College comparison

Harvard vs Williams

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	Harvard Cambridge, MA	Williams Williamstown, MA
Acceptance rateHarvard University is more selective	4%	8%
SAT (25–75)	1510–1580	1490–1570
ACT (25–75)	—	—
Undergrad enrollment	7,601	2,076
Avg net price	$19,066	$17,716
Median earnings (10 yr)Harvard reports higher median earnings	$101,817	$88,665
Graduation rate	98%	94%
Median debt	$14,000	$12,761
Economic mobility	1.8%	1.0%
Test policy	test-required	—
Type	Private (nonprofit)	Private (nonprofit)

Quick answers

Is Harvard University or Williams College harder to get into?

Harvard University is more selective: Harvard University's acceptance rate is approximately 4% and Williams College's is approximately 8% (estimates from public and primary sources).

What SAT score do you need for Harvard University vs Williams College?

The middle-50% SAT range is 1510–1580 at Harvard University and 1490–1570 at Williams 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.