Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)
Estimated sticker price before financial aid.
Harvard
$318,672
4-year total (private)
VS
MSU
$219,600
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Harvard = $78,044 | MSU = $166,000. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.
Harvard Top Majors
EconomicsComputer SciencePolitical ScienceMathematicsHistoryMSU Top Majors
BusinessEngineeringBiologyCommunicationPsychology
Need Help Choosing Between Harvard & MSU?
Get free personalized guidance from college admissions experts. Application strategy, essay reviews, and financial aid help.
Get Free College Guidance →
✓ 100% free consultation
✓ Expert admissions advisors
✓ No obligation
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Harvard or MSU harder to get into?+
Harvard is more selective with an acceptance rate of 3.2% compared to 83.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Harvard or MSU?+
At sticker price, MSU costs less over 4 years ($219,600 vs $318,672). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Harvard offers an average of $60,157/year in aid while MSU offers $13,400/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Harvard and MSU?+
The average SAT score at Harvard is 1550 and at MSU it is 1210. 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 Harvard or MSU graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Harvard have a higher average starting salary ($95,500 vs $60,800). 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?+
Harvard has a 5:1 student-to-faculty ratio while MSU has 17:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Harvard and MSU compare for campus life?+
Harvard is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts (urban setting) with a 5,076-acre campus. MSU is in East Lansing, Michigan (suburban setting) with 5,200 acres. Harvard competes in NCAA D1 athletics and MSU in NCAA D1.