College comparison
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 | Emory Atlanta, GA | Haverford Haverford, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateEmory University is more selective | 11% | 12% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1470–1550 | 1460–1550 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 7,298 | 1,430 |
| Avg net price | $22,585 | $25,314 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Emory reports higher median earnings | $80,137 | $79,966 |
| Graduation rate | 91% | 90% |
| Median debt | $18,250 | $13,621 |
| Economic mobility | 1.8% | 1.8% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
By the numbers The data reveals near-identical outcomes with key operational differences. Both schools share a 10-year median graduate earnings of $80k, an economic-mobility rate of 180%, and similar graduation rates (Emory 91%, Haverford 90%). Their admissions selectivity and student academic profiles are comparable, with Emory's acceptance rate at 11% and Haverford's at 12%, and matching SAT 25-75th percentile ranges (1470–1550 vs. 1460–1550). Value per dollar of net price slightly favors Emory (3.5× vs. Haverford's 3.2×), partly due to Emory's lower average net price ($23k vs. $25k). Key divergences appear in stability and focus: Haverford shows lower admit-rate volatility (43% vs. Emory's 76%) and a perfect DOE financial-health score (3.0/3 vs. Emory's 2.6/3), while it also boasts a high future-scholar yield for Science & Engineering PhDs (11.3).
Where they overlap Both are private institutions that deliver strong financial returns and support for economic mobility. Their student bodies are composed of academically prepared individuals.
How they differ The core distinction is institutional scale and environment. Emory is a major research university integrated into the resource-rich backdrop of Atlanta. Haverford is a small, suburban liberal arts college defined by its Quaker-inspired honor code, which fosters a cooperative and self-governing intellectual community. Campus culture diverges accordingly: Emory offers a traditional university scene, while Haverford emphasizes close-knit collaboration and student-run governance.
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.
| Location |
|---|
| Atlanta, GA |
| Haverford, PA |
Who each suits Consider Emory University for a student seeking the breadth of a research university in a major city, with pre-professional resources and a large, diverse student body. Consider Haverford College for a student who thrives in an intimate, participatory academic community built on mutual trust and intellectual collaboration, with a noted strength in cultivating future PhDs, particularly in STEM fields.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.