Georgia Tech vs Harvard

Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus and Harvard University, two prestigious institutions of higher learning, offer distinct educational experiences. Georgia Tech, known for its strength in STEM fields, boasts a lower acceptance rate and a higher percentage of male students compared to Harvard. On the other hand, Harvard, with its rich history and diverse academic offerings, attracts a larger international student population and offers a wider range of majors in the humanities and social sciences. Both universities excel in research and provide ample opportunities for extracurricular involvement, but their unique characteristics may appeal to different types of students. Explore our comprehensive comparison table to discover more about these institutions, including their graduation rates, popular majors, and student body demographics, and make an informed decision about your academic journey.
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus logo

Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus

Harvard University logo

Harvard University

Overview

Location Atlanta, Georgia Cambridge, Massachusetts
Campus setting City: Large City: Midsize
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Public Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system Semester Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 97.0% 96.0%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 16.0% 4.0%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $75

Graduate: $75
Undergraduate: $75

Graduate: $105
SAT range 1310 - 1500 1480 - 1580
ACT range 30 - 34 33 - 36
Students submitting SAT score 53.0% 54.0%
Students submitting ACT score 36.0% 31.0%
Total number of applicants 44,048 57,786
Total number of admissions given out 7,030 2,318
Admitted students who chose to enroll 3,453 1,951
Yield rate 49.1% 84.2%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Not required
Recommendation letters Not required Required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Not required Not required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price
In state: $32,698

Out of state: $53,810
$78,028
Average net price $17,360 $13,910
Tuition
In state: $10,258

Out of state: $31,370
$51,143
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $6,918

Meal plan: $5,328
Room/dormitory: $11,705

Meal plan: $7,236
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Prepaid tuition plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

70.0%
Average amount $14,015
56.0%
Average amount $59,840
Students receiving federal student loan 22.0%
Average amount $4,919
3.0%
Average amount $5,180
Students taking out private loans 5.0%
Average amount $13,058
2.0%
Average amount $8,080

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 17,461
Men 60.2% Women 39.8%
9,579
Men 49.0% Women 51.0%
Graduate students 26,398
Men 74.0% Women 26.0%
21,766
Men 46.3% Women 53.7%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Moderate
Moderate
Out-of-state students 40.2% N/A
International students 26.6% 23.9%
Campus local/setting City: Large City: Midsize
Dormitory capacity 8,667 12,874
First year students are required to live on campus? No Yes
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from Georgia Florida New Jersey North Carolina New York New York California Texas Illinois New Jersey

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Engineering
  • Computer and Information Science
  • Business
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
  • Architecture
  • Business
  • Health Professions
  • Social Sciences
  • Education
  • Legal Profession
Students to faculty ratio 14:1 7:1
Institutional accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges New England Commission on Higher Education

Outcome

Graduation rate 91.9% 96.7%
Dropout rate 2.2% 2.0%
Transferred out 4.7% N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $122,073
  • Year 2: $127,034
  • Year 3: $137,753
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $121,610
  • Year 2: $111,196
  • Year 3: $137,409
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $89,428
  • Year 2: $91,152
  • Year 3: $110,089
Computer Science (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $98,509
  • Year 2: $92,632
  • Year 3: $108,748
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $94,709
  • Year 2: $101,406
  • Year 3: $106,452
Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $90,098
  • Year 2: $90,983
  • Year 3: $100,683
Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $81,067
  • Year 2: $83,270
  • Year 3: $97,066
Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $85,001
  • Year 2: $85,834
  • Year 3: $91,491
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $74,050
  • Year 2: $73,992
  • Year 3: $87,541
Industrial Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $74,354
  • Year 2: $76,283
  • Year 3: $86,996
Statistics (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $78,193
  • Year 2: $128,716
  • Year 3: $240,408
Law (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $184,307
  • Year 2: $165,340
  • Year 3: $199,043
Business Administration, Management and Operations (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $171,333
  • Year 2: $171,907
  • Year 3: $187,553
Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $140,072
  • Year 2: $128,737
  • Year 3: $163,896
Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences (Graduate/Professional Certificates)
  • Year 1: $151,371
  • Year 2: $174,023
  • Year 3: $163,512
Public Health (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $123,508
  • Year 2: $117,916
  • Year 3: $129,281
Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $106,421
  • Year 3: $121,832
Applied Mathematics (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $102,707
  • Year 2: $90,856
  • Year 3: $121,771
Education, General (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $97,905
  • Year 2: $98,670
  • Year 3: $107,389
Dentistry (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $68,745
  • Year 2: $71,486
  • Year 3: $106,375

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the primary academic focuses of Georgia Tech and Harvard?

    Georgia Tech excels in STEM fields, particularly engineering, computer science, and related technologies. It's renowned for its hands-on, research-oriented approach. Harvard, while strong across many disciplines, is particularly distinguished in the humanities, social sciences, law, medicine, and business. It offers a broader liberal arts education alongside its professional schools.

  • How do the campus environments differ between Georgia Tech and Harvard?

    Georgia Tech's campus is located in the heart of Atlanta, a major urban center, offering students access to numerous tech companies and a vibrant city life. Harvard's campus is situated in Cambridge, Massachusetts, a smaller city with a strong academic atmosphere, close to Boston's cultural and historical attractions. Georgia Tech has a more modern, tech-focused feel, while Harvard boasts a historic, traditional Ivy League aesthetic.

  • What is the typical class size and student-faculty ratio at each institution?

    Georgia Tech generally has larger class sizes, especially in introductory courses, with a student-faculty ratio around 20:1. Harvard typically offers smaller class sizes, particularly in upper-level courses and seminars, with a student-faculty ratio around 7:1. This allows for more personalized attention from professors at Harvard.

  • How do the research opportunities compare between Georgia Tech and Harvard?

    Both universities offer extensive research opportunities. Georgia Tech is a powerhouse in technological research, with numerous labs and centers focused on cutting-edge advancements. Harvard provides research opportunities across a wider range of disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, and medicine, often with a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration.

  • What are the differences in the student body demographics at Georgia Tech and Harvard?

    Georgia Tech has a higher proportion of students pursuing STEM degrees, leading to a more technically oriented student body. Harvard attracts a more diverse student body in terms of academic interests, backgrounds, and career aspirations, reflecting its broader range of academic programs.

  • How does the cost of attendance compare between Georgia Tech and Harvard?

    The cost of attendance is generally comparable between Georgia Tech and Harvard. However, both institutions offer substantial financial aid packages. The net cost for individual students will vary significantly based on their family's financial situation. It's crucial to explore the financial aid options at both universities to determine the most affordable option.

  • What are the career prospects like for graduates of Georgia Tech and Harvard?

    Graduates from both Georgia Tech and Harvard enjoy excellent career prospects. Georgia Tech graduates are highly sought after in the tech industry, securing positions in software engineering, data science, and other technical roles. Harvard graduates find opportunities across various sectors, including finance, consulting, law, medicine, academia, and public service. The specific career paths will depend on the student's chosen field of study.

  • How do the admission requirements differ between Georgia Tech and Harvard?

    Both universities have highly selective admission processes. They both look for exceptional academic records, strong standardized test scores (though policies may vary), compelling essays, and significant extracurricular involvement. Harvard places a greater emphasis on demonstrated leadership potential and a well-rounded profile, while Georgia Tech may give slightly more weight to a student's aptitude and passion for STEM fields.

  • What is the social scene like at Georgia Tech versus Harvard?

    Georgia Tech's social scene is often centered around campus activities, student organizations, and sporting events, particularly football. Harvard's social scene is more diverse, with a wider range of clubs, organizations, and events catering to various interests. The house system at Harvard also fosters a strong sense of community among undergraduates. Both offer a vibrant and engaging social environment, but with different focuses.

  • What are some notable alumni from Georgia Tech and Harvard?

    Georgia Tech boasts alumni like Jimmy Carter (former U.S. President), and numerous leaders in the tech industry. Harvard's alumni include eight U.S. presidents, numerous Nobel laureates, and leaders in business, law, and the arts. Both universities have produced individuals who have made significant contributions to society.

Compare Similar Colleges

The list of suggested college comparisons provided below is generated automatically by our system, utilizing statistics gathered from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and various online sources. If you don't find the colleges you wish to compare, please visit our comparison page. There, you can search for the specific colleges and initiate your comparison.
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