Is Harvard better than MIT?

MIT and Harvard are equally prestigious universities based in Cambridge, a nearby city of Boston. While MIT focuses primarily on science, math, and technology, Harvard offers a variety of liberal arts and sciences programs.

Is MIT better than Ivy League schools?

Stanford, MIT, and Duke are shining examples of this. When the Ivy League was established, these institutions didn't have notably robust athletic programs, hence their exclusion. However, their academic performance is often at par with, and sometimes surpasses their Ivy League counterparts.

Is it Harder to Get Into Harvard or MIT?

According to the acceptance rate, Harvard is harder to get into. Both Harvard and MIT are highly selective universities.

MIT vs Harvard: Which College To Choose?

Have trouble deciding between attending MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) or Harvard University? Both are highly prestigious and rank among the top universities in the world. They are well-known for their excellent academic programs and are considered among the best universities in the United States. How do you choose between these two great options? Don't worry, there is a solution. We have compared these two universities in detail in this blog post. Go through it because we have addressed all your potential questions.

While getting admitted to these universities is very competitive, our Premium Yocket members do not need to be concerned about this. We provide technology-assisted tools and personalized end-to-end services. Yocket offers unbiased counseling to help you gain admission to the best universities worldwide. Our services have enabled over 3,000 Yocket students to study at universities ranked among the global top 100. Furthermore, more than 300 Yocket students have been admitted to Ivy League Schools. Instead of worrying, you can join the Yocket family. Explore Yocket Premium now!

Table of Content

1. MIT Vs. Harvard: Overview
2. MIT Vs. Harvard: Factors to Consider
3. Choosing Between MIT vs Harvard: How to Decide?
4. From the Desk of Yocket

Get a personalized list of top universities and courses tailored just for you by our experts

Country you aspire to study in

Year you plan to start in

MIT vs Harvard: Overview

Let us look at both universities before moving to which university to choose.

MIT University (est. 1861): Cambridge, Massachusetts

Source

MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) is one of the most prestigious and well-known universities for science and technology education in the United States and around the world. It is widely recognized for its excellent academic resources and advanced research facilities. While MIT is renowned for its strengths in engineering, computer science, physics, mathematics, and other scientific fields, it also offers a broad range of academic programs across various disciplines. These include architecture, management, humanities, and social sciences.

MIT QS World Rankings 2025	1
Student-to-Faculty Ratio	3 to 1
Acceptance Rate	4%
Top Courses	Computational Thinking using Python, Circuits and Electronics, Computer Science, Artificial intelligence, Calculus, Data Science, Introduction to Algorithms, Mathematics

Harvard University (est. 1636): Cambridge, Massachusetts

Source

Harvard University is considered one of the best universities, not just in the United States but across the world. It is renowned for its excellent faculty members, modern facilities, and high-quality research output. Harvard has an enrollment of over 20,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs.

Harvard University provides exceptional educational quality, practical hands-on learning opportunities, and ample employment prospects for its international students. After completing their Master of Science (MS) in Business Administration (MBA) from Harvard University, students will be well-equipped to undertake extensive research in their respective fields.

Harvard QS World Ranking 2025	4
Student-to-Faculty Ratio	7 to 1
Acceptance Rate	3.59%
Top Courses	Biology, Economics, English, History, Political Science, Psychology, Social Sciences

MIT vs Harvard: Factors to Consider

Factors	MIT	Harvard
Rankings	#2 US News 2024 #1 QS World University 2025 #3 Times Higher Education 2024	#3 US News 2024 #4 QS World University 2025 #4 Times Higher Education 2024
Subject Strength	#3 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2024 #1 for Data Science and Analytics by QS World University 2024	#1 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2024 #5 for Data Science and Analytics by QS World University 2024
Acceptance Rate	4%	3.59%
Exam Score	PTE - 70 IELTS - 7.5 TOEFL - 100	GMAT - 620 GRE - 326 IELTS - 6.5
Tuition Fees	Average Tuition Fees USD 79,850 (INR 66,65,000)	Average Tuition Fees USD 60,000 (INR 49,97,580)
Top Recruiters	McKinsey & Company, Bain & Company, The Boston Consulting Group, Amazon, Verizon, Goldman Sachs, Apple, etc.	Adobe, eBay, Facebook, Google, IBM, Morgan Stanley, Deloitte, Johnson & Johnson, BCG, etc.
Median Salary	USD 1,70,000 or INR 1,41,89,730	USD 1,75,000 or INR 1,45,90,620

Explore Destinations

Choosing Between MIT vs Harvard: How to Decide?

Choosing between MIT and Harvard is a significant decision that will shape your academic path and prospects. Both institutions are globally renowned for their excellence, with MIT's strength in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), while Harvard excels across a broader range of disciplines.

MIT's concentrated STEM focus and cutting-edge facilities foster a tight-knit community, while Harvard's larger size offers diverse academic opportunities beyond STEM. Consider factors like acceptance rates, costs, research prospects, and program alignment with your interests to determine whether MIT's specialized STEM approach or Harvard's multidisciplinary offerings better suit your goals.

From the Desk of Yocket

Choosing between MIT and Harvard requires evaluating your interests and aspirations. Both universities boast exceptional programs, pioneering research, and esteemed faculties. MIT offers a concentrated focus on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), fostering a close-knit community. Conversely, Harvard provides a broader array of academic disciplines across arts, sciences, and humanities. Consider factors like desired fields of study, campus culture, location preferences, and financial aid opportunities when choosing between these prestigious options.

Not sure which top-ranked university aligns best with your profile and goals? Connect with our Yocket professionals for expert guidance. We'll assess your candidacy, address your concerns, and provide comprehensive support throughout the study abroad journey. Schedule a consultation call today!