Harvard University distinguishes itself with a lower acceptance rate, a significantly larger endowment, and more comprehensive mental health support services. Both universities maintain strong global rankings and alumni networks, with a shared commitment to sustainability. Cambridge provides personalized teaching and undergraduate research opportunities, while Harvard offers a great extracurricular life and networking opportunities.
| Attribute | Harvard University | University of Cambridge |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | Around 3-4%. For the Class of 2028, the acceptance rate was 3.59%. | Undergraduate: ~21% (overall), ~21.4% (international). Postgraduate: 29%-43%. Varies by course, e.g., Law and Medicine ~10%. |
| Tuition and Fees | Full-time tuition for Harvard College is approximately $54,032 per year. Tuition and fees amount to $57,261. The total cost of attendance for 2023-2024 was $86,794. | Home (UK) students: £9,535/year (starting 2025). International: INR 25 L to INR 76 L/year. Subject to inflationary increases. |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 7:1 | Approximately 10:1 (undergraduates). |
| Research Output | Harvard is a leading research university with significant advances in various fields. | Not available |
| Endowment Size | $53.2 billion as of June 30, 2024. | Not available |
| Global Ranking (QS 2026) | #5 | #6 |
| Global Ranking (THE 2025) | #1 | #5 |
| Global Ranking (US News & World Report 2024) | Not available | #6 |
| Number of Undergraduate Programs | Offers study in a wide range of undergraduate academic disciplines. Harvard strongly focuses on interdisciplinary learning and research, offering double degree programs, unique majors, and academic flexibility in 92 areas of study. | Not available |
| Number of Graduate Programs | Offers study in a wide range of graduate academic disciplines. Comprises 12 graduate and professional schools. | Not available |
| Campus Size | Main campus in Cambridge: 209 acres. Allston campus: 358 acres. Medical campus in Longwood Medical Area, Boston: 21 acres. The university spans over 5,000 acres, including the main Cambridge campus, the Allston campus, and other landholdings. | Not available |
| Student Diversity | The undergraduate population represents all 50 states and over 80 countries. The enrolled student population is 32.6% White, 14.8% Asian, 9.23% Hispanic or Latino, 6.44% Black or African American, 4.3% Two or More Races, 0.207% American Indian or Alaska Native, and 0.109% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders. | Not available |
| Alumni Network Strength | Harvard's alumni network is strong and active. Alumni include 8 U.S. presidents, several foreign heads of state, and numerous Nobel laureates. | Strong alumni network (92 Nobel Prize affiliates) |
| Career Services Quality | Great extracurricular life and the ability to network with alumni, staff, and other students to reach your goals career-wise. | Not available |
| Mental Health Support | Offers short-term counseling and support, 24/7 mental health hotline, and a virtual health and wellbeing platform. | Variations in mental health support across colleges. Mental Health Advice Service (MHAS) requires a staff referral. |
| Sustainability | Dedicated to confronting climate change and global sustainability. | Committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility. |