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Harvard University vs Penn 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
54.0% Penn State acceptance
$110,120 Penn 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
Penn State
State College, Pennsylvania
Public
Founded
1855
Enrollment
88,211
Setting
Rural

At a Glance

Tuition Penn State saves $20,252
Harvard
$59,076
Penn State
$38,824
Acceptance Rate Harvard more selective
Harvard
3.2%
Penn State
54.0%
Graduation Rate Harvard higher
Harvard
97%
Penn State
86%
Avg SAT Score Harvard higher
Harvard
1550
Penn State
1300
Starting Salary Harvard higher
Harvard
$95,500
Penn State
$65,400

Detailed Comparison

Metric Harvard Penn State Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$59,076$38,824Penn State
Tuition (In-State)$59,076$19,286Penn State
Room & Board$20,592$13,314Penn State
Acceptance Rate3.2%54.0%Harvard
Graduation Rate97%86%Harvard
Average SAT15501300Harvard
Student-Faculty Ratio5:115:1Harvard
Enrollment31,34588,211-
Avg Financial Aid$60,157$12,670Harvard
Starting Salary$95,500$65,400Harvard
Endowment$50.9B$4.6BHarvard
Campus Size5,076 acres5,000 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Harvard
$318,672
4-year total (private)
VS
Penn State
$208,552
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Harvard = $78,044 | Penn State = $157,872. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Harvard Top Majors

EconomicsComputer SciencePolitical ScienceMathematicsHistory

Penn State Top Majors

EngineeringBusinessBiologyKinesiologyInformation Sciences

Campus & Student Life

Setting
HarvardUrban
Penn StateRural
Campus Size
Harvard5,076 ac
Penn State5,000 ac
Athletics
HarvardNCAA D1
Penn StateNCAA D1
Region
HarvardNortheast
Penn StateNortheast
Founded
Harvard1636
Penn State1855
Enrollment
Harvard31,345
Penn State88,211

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Helpful Resources

Tools and services to help with your college journey.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Harvard or Penn State harder to get into?+
Harvard is more selective with an acceptance rate of 3.2% compared to 54.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Harvard or Penn State?+
At sticker price, Penn State costs less over 4 years ($208,552 vs $318,672). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Harvard offers an average of $60,157/year in aid while Penn State offers $12,670/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Harvard and Penn State?+
The average SAT score at Harvard is 1550 and at Penn State it is 1300. 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 Penn State graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Harvard have a higher average starting salary ($95,500 vs $65,400). 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 Penn State has 15:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Harvard and Penn State compare for campus life?+
Harvard is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts (urban setting) with a 5,076-acre campus. Penn State is in State College, Pennsylvania (rural setting) with 5,000 acres. Harvard competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Penn State in NCAA D1.