Harvard University vs Massachusetts Institute of Technology: which has better ROI?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $80,444 in 0.8 years versus 1.4 years at Harvard University, on median earnings of $143,372 vs $101,817 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Harvard University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $19,066 | $20,111 |
| Total net cost | $76,264 | $80,444 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $101,817 | $143,372 |
| Median debt | $14,000 | $14,768 |
| Payback | 1.4 yrs | 0.8 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $992,876 | $1,819,796 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Harvard University or Massachusetts Institute of Technology?
Harvard University, at $19,066 a year after aid versus $20,111 — a gap of $1,045 a year, or $4,180 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 Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduates earn more?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduates report a median $143,372 ten years after entry, $41,555 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 Massachusetts Institute of Technology?
Harvard University: its completers carry a median $14,000 in federal loans versus $14,768 at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a difference of $768. 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 Massachusetts Institute of Technology. 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.