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Harvard University vs North Carolina State University

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

3.2% Harvard acceptance
47.0% NC State acceptance
$142,904 NC State cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

Harvard
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Private
Founded
1636
Enrollment
31,345
Setting
Urban
NC State
Raleigh, North Carolina
Public
Founded
1887
Enrollment
38,058
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition NC State saves $27,818
Harvard
$59,076
NC State
$31,258
Acceptance Rate Harvard more selective
Harvard
3.2%
NC State
47.0%
Graduation Rate Harvard higher
Harvard
97%
NC State
82%
Avg SAT Score Harvard higher
Harvard
1550
NC State
1360
Starting Salary Harvard higher
Harvard
$95,500
NC State
$67,100

Detailed Comparison

Metric Harvard NC State Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$59,076$31,258NC State
Tuition (In-State)$59,076$9,125NC State
Room & Board$20,592$12,684NC State
Acceptance Rate3.2%47.0%Harvard
Graduation Rate97%82%Harvard
Average SAT15501360Harvard
Student-Faculty Ratio5:114:1Harvard
Enrollment31,34538,058-
Avg Financial Aid$60,157$12,800Harvard
Starting Salary$95,500$67,100Harvard
Endowment$50.9B$1.8BHarvard
Campus Size5,076 acres2,110 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Harvard
$318,672
4-year total (private)
VS
NC State
$175,768
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Harvard = $78,044 | NC State = $124,568. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Harvard Top Majors

EconomicsComputer SciencePolitical ScienceMathematicsHistory

NC State Top Majors

EngineeringBusinessComputer ScienceBiologyAgriculture

Campus & Student Life

Setting
HarvardUrban
NC StateUrban
Campus Size
Harvard5,076 ac
NC State2,110 ac
Athletics
HarvardNCAA D1
NC StateNCAA D1
Region
HarvardNortheast
NC StateSouth
Founded
Harvard1636
NC State1887
Enrollment
Harvard31,345
NC State38,058

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Harvard or NC State harder to get into?+
Harvard is more selective with an acceptance rate of 3.2% compared to 47.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Harvard or NC State?+
At sticker price, NC State costs less over 4 years ($175,768 vs $318,672). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Harvard offers an average of $60,157/year in aid while NC State offers $12,800/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Harvard and NC State?+
The average SAT score at Harvard is 1550 and at NC State it is 1360. 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 NC State graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Harvard have a higher average starting salary ($95,500 vs $67,100). 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 NC State has 14:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Harvard and NC State compare for campus life?+
Harvard is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts (urban setting) with a 5,076-acre campus. NC State is in Raleigh, North Carolina (urban setting) with 2,110 acres. Harvard competes in NCAA D1 athletics and NC State in NCAA D1.