Loading…
College comparison
Babson vs Harvey Mudd
A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.
| Metric |  Babson Wellesley, MA |  Harvey Mudd Claremont, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateHarvey Mudd College is more selective | 17% | 13% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1390–1530 | 1500–1570 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 2,728 | 921 |
| Avg net price | $40,514 | $35,924 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Harvey Mudd reports higher median earnings | $123,938 | $138,687 |
| Graduation rate | 93% | 92% |
| Median debt | $20,000 | $25,000 |
| Economic mobility | 2.8% | 2.9% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Babson vs Harvey Mudd: how they compare
For an affluent, data-driven family choosing between two highly selective, outcomes-focused institutions, the decision hinges on prioritizing specialized business education versus a rigorous, collaborative STEM foundation.
By the numbers Harvey Mudd is more selective (13% vs. 17% acceptance) with a higher-achieving student body (SAT 25-75: 1500–1570 vs. 1390–1530). It delivers stronger financial value, with a 10-year median graduate earnings of $139k versus Babson's $124k, yielding a higher return per dollar of net price (3.9x vs. 3.1x). Both offer excellent economic mobility (292% vs. 280%) and share top-tier financial health (DOE score: 3.0/3). Babson's admission process is more stable (42% volatility vs. 63%), while Harvey Mudd stands out for producing future scholars, with a 28.7% yield of Science & Engineering PhDs.
Where they overlap Both are small, suburban liberal arts colleges with exceptional graduation rates (92-93%) and a focus on tight-knit, residential communities. They share a high-touch educational model that fosters strong student loyalty and peer bonds, leading to powerful alumni networks and career outcomes.
How they differ The core divergence is academic mission. Babson is singularly focused on entrepreneurship and business, immersing students in a pragmatic, venture-oriented culture. Harvey Mudd provides a deeply collaborative, project-based STEM education within the broader Claremont Consortium, emphasizing scientific curiosity, creativity, and intellectual exploration alongside technical rigor. Its culture is known for being fun-loving and intensely academic.
Who each suits Babson is a strong fit for the student with clear entrepreneurial drive who wants to engage with business in a dynamic, applied environment. Harvey Mudd is a compelling choice for the intellectually curious STEM student who thrives on collaborative problem-solving, values a balance of intense study and a playful community, and may be considering advanced scientific or engineering degrees.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
Quick answers
- Is Babson College or Harvey Mudd College harder to get into?
- Harvey Mudd College is more selective: Babson College's acceptance rate is approximately 17% and Harvey Mudd College's is approximately 13% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Babson College vs Harvey Mudd College?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1390–1530 at Babson College and 1500–1570 at Harvey Mudd College. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.
These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.