Harvard vs Williams: Which Top School Is Better?

The Harvard vs Williams comparison is one of the most interesting choices you might face if you’re applying to elite colleges. Both are highly respected, but one is a global Ivy League research university while the other is the top-ranked liberal arts college in the country.

In this blog, you’ll get a clear, side-by-side breakdown of everything from acceptance rates and rankings to academics, campus life, and cost of attendance. If you’re a high school student trying to figure out which school fits your goals, this guide will help you make a confident and informed choice.

• Harvard vs Williams: Acceptance Rates
• Harvard vs Williams: Rankings
• Harvard vs Williams: Academics
• Harvard vs Williams: Campus Life
• Harvard vs Williams: Cost of Attendance
• Harvard vs Williams: Financial Aid and Scholarships
• Final Verdict
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

Harvard vs Williams: Acceptance Rates

One of the first factors you probably want to look at when comparing Harvard and Williams is how hard it is to get into each school. While the acceptance rate does not tell the whole story, it gives you a clear idea of how competitive your application needs to be.

Here are the schools’ admissions stats for the Class of 2028:

Harvard is more selective than Williams. For the Class of 2028, Harvard received 54,008 applications and admitted 1,937 students, resulting in an acceptance rate of 3.6%. Williams had 15,411 applicants and admitted 1,159 students, giving it a 7.5% acceptance rate.

Here is how the acceptance rates have changed at each school over the past three years.

• Harvard’s acceptance rate was 3.2% for the Class of 2026, 3.4% for the Class of 2027, and 3.6% for the Class of 2028. The numbers have stayed low but have inched up slightly each year.
• Williams had an acceptance rate of 8.5% for the Class of 2026, 10% for the Class of 2027, and then dropped to 7.5% for the Class of 2028. The recent decline indicates that Williams has become more selective again after a brief increase.

The bottom line is that Harvard is clearly more difficult to get into, but both schools are very selective and expect strong, well-rounded applications.

Harvard vs Williams: Rankings

While rankings should never be the only reason you choose a school, they can help you compare two well-respected institutions that both offer strong academics and career opportunities. Rankings give you a general idea of how each school is viewed in terms of reputation, teaching, and research.

Here is how Harvard and Williams compare across three major ranking systems:

U.S. News (National Rankings)

• Harvard: #3
• Williams: #1 in National Liberal Arts Colleges

Harvard ranks third in the country among national universities, which shows its strength in academics, selectivity, and graduate success. Williams ranks first among liberal arts colleges, which means it leads in smaller class sizes, undergraduate teaching, and student satisfaction.

Takeaway: Both schools are at the top of their categories, so your choice depends on whether you want a research university or a liberal arts college.

Times Higher Education (World University Rankings)

• Harvard: #3
• Williams: No data

Harvard holds the third spot in the world, based on its teaching, research, and global outlook. Williams is not included in this ranking, likely because it focuses entirely on undergraduate liberal arts and does not have the global research profile that larger universities do.

Takeaway: If international prestige or research access matters to you, Harvard stands out as one of the most recognized schools worldwide.

QS World University Rankings

• Harvard: #5
• Williams: #301–350

Harvard ranks fifth in the world, based on academic reputation and employer recognition. Williams falls into the 301–350 range, which is still impressive for a small college but reflects its limited global visibility compared to larger universities.

Takeaway: If you plan to study or work internationally in the future, Harvard’s name will likely open more doors.

Harvard vs Williams: Academics

Harvard and Williams both offer rigorous academics, but they create very different learning experiences. Think about what kind of environment helps you stay focused and excited to learn.

Harvard academics

Harvard gives you access to over 50 concentrations and more than 49 secondary fields across almost every area of study you can think of, from computer science to classics. You will complete 32 courses across eight semesters, including requirements in general education, writing, language, and data reasoning.

Top majors at Harvard include:

• Computer science
• Government
• Applied mathematics
• Neuroscience
• Psychology

Classes are typically small, with a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and 74% of courses have fewer than 20 students. You will get to know your professors and have opportunities to do advanced research or even earn a concurrent master’s degree if you want to push yourself further.

Williams academics

Williams offers more than 50 majors and programs that span the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences. The school is known for its close student-faculty relationships and its tutorial system, which gives you the chance to work one-on-one or in pairs with a professor in a deep, discussion-based format.

Top majors at Williams include:

• Econometrics and quantitative economics
• Psychology
• English language and literature
• Biology
• Mathematics

Williams also has a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and about 73% of its classes have fewer than 20 students. You can expect a lot of personal attention from faculty, along with chances to publish research, try out new interests during Winter Study, and explore interdisciplinary topics across fields.

Still deciding between Harvard and Williams for the right academic fit? Our Academic and Extracurricular Profile Evaluation & Roadmap offers a personalized plan to help you strengthen your high school strategy. In just one session, you’ll gain clarity and confidence to choose your academic path.

Harvard vs Williams: Campus Life

Campus life is where you’ll make some of your best memories. Whether you’re joining a club, hanging out with friends in your dorm, or just relaxing on a sunny day, the vibe of the campus really shapes your experience. 

Harvard campus life

Life at Harvard offers a vibrant and historic campus experience rooted in tradition and diversity. From freshman dorms to student-led events, life here is fast-paced, rich in opportunities, and deeply connected to the surrounding city.

Here’s what life looks like at Harvard:

• First-year students live in dorms near Harvard Yard and eat together in the iconic Annenberg Hall. You’ll also be assigned to a first-year “Yard,” helping you make friends right away.
• Sophomores and up live in one of twelve residential Houses with their own dining halls, tutors, and traditions. Each House becomes your home base for the rest of college.
• With over 500 student groups, there’s something for everyone, from Model UN to acapella to tech startups. The Harvard Undergraduate Council also hosts events and funds student initiatives.
• Cambridge and nearby Boston offer endless food, music, and internships. You get the perks of city life while still having a walkable, community-focused campus.

Williams campus life

Campus life at Williams provides an outdoorsy environment where connection and collaboration thrive. The small campus size and residential culture make it easy to feel known and supported.

Here’s what to expect at Williams:

• Most first-years live in the Frosh Quad or Berkshire Quad, surrounded by green space and historic charm. Dorm traditions and common rooms encourage socializing right from the start.
• Dining halls like Whitman’s and Driscoll are popular gathering spots for meals and conversation. Smaller eateries like ’82 Grill give you cozy places to study or meet up with friends.
• Campus Safety and Security (CSS) is available 24/7 to support student well-being and safety. They’re one of the first to welcome new students and prioritize inclusive, individualized service.
• Students can access health, wellness, and emergency services easily through campus and local resources. Whether you need a mental health consultation or a late-night escort, help is just a call away.

Harvard vs Williams: Cost of Attendance

Paying for college is a big step, so knowing the full cost of each school can help you and your family plan wisely. Harvard and Williams are both incredible schools, but the costs you will face each year look a little different once you add everything up.

Here is what one year at each school might cost you:

Here is how Harvard’s cost of attendance ($86,926 total) breaks down:

• $59,320 for tuition
• $13,532 for housing
• $8,598 for food
• $1,800 for health services
• $3,676 for student services

Here is how Williams’ cost of attendance ($92,250 total) adds up:

• $72,170 for tuition
• $9,250 for housing
• $8,990 for meals
• $340 for activities and residential house fees
• $1,500 for the study away fee if you participate in off-campus programs

Williams has higher tuition than Harvard, but lower housing and meal costs. Still, when everything is added up, Williams comes out about $5,324 more expensive per year, which could mean around $21,296 extra over four years.

Harvard vs Williams: Financial Aid and Scholarships

Financial aid can make or break your college decision, especially when you are choosing between two top schools like Harvard and Williams. Both schools are committed to helping students afford college, but their approaches and benefits look a little different.

Harvard financial aid and scholarships

Harvard offers 100% need-based aid through its Griffin Financial Aid Office, which means your family’s income decides how much you actually pay. Around 55% of Harvard students receive need-based scholarships, and about 25% pay nothing at all.

Here is what you can expect:

• If your family earns $100,000 or less and has typical assets, Harvard usually covers everything, including tuition, housing, food, health insurance, travel, and even gives you a $2,000 start-up grant your first year. 
• You also receive a $2,000 launch grant in junior year to help with career prep.
• If your family earns up to $200,000, you typically get free tuition and additional aid based on your specific financial situation. This could include full coverage of fees, housing, and meals.
• If your family earns more than $200,000, you can still qualify for aid depending on your circumstances. The financial aid team works with each family individually to determine the best solution.

To apply for aid, you need to submit the FAFSA, CSS Profile, and required tax documents through IDOC. 

Williams financial aid and scholarships

Williams meets 100% of your demonstrated need with no loans or required work-study jobs in your aid package. The school is committed to ensuring that cost does not prevent you from choosing Williams, regardless of your background.

Here’s what financial aid looks like at Williams:

• All aid from Williams comes in the form of grants, which means you do not need to pay any of it back. The college also gives free textbooks and course materials to all students receiving aid.
• Williams does not expect you to take out loans or work during the school year or summer. You can still work on campus if you want, and there are plenty of jobs available.
• Outside scholarships can be used to buy a computer, and any leftover amount goes toward lowering your Williams grant amount. This gives you some flexibility to use extra funds in ways that help your education.
• Williams also offers flexible parent loan and payment plans if your family wants to spread out college costs. 

To apply for aid, you will need to submit the FAFSA, CSS Profile, and supporting documents.

Final Verdict

Harvard and Williams are two of the most respected schools in the country, and choosing between them is no small decision. You are looking at incredible academics, strong financial support, and life-changing opportunities at both, so it really comes down to the type of college experience you want.

• Choose Harvard if you want a fast-paced, globally recognized university where you can explore just about any major and connect with students and faculty from all over the world. You will live in a historic residential House, take part in a wide range of clubs and research, and benefit from generous financial aid even at higher income levels.
• Choose Williams if you are looking for an outdoorsy liberal arts environment with small classes and strong faculty support. You will take part in the tutorial system, enjoy free textbooks and loan-free aid, and feel like a valued member of a tight community from day one.

In the end, think about where you feel most energized to learn and grow. Choose the school where you see yourself not just fitting in, but thriving for the next four years.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which school is harder to get into, Harvard or Williams?

Harvard is definitely more difficult to get into than Williams based on the latest numbers. For the Class of 2028, Harvard had a 3.6% acceptance rate, while Williams admitted 7.5% of applicants. If you are aiming for Harvard, your application needs to stand out in an even more competitive pool.

2. Which is more affordable, Harvard or Williams?

Harvard is more affordable when you compare total costs directly. One year at Harvard costs $86,926, while Williams comes out to $92,250, which means you would pay about $5,324 more per year at Williams. That adds up to roughly $21,296 more over four years, so the cost might be something you and your family really want to think through.

3. Which school is better overall, Harvard or Williams?

Harvard and Williams both offer incredible academics, but the better school really depends on the type of experience you want. If you want a big, urban research university with global name recognition, then Harvard is probably the right fit for you. But if you are looking for a discussion-based liberal arts experience with close faculty support, Williams could be a better place to grow.

Takeaways

• Harvard is harder to get into, with a 3.6% acceptance rate compared to Williams’ 7.5%.
• You’ll pay less at Harvard since Williams costs about $5,324 more each year, adding up to over $21,296 across four years.
• Harvard gives you a fast-paced, urban campus with hundreds of majors and clubs, while Williams offers a quiet, outdoorsy vibe with small classes and personal attention.
• If you’re looking for global name recognition and research opportunities, Harvard is the choice, but if you prefer close faculty mentorship and no loans, Williams might be a better fit.
• You should definitely consider visiting both Harvard and Williams to see which campus feels right for you, and talk to a college admissions expert who can guide you on how to stand out at each school, especially since their admissions styles and priorities are so different.