Moravian University vs Harvard

Moravian University and Harvard University, two esteemed institutions of higher learning, stand at opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of size, selectivity, and academic offerings. Moravian, a private liberal arts college nestled in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, offers a close-knit community and a personalized educational experience, while Harvard, an Ivy League research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts, boasts world-renowned faculty, cutting-edge research facilities, and a vast array of academic programs. With acceptance rates of 70% and 5%, respectively, these universities cater to different student profiles and aspirations. While Moravian's popular majors include Business, Education, and Health Professions, Harvard's diverse course offerings encompass fields like Computer Science, Economics, and Engineering. Explore the comparison table below to delve into further details about these institutions, including student body demographics, graduation rates, and more, to determine which university aligns best with your academic goals and personal preferences.
Harvard University logo

Harvard University

Moravian University logo

Moravian University

Overview

Location Cambridge, Massachusetts Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Campus setting City: Midsize City: Small
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 Yes
Religious affiliation Protestant

Admission

Acceptance rate 4.0% 78.1%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $75

Graduate: $105
SAT range 1480 - 1580 N/A
ACT range 33 - 36 N/A
Students submitting SAT score 54.0%
Students submitting ACT score 31.0%
Total number of applicants 57,786 2,789
Total number of admissions given out 2,318 2,178
Admitted students who chose to enroll 1,951 449
Yield rate 84.2% 20.6%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Not required Not required
Recommendation letters Required Required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Not required Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price $78,028 $63,872
Average net price $13,910 $32,020
Tuition $51,143 $46,799
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $11,705

Meal plan: $7,236
Room/dormitory: $8,154

Meal plan: $6,317
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 $30,046
Students receiving federal student loan 3.0%
Average amount $5,180
75.0%
Average amount $5,316
Students taking out private loans 2.0%
Average amount $8,080
20.0%
Average amount $16,608

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 9,579
Men 49.0% Women 51.0%
1,928
Men 38.6% Women 61.4%
Graduate students 21,766
Men 46.3% Women 53.7%
632
Men 26.1% Women 73.9%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Moderate
Low
Out-of-state students N/A 25.3%
International students 23.9% 1.7%
Campus local/setting City: Midsize City: Small
Dormitory capacity 12,874 1,227
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 Pennsylvania New Jersey New York Maryland Connecticut

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Business
  • Health Professions
  • Social Sciences
  • Education
  • Legal Profession
  • Health Professions
  • Business
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
  • Psychology
  • Visual & Performing Arts
Students to faculty ratio 7:1 11:1
Institutional accreditation New England Commission on Higher Education Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Outcome

Graduation rate 96.7% 67.6%
Dropout rate 2.0% 9.6%
Transferred out N/A 22.8%
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
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $65,636
  • Year 2: $64,659
  • Year 3: $65,178
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $37,004
  • Year 2: $40,821
  • Year 3: $50,684
Curriculum and Instruction (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $52,483
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: N/A
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $35,622
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: N/A
English Language and Literature, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $26,783
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: N/A
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $40,064
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: N/A
Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $33,982
  • Year 2: $29,685
  • Year 3: N/A
Economics (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $45,966
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: N/A
Sociology (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $26,461
  • Year 2: $26,353
  • Year 3: N/A
Fine and Studio Arts (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $35,742
  • Year 2: $35,060
  • Year 3: N/A

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the primary differences in size and student body between Moravian University and Harvard University?

    Moravian University is significantly smaller than Harvard University. Moravian typically has an undergraduate student population in the range of 1,500-2,000 students, fostering a close-knit community. Harvard, on the other hand, boasts an undergraduate population of around 7,000 students, plus a large graduate student body, creating a much larger and more diverse environment.

  • How do the academic environments differ at Moravian and Harvard?

    Moravian University offers a more intimate academic experience with smaller class sizes and greater access to professors. This allows for more personalized attention and collaborative learning. Harvard, while also offering excellent academics, often has larger introductory classes, though upper-level courses and seminars can be smaller. Harvard's environment is highly competitive, with a strong emphasis on research and independent study.

  • What are the key differences in tuition and financial aid between the two universities?

    Harvard University's tuition is generally higher than Moravian University's. However, both institutions offer financial aid. Harvard has a substantial endowment and a generous financial aid program, often meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted students. Moravian also provides financial aid, including merit-based and need-based scholarships, but the overall financial aid packages may differ in scope and availability compared to Harvard.

  • How do the campus cultures and social environments compare?

    Moravian University has a strong sense of community, with a focus on student involvement and a more relaxed social atmosphere. The campus is known for its friendly environment and opportunities for students to connect with each other and faculty. Harvard's social scene is more diverse, with a wide range of student organizations, events, and activities. The social environment can be more competitive and driven by a broader range of interests.

  • What are the strengths of Moravian University's academic programs?

    Moravian University is particularly strong in programs like nursing, education, and the humanities. The university emphasizes a liberal arts education, providing a well-rounded curriculum. Students benefit from hands-on learning experiences, internships, and close faculty mentorship.

  • What are the strengths of Harvard University's academic programs?

    Harvard University is renowned for its exceptional programs across all disciplines. It excels in areas such as law, medicine, business, and the sciences. Harvard offers unparalleled research opportunities, access to world-class faculty, and a vast network of alumni and resources.

  • How do career services and alumni networks differ?

    Both universities offer career services, but the scope and resources differ. Harvard's career services are extensive, with access to a vast alumni network and connections to top employers worldwide. Moravian's career services provide personalized guidance and support, with a focus on regional and national opportunities. While Harvard's network is global, Moravian's network is strong within its region and offers a supportive alumni base.

  • What are the differences in campus location and surrounding areas?

    Moravian University is located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, a historic city with a vibrant arts scene and a close-knit community. The campus is easily accessible and offers a safe and supportive environment. Harvard University is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, a city adjacent to Boston, providing access to a wealth of cultural, academic, and professional opportunities. The surrounding area is highly urban and offers a diverse range of experiences.

  • How does the application process differ between Moravian and Harvard?

    Both universities require a similar application process, including submitting transcripts, standardized test scores (though test-optional policies are common), letters of recommendation, and essays. However, Harvard's application process is highly competitive, with a lower acceptance rate. Moravian's application process is also selective, but generally less competitive than Harvard's, making it potentially more accessible for a wider range of applicants.

  • Which university is a better fit for me?

    The best fit depends on your individual preferences and goals. If you thrive in a close-knit community with personalized attention and a focus on a liberal arts education, Moravian University might be a great choice. If you are seeking a highly competitive environment with vast resources, global opportunities, and a wide range of academic programs, Harvard University could be a better fit. Consider your academic interests, learning style, and desired social environment when making your decision.

Compare Similar Colleges

The list of suggested college comparisons provided below is generated automatically by our system, utilizing statistics gathered from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and various online sources. If you don't find the colleges you wish to compare, please visit our comparison page. There, you can search for the specific colleges and initiate your comparison.
Harvard University Harvard vs California Institute of Technology California Institute of Technology
Harvard University Harvard vs University of California-Berkeley University of California-Berkeley
Harvard University Harvard vs University of California-Davis University of California-Davis
Harvard University Harvard vs University of Southern California University of Southern California
Harvard University Harvard vs Yale University Yale University
Harvard University Harvard vs University of Chicago University of Chicago
Harvard University Harvard vs Northwestern University Northwestern University
Harvard University Harvard vs University of Notre Dame University of Notre Dame
Harvard University Harvard vs Johns Hopkins University Johns Hopkins University
Harvard University Harvard vs United States Naval Academy United States Naval Academy
Harvard University Harvard vs Brandeis University Brandeis University
Harvard University Harvard vs Wellesley College Wellesley College
Harvard University Harvard vs Barnard College Barnard College
Harvard University Harvard vs Jewish Theological Seminary of America Jewish Theological Seminary of America
Harvard University Harvard vs New York University New York University
Harvard University Harvard vs University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Moravian University Moravian University vs Goshen College Goshen College
Moravian University Moravian University vs Bowdoin College Bowdoin College
Moravian University Moravian University vs Colby College Colby College
Moravian University Moravian University vs Johns Hopkins University Johns Hopkins University
Moravian University Moravian University vs Harvard University Harvard University
Moravian University Moravian University vs Massachusetts Institute of Technology Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Moravian University Moravian University vs Albion College Albion College
Moravian University Moravian University vs Dartmouth College Dartmouth College
Moravian University Moravian University vs Colgate University Colgate University
Moravian University Moravian University vs Cornell University Cornell University
Moravian University Moravian University vs Elmira College Elmira College
Moravian University Moravian University vs Hamilton College Hamilton College
Moravian University Moravian University vs Hartwick College Hartwick College
Moravian University Moravian University vs LIM College LIM College
Moravian University Moravian University vs Siena College Siena College
Moravian University Moravian University vs Skidmore College Skidmore College
Moravian University Moravian University vs Trocaire College Trocaire College
Moravian University Moravian University vs Union College Union College
Moravian University Moravian University vs Lenoir-Rhyne University Lenoir-Rhyne University
Moravian University Moravian University vs Linfield University-McMinnville Campus Linfield University-McMinnville Campus
Moravian University Moravian University vs Albright College Albright College
Moravian University Moravian University vs DeSales University DeSales University
Moravian University Moravian University vs Missio Theological Seminary Missio Theological Seminary
Moravian University Moravian University vs Bucknell University Bucknell University
Moravian University Moravian University vs Cedar Crest College Cedar Crest College
Moravian University Moravian University vs Dickinson College Dickinson College
Moravian University Moravian University vs Elizabethtown College Elizabethtown College
Moravian University Moravian University vs Franklin and Marshall College Franklin and Marshall College
Moravian University Moravian University vs Juniata College Juniata College
Moravian University Moravian University vs King's College King's College
Moravian University Moravian University vs Lafayette College Lafayette College
Moravian University Moravian University vs Lebanon Valley College Lebanon Valley College
Moravian University Moravian University vs Lycoming College Lycoming College
Moravian University Moravian University vs Brown University Brown University
Moravian University Moravian University vs Middlebury College Middlebury College
Moravian University Moravian University vs Bridgewater College Bridgewater College
Moravian University Moravian University vs Christopher Newport University Christopher Newport University
Moravian University Moravian University vs Virginia Wesleyan University Virginia Wesleyan University
Moravian University Moravian University vs Whitworth University Whitworth University
Moravian University Moravian University vs Stanford University Stanford University