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Harvard University vs University of Texas at Austin

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

3.2% Harvard acceptance
29.0% UT Austin acceptance
$105,272 UT Austin 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
UT Austin
Austin, Texas
Public
Founded
1883
Enrollment
52,384
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition UT Austin saves $18,006
Harvard
$59,076
UT Austin
$41,070
Acceptance Rate Harvard more selective
Harvard
3.2%
UT Austin
29.0%
Graduation Rate Harvard higher
Harvard
97%
UT Austin
87%
Avg SAT Score Harvard higher
Harvard
1550
UT Austin
1370
Starting Salary Harvard higher
Harvard
$95,500
UT Austin
$68,500

Detailed Comparison

Metric Harvard UT Austin Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$59,076$41,070UT Austin
Tuition (In-State)$59,076$11,448UT Austin
Room & Board$20,592$12,280UT Austin
Acceptance Rate3.2%29.0%Harvard
Graduation Rate97%87%Harvard
Average SAT15501370Harvard
Student-Faculty Ratio5:117:1Harvard
Enrollment31,34552,384-
Avg Financial Aid$60,157$14,990Harvard
Starting Salary$95,500$68,500Harvard
Endowment$50.9B$44.9BHarvard
Campus Size5,076 acres431 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Harvard
$318,672
4-year total (private)
VS
UT Austin
$213,400
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Harvard = $78,044 | UT Austin = $153,440. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Harvard Top Majors

EconomicsComputer SciencePolitical ScienceMathematicsHistory

UT Austin Top Majors

BusinessEngineeringComputer ScienceBiologyCommunication

Campus & Student Life

Setting
HarvardUrban
UT AustinUrban
Campus Size
Harvard5,076 ac
UT Austin431 ac
Athletics
HarvardNCAA D1
UT AustinNCAA D1
Region
HarvardNortheast
UT AustinSouth
Founded
Harvard1636
UT Austin1883
Enrollment
Harvard31,345
UT Austin52,384

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Helpful Resources

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Compare Other Colleges

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Harvard or UT Austin harder to get into?+
Harvard is more selective with an acceptance rate of 3.2% compared to 29.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Harvard or UT Austin?+
At sticker price, UT Austin costs less over 4 years ($213,400 vs $318,672). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Harvard offers an average of $60,157/year in aid while UT Austin offers $14,990/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Harvard and UT Austin?+
The average SAT score at Harvard is 1550 and at UT Austin it is 1370. 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 UT Austin graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Harvard have a higher average starting salary ($95,500 vs $68,500). 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 UT Austin has 17:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Harvard and UT Austin compare for campus life?+
Harvard is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts (urban setting) with a 5,076-acre campus. UT Austin is in Austin, Texas (urban setting) with 431 acres. Harvard competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UT Austin in NCAA D1.