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Harvard University vs Texas A&M University

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

3.2% Harvard acceptance
63.0% Texas A&M acceptance
$106,572 Texas A&M 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
Texas A&M
College Station, Texas
Public
Founded
1876
Enrollment
74,829
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition Texas A&M saves $18,989
Harvard
$59,076
Texas A&M
$40,087
Acceptance Rate Harvard more selective
Harvard
3.2%
Texas A&M
63.0%
Graduation Rate Harvard higher
Harvard
97%
Texas A&M
83%
Avg SAT Score Harvard higher
Harvard
1550
Texas A&M
1290
Starting Salary Harvard higher
Harvard
$95,500
Texas A&M
$66,300

Detailed Comparison

Metric Harvard Texas A&M Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$59,076$40,087Texas A&M
Tuition (In-State)$59,076$12,413Texas A&M
Room & Board$20,592$12,938Texas A&M
Acceptance Rate3.2%63.0%Harvard
Graduation Rate97%83%Harvard
Average SAT15501290Harvard
Student-Faculty Ratio5:119:1Harvard
Enrollment31,34574,829-
Avg Financial Aid$60,157$13,700Harvard
Starting Salary$95,500$66,300Harvard
Endowment$50.9B$17.1BHarvard
Campus Size5,076 acres5,200 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Harvard
$318,672
4-year total (private)
VS
Texas A&M
$212,100
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Harvard = $78,044 | Texas A&M = $157,300. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Harvard Top Majors

EconomicsComputer SciencePolitical ScienceMathematicsHistory

Texas A&M Top Majors

EngineeringBusinessBiologyAgricultureBiomedical Science

Campus & Student Life

Setting
HarvardUrban
Texas A&MSuburban
Campus Size
Harvard5,076 ac
Texas A&M5,200 ac
Athletics
HarvardNCAA D1
Texas A&MNCAA D1
Region
HarvardNortheast
Texas A&MSouth
Founded
Harvard1636
Texas A&M1876
Enrollment
Harvard31,345
Texas A&M74,829

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Harvard or Texas A&M harder to get into?+
Harvard is more selective with an acceptance rate of 3.2% compared to 63.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Harvard or Texas A&M?+
At sticker price, Texas A&M costs less over 4 years ($212,100 vs $318,672). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Harvard offers an average of $60,157/year in aid while Texas A&M offers $13,700/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Harvard and Texas A&M?+
The average SAT score at Harvard is 1550 and at Texas A&M it is 1290. 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 Texas A&M graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Harvard have a higher average starting salary ($95,500 vs $66,300). 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 Texas A&M has 19:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Harvard and Texas A&M compare for campus life?+
Harvard is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts (urban setting) with a 5,076-acre campus. Texas A&M is in College Station, Texas (suburban setting) with 5,200 acres. Harvard competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Texas A&M in NCAA D1.