Harvard University vs Franklin W Olin College of Engineering: which has better ROI?
Franklin W Olin College of Engineering has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $100,684 in 1.2 years versus 1.4 years at Harvard University, on median earnings of $129,455 vs $101,817 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Harvard University | Franklin W Olin College of Engineering |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $19,066 | $25,171 |
| Total net cost | $76,264 | $100,684 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $101,817 | $129,455 |
| Median debt | $14,000 | $19,500 |
| Payback | 1.4 yrs | 1.2 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $992,876 | $1,521,216 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Harvard University or Franklin W Olin College of Engineering?
Harvard University, at $19,066 a year after aid versus $25,171 — a gap of $6,105 a year, or $24,420 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Harvard University or Franklin W Olin College of Engineering graduates earn more?
Franklin W Olin College of Engineering graduates report a median $129,455 ten years after entry, $27,638 more than the $101,817 at Harvard University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Harvard University or Franklin W Olin College of Engineering?
Harvard University: its completers carry a median $14,000 in federal loans versus $19,500 at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering, a difference of $5,500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
98% of students finish at Harvard University, against 96% at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.