Both Harvard College and Harvard University are highly respected institutions of learning, but there are some key differences between the two. For example, Harvard College is an undergraduate institution while Harvard University offers graduate and professional programs in addition to its undergraduate offerings. Additionally, tuition at Harvard College is significantly lower than at Harvard University. If you’re interested in learning more about the differences between these two institutions, keep reading!
What is Harvard College?
Harvard College is the undergraduate liberal arts college of Harvard University. Founded in 1636, Harvard College is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States and is widely considered to be one of the most prestigious colleges in the world. Harvard College offers a four-year liberal arts curriculum leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree. The college’s 1,400-acre campus is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, just across the Charles River from Boston. Harvard College has an enrollment of approximately 6,700 students, who come from all 50 states and more than 60 countries. Harvard students participate in a wide variety of extracurricular activities, including athletics, student government, and more than 100 student organizations. Harvard also has a strong tradition of public service, and many Harvard students choose to spend part of their time working with community organizations in Boston and Cambridge. Harvard College is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
What is Harvard University?
Harvard University is a private Ivy League research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with about 6,800 undergraduate students and about 15,250 postgraduate students. Harvard is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States and was established in 1636 by a vote of the Great and General Court of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Harvard’s endowment is worth $39.2 billion, making it the largest of any academic institution. Harvard has schools and affiliated institutions including the Harvard Kennedy School, Harvard Business School, Harvard Medical School, Harvard Divinity School, and Harvard Law School. Harvard also has numerous research centers and institutes, including the Harvard Stem Cell Institute and the Harvard Negotiation Project. The university’s coat of arms—a shield with three chevrons surrounded by an open book—is also used as its logo. Harvard has many sports teams compete in the NCAA Division I Ivy League conference. The university’s men’s ice hockey team won the school’s first-ever NCAA national championship in 2016.
Difference between Harvard College and Harvard University
- Harvard College and Harvard University are two distinct institutions. Harvard College is the undergraduate liberal arts college of Harvard University. Harvard University is a comprehensive research university made up of Harvard College and twelve other graduate schools. Harvard College grants Bachelor of Arts (A.B.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees in over forty concentrations. Harvard University offers a wide variety of graduate degrees, including the Master of Arts (M.A.), Master of Science (M.S.), Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), and professional degrees such as the Juris Doctor (J.D.) and the Doctor of Medicine (M.D.).
- Harvard University also has extensive online learning and MOOC offerings through HarvardX and edX. Because Harvard University is a research institution, its admissions requirements are more stringent than those for Harvard College. For example, Harvard University requires all applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores, while Harvard College does not require standardized test scores for admission. While both institutions are highly selective, acceptance rates for Harvard University are typically lower than those for Harvard College.
- Tuition for Harvard College is approximately $45,000 per year, while tuition for Harvard University varies by school but can range from $30,000 to $50,000 per year. Room and board costs are similar for both institutions, averaging around $15,000 per year. Financial aid is available for both institutions, but award amounts may vary depending on which school you plan to attend. Scholarships are also available from a variety of sources, including both Harvard College and Harvard University.
- In summary, Harvard College is the undergraduate liberal arts college of Harvard University while Harvard University is a comprehensive research university made up of multiple schools, including Harvard College. Acceptance rates vary by institution, with Harvard University being the more selective school. Tuition also varies by institution, with Harvard University being more expensive overall. Financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available at both schools. When making your college decision, be sure to consider all factors to determine which institution is right for you.
Conclusion
Harvard College and Harvard University are both prestigious institutions, but they serve different purposes. If you want to attend a rigorous academic program with top-notch faculty, then Harvard College is the right choice for you. However, if you’re looking for more of a traditional university experience with a wider range of opportunities, then Harvard University is the better option. No matter which school you choose, though, you can be sure that you’ll be getting an excellent education.
