MCPHS University vs Harvard

MCPHS University and Harvard University, two esteemed institutions of higher learning, stand apart in their offerings and student experiences. MCPHS, a private university with a focus on healthcare and the life sciences, boasts a 90% acceptance rate, making it more accessible to aspiring students. Harvard, an Ivy League research university renowned for its academic rigor, has a highly selective admissions process with an acceptance rate of just 5%. While MCPHS students predominantly pursue degrees in healthcare-related fields, Harvard offers a diverse range of undergraduate programs, including popular majors like Economics, Computer Science, and History. MCPHS fosters a close-knit community with a student body of around 6,000, while Harvard's student population exceeds 20,000, creating a more vibrant and diverse campus environment. With a graduation rate of 85%, MCPHS ensures that its students are well-prepared for their careers, while Harvard's exceptional 98% graduation rate reflects its commitment
Harvard University logo

Harvard University

MCPHS University logo

MCPHS University

Overview

Location Cambridge, Massachusetts Boston, Massachusetts
Campus setting City: Midsize City: Large
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Private (Non Profit) Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system Semester Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 96.0% 79.0%
Common app member Yes No
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 4.0% 97.7%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $75

Graduate: $105
SAT range 1480 - 1580 1090 - 1390
ACT range 33 - 36 23 - 31
Students submitting SAT score 54.0% 14.0%
Students submitting ACT score 31.0% 2.0%
Total number of applicants 57,786 4,846
Total number of admissions given out 2,318 4,735
Admitted students who chose to enroll 1,951 737
Yield rate 84.2% 15.6%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Not required Required
Recommendation letters Required Required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Not required Not required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price $78,028 $59,720
Average net price $13,910 $38,390
Tuition $51,143 $34,700
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $11,705

Meal plan: $7,236
Room/dormitory: $14,850

Meal plan: $3,540
Available payment plans
  • Prepaid tuition plan
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

56.0%
Average amount $59,840
99.0%
Average amount $15,907
Students receiving federal student loan 3.0%
Average amount $5,180
64.0%
Average amount $6,177
Students taking out private loans 2.0%
Average amount $8,080
34.0%
Average amount $16,710

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 9,579
Men 49.0% Women 51.0%
3,668
Men 24.3% Women 75.7%
Graduate students 21,766
Men 46.3% Women 53.7%
3,636
Men 26.7% Women 73.3%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Moderate
Moderate
Out-of-state students N/A N/A
International students 23.9% 13.8%
Campus local/setting City: Midsize City: Large
Dormitory capacity 12,874 1,285
First year students are required to live on campus? Yes No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from New York California Texas Illinois New Jersey N/A

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Business
  • Health Professions
  • Social Sciences
  • Education
  • Legal Profession
  • Health Professions
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
  • Psychology
  • Agriculture
  • Physical Science
Students to faculty ratio 7:1 12:1
Institutional accreditation New England Commission on Higher Education New England Commission on Higher Education

Outcome

Graduation rate 96.7% 67.3%
Dropout rate 2.0% 10.9%
Transferred out N/A 19.1%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Statistics (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $78,193
  • Year 2: $128,716
  • Year 3: $240,408
Law (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $184,307
  • Year 2: $165,340
  • Year 3: $199,043
Business Administration, Management and Operations (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $171,333
  • Year 2: $171,907
  • Year 3: $187,553
Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $140,072
  • Year 2: $128,737
  • Year 3: $163,896
Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences (Graduate/Professional Certificates)
  • Year 1: $151,371
  • Year 2: $174,023
  • Year 3: $163,512
Public Health (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $123,508
  • Year 2: $117,916
  • Year 3: $129,281
Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $106,421
  • Year 3: $121,832
Applied Mathematics (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $102,707
  • Year 2: $90,856
  • Year 3: $121,771
Education, General (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $97,905
  • Year 2: $98,670
  • Year 3: $107,389
Dentistry (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $68,745
  • Year 2: $71,486
  • Year 3: $106,375
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $103,596
  • Year 2: $118,924
  • Year 3: $123,945
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $104,551
  • Year 2: $104,423
  • Year 3: $116,788
Optometry (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $68,650
  • Year 2: $77,715
  • Year 3: $114,710
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $101,061
  • Year 2: $103,449
  • Year 3: $106,325
Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $68,046
  • Year 2: $75,204
  • Year 3: $92,313
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $72,065
  • Year 2: $74,158
  • Year 3: $78,936
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $66,329
  • Year 2: $66,146
  • Year 3: $71,500
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $69,666
  • Year 2: $65,524
  • Year 3: $70,583
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $64,159
  • Year 2: $63,005
  • Year 3: $67,140
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $32,005
  • Year 2: $26,353
  • Year 3: $55,664

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the primary academic focuses of MCPHS University and Harvard University?

    MCPHS University is a specialized health sciences university, offering programs primarily in pharmacy, healthcare, and related fields. Harvard University, on the other hand, is a comprehensive research university with a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs spanning arts and sciences, law, medicine, business, and more. Harvard offers a broader range of academic disciplines.

  • How do the admission requirements differ between MCPHS University and Harvard University?

    Admission to Harvard University is highly competitive, requiring exceptional academic records, standardized test scores (though test-optional policies may be in place), compelling essays, and strong extracurricular involvement. MCPHS University's admission requirements are also selective, but they generally place a greater emphasis on academic performance and a demonstrated interest in the health sciences. The specific requirements, such as GPA and test scores, may vary depending on the program at MCPHS.

  • What is the typical student body like at MCPHS University compared to Harvard University?

    MCPHS University has a student body that is more focused on health sciences, with a significant proportion of students pursuing professional degrees in pharmacy, nursing, and other healthcare fields. Harvard University attracts a diverse student body from around the world, representing a wide range of academic interests, backgrounds, and career aspirations. Harvard's student body is generally larger and more diverse in terms of academic interests.

  • What are the career prospects for graduates of MCPHS University and Harvard University?

    Graduates of MCPHS University are well-prepared for careers in the healthcare industry, with strong job placement rates in pharmacy, nursing, and other health-related professions. Harvard University graduates have excellent career prospects across various fields, including academia, business, law, medicine, and government. Harvard's extensive alumni network provides significant career advantages.

  • How does the campus environment and culture differ between the two universities?

    MCPHS University has a more focused and career-oriented campus environment, centered around the health sciences. The culture is often collaborative and supportive, with a strong emphasis on professional development. Harvard University offers a more traditional university experience with a vibrant campus life, including a wide range of extracurricular activities, social events, and a strong emphasis on research and intellectual discourse. Harvard's campus is also significantly larger and more historic.

  • What is the cost of attendance at MCPHS University versus Harvard University?

    The cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, and board, varies between the two universities. While both are expensive, Harvard University often has a larger endowment and offers more generous financial aid packages, potentially making it more affordable for some students. MCPHS University's tuition and fees are also substantial, and financial aid is available, but the specific costs and aid packages should be compared directly based on individual circumstances.

  • Are there opportunities for research at both universities?

    Yes, both universities offer research opportunities. Harvard University is renowned for its extensive research programs across all disciplines, providing ample opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to participate in cutting-edge research. MCPHS University also offers research opportunities, particularly in the health sciences, allowing students to gain valuable research experience in their chosen fields.

  • How do the class sizes compare at MCPHS University and Harvard University?

    MCPHS University generally has smaller class sizes, particularly in its professional programs, which can foster a more personalized learning environment and allow for closer interaction with faculty. Harvard University, while offering some small classes, also has larger introductory lecture courses, especially at the undergraduate level. However, Harvard also provides many opportunities for smaller seminars and tutorials.

  • What are the strengths of MCPHS University?

    MCPHS University's strengths lie in its specialized focus on health sciences, its strong connections to the healthcare industry, its career-focused curriculum, and its smaller class sizes, which allow for more personalized attention. It is an excellent choice for students seeking a direct path to a healthcare career.

  • What are the strengths of Harvard University?

    Harvard University's strengths include its world-renowned faculty, its extensive resources, its diverse academic programs, its prestigious reputation, its vast alumni network, and its vibrant campus life. It is an excellent choice for students seeking a broad education and a wide range of opportunities.

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