wins; Int'l Students: ETH Zurich wins; Tuition: ETH Zurich wins; Endowment: Harvard wins
Pros and Cons
ETH Zurich
Pros:
- Strong academic reputation in science and technology
- High global rankings
- Cutting-edge research and innovation
- Strong alumni network
- Sustainability focus
Cons:
- High student-to-faculty ratio
- Decreased student satisfaction reported in 2021
- Limited on-campus housing for international students
- Increased tuition fees for foreign students starting in 2025
Harvard University
Pros:
- Global academic reputation
- High research activity and funding
- Low faculty-student ratio
- Significant scholarship opportunities
- Diverse program variety
- Strong alumni network
- Top global rankings
Cons:
- High tuition fees
- Specific career services and placement rates not available
User Experiences and Feedback
ETH Zurich
What Users Love
- Proud to study at ETH (83% of respondents)
- Feel welcome (84% of respondents)
- Lecturers are available to answer questions outside of class (78% of students)
Common Complaints
- Student satisfaction decreased from 82% in 2015 to 62% in 2021
Value Perception
- No value feedback reported.
Harvard University
What Users Love
- Dynamic and diverse academic environment
- Rigorous courses and meaningful discussions
- Intellectual curiosity
- Diverse student community
Common Complaints
- No major complaints reported.
Value Perception
- No value feedback reported.