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Georgia Tech vs Harvard University

A comprehensive side-by-side comparison of academics, cost, admissions, campus life and career outcomes to help you choose.

16.0% Georgia Tech acceptance
3.2% Harvard acceptance
$132,928 Georgia Tech cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

Georgia Tech
Atlanta, Georgia
Public
Founded
1885
Enrollment
47,285
Setting
Urban
Harvard
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Private
Founded
1636
Enrollment
31,345
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition Georgia Tech saves $25,282
Georgia Tech
$33,794
Harvard
$59,076
Acceptance Rate Harvard more selective
Georgia Tech
16.0%
Harvard
3.2%
Graduation Rate Harvard higher
Georgia Tech
90%
Harvard
97%
Avg SAT Score Harvard higher
Georgia Tech
1450
Harvard
1550
Starting Salary Harvard higher
Georgia Tech
$83,600
Harvard
$95,500

Detailed Comparison

Metric Georgia Tech Harvard Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$33,794$59,076Georgia Tech
Tuition (In-State)$12,682$59,076Georgia Tech
Room & Board$12,642$20,592Georgia Tech
Acceptance Rate16.0%3.2%Harvard
Graduation Rate90%97%Harvard
Average SAT14501550Harvard
Student-Faculty Ratio15:15:1Harvard
Enrollment47,28531,345-
Avg Financial Aid$16,280$60,157Harvard
Starting Salary$83,600$95,500Harvard
Endowment$4.2B$50.9BHarvard
Campus Size400 acres5,076 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Georgia Tech
$185,744
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Harvard
$318,672
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Georgia Tech = $120,624 | Harvard = $78,044. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Georgia Tech Top Majors

Computer ScienceEngineeringBusinessIndustrial EngineeringBiology

Harvard Top Majors

EconomicsComputer SciencePolitical ScienceMathematicsHistory

Campus & Student Life

Setting
Georgia TechUrban
HarvardUrban
Campus Size
Georgia Tech400 ac
Harvard5,076 ac
Athletics
Georgia TechNCAA D1
HarvardNCAA D1
Region
Georgia TechSouth
HarvardNortheast
Founded
Georgia Tech1885
Harvard1636
Enrollment
Georgia Tech47,285
Harvard31,345

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Georgia Tech or Harvard harder to get into?+
Harvard is more selective with an acceptance rate of 3.2% compared to 16.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Georgia Tech or Harvard?+
At sticker price, Georgia Tech costs less over 4 years ($185,744 vs $318,672). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Georgia Tech offers an average of $16,280/year in aid while Harvard offers $60,157/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Georgia Tech and Harvard?+
The average SAT score at Georgia Tech is 1450 and at Harvard it is 1550. Keep in mind that admitted students often score across a range, and many schools practice holistic admissions where test scores are just one factor.
Do Georgia Tech or Harvard graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Harvard have a higher average starting salary ($95,500 vs $83,600). Salary outcomes vary significantly by major, industry, and location — so this is a general average across all graduates.
What is the student-to-faculty ratio at each school?+
Georgia Tech has a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio while Harvard has 5:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Georgia Tech and Harvard compare for campus life?+
Georgia Tech is located in Atlanta, Georgia (urban setting) with a 400-acre campus. Harvard is in Cambridge, Massachusetts (urban setting) with 5,076 acres. Georgia Tech competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Harvard in NCAA D1.