Is Harvard over-rated?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Harvard is the type of school where you can study art history or “Government” and still end up with a lucrative career in finance.

Whatever that tangible benefit is called….people really want it. I bet there’s a German word for this.

This

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Harvard is the type of school where you can study art history or “Government” and still end up with a lucrative career in finance.

Whatever that tangible benefit is called….people really want it. I bet there’s a German word for this.

This

+100

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:All these schools are overrated in terms of what they actually provide. But there are still A LOT of benefits from a Harvard degree

- signed a Harvard grad

+1 so much this

Nope that's your wishful thinking.

Data says you don't get much benefit from mediocre majors.

GMU CS >> Harvard English in terms of benefit.

In terms of what they actually provide, majors matter much more.

What a facile way of looking at this. How much value does a CS degree provide someone who doesn’t want to study CS?

Of course, not everyone can get into Harvard, and not everyone can handle serious majors.If the school is truly elite and worthwhile with benefits, a student with any major should outperform a student with more elite majors at much lesser schools. it's far from the case. 

Hence it's overrated and not too beneficial overall. 

The fact is that elite majors matter more and beneficial.

The fact that you think elite majors exist is still weird. For an individual student the best college experience is the one that allows them to flourish and excel and later gain the most opportunities in the field of their choosing. If you are into music, go to the school that best serves that interest even if you make less money (let’s admit that is the only “benefit” you are measuring and then only five to ten years out).

Elite majors are more real than elite colleges based on how they get valued and compensated in society and the industries.
The benefits are much more clear.

Sure, that's why elite majors like cs community college boot camps trump ivy league humanities. Always choose elite community college over non-elite ivy league.

Nope, bootcamps at community colleges or for profit schools are like Harvard Extension school.
It's like choosing Harvard Extension over real colleges just because it says Harvard.
It doesn't work most of the time.
Some of the successful ones from bootcamps normally have a college degree.

Harvard Extension School is not a for-profit school. That word doesn’t mean what you think it means.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:All these schools are overrated in terms of what they actually provide. But there are still A LOT of benefits from a Harvard degree

- signed a Harvard grad

NP. Could you explain more, please?

DP - do you think anyone who gets a resume across their desk of a Harvard grad thinks "eh, that schools alright?". Heck no! When someone says they went to Harvard, people have a favorable impression. The degree gets you in doors.

https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?166027-Harvard-University&fos_code=2301&fos_credential=3
Harvard English = $43845

https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?164924-Boston-College&fos_code=5208&fos_credential=3
Bosnton College Finance = $94,626

https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?167358-Northeastern-University
Northeastern Computer Science = $108,000

Elite majors matter much more unless you have rich dad, fancy connections, and/or trust fund.

Holy moly the Harvard English number is horrendous. My child goes to a university most people on here have never heard of and they and their friends have signed job offers starting this summer making nearly double that number.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Harvard is the type of school where you can study art history or “Government” and still end up with a lucrative career in finance.

Whatever that tangible benefit is called….people really want it. I bet there’s a German word for this.

Nope, again that's your imagination. 

https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?166027-Harvard-University&fos_code=5401&fos_credential=3
Harvard History: $60,343

https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?166027-Harvard-University&fos_code=4510&fos_credential=3
Harvard Political Science: $64,803

History and Political Science are the better ones, but still don't look 'lucrative'
Just a little better than lower tier schools, but not so lucrative.

Again elite majors >>> elite name brand schools
It's 21st century.  Don't rely on rumors or imagination.
Middle class/UMC folks who spend $$ better be aware.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Harvard is the type of school where you can study art history or “Government” and still end up with a lucrative career in finance.

Whatever that tangible benefit is called….people really want it. I bet there’s a German word for this.

Nope, again that's your imagination. 

https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?166027-Harvard-University&fos_code=5401&fos_credential=3
Harvard History: $60,343

https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?166027-Harvard-University&fos_code=4510&fos_credential=3
Harvard Political Science: $64,803

History and Political Science are the better ones, but still don't look 'lucrative'
Just a little better than lower tier schools, but not so lucrative.

Again elite majors >>> elite name brand schools
It's 21st century.  Don't rely on rumors or imagination.
Middle class/UMC folks who spend $$ better be aware.

For comparison in Boston area.

https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?167358-Northeastern-University&fos_code=5201&fos_credential=3
Northeatesrn Business: $78,684

https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?164988-Boston-University&fos_code=5202&fos_credential=3
Boston University Business: $71,952

Not even STEM.
Is Harvard overrated? Very Much.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Harvard is the type of school where you can study art history or “Government” and still end up with a lucrative career in finance.

Whatever that tangible benefit is called….people really want it. I bet there’s a German word for this.

Nope, again that's your imagination. 

https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?166027-Harvard-University&fos_code=5401&fos_credential=3
Harvard History: $60,343

https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?166027-Harvard-University&fos_code=4510&fos_credential=3
Harvard Political Science: $64,803

History and Political Science are the better ones, but still don't look 'lucrative'
Just a little better than lower tier schools, but not so lucrative.

Again elite majors >>> elite name brand schools
It's 21st century.  Don't rely on rumors or imagination.
Middle class/UMC folks who spend $$ better be aware.

For comparison in Boston area.

https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?167358-Northeastern-University&fos_code=5201&fos_credential=3
Northeatesrn Business: $78,684

https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?164988-Boston-University&fos_code=5202&fos_credential=3
Boston University Business: $71,952

Not even STEM.
Is Harvard overrated? Very Much.

Harvard computer science - $163,896.

That is a massive premium to the CS earnings at Northeastern and BU

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Harvard is the type of school where you can study art history or “Government” and still end up with a lucrative career in finance.

Whatever that tangible benefit is called….people really want it. I bet there’s a German word for this.

Nope, again that's your imagination. 

https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?166027-Harvard-University&fos_code=5401&fos_credential=3
Harvard History: $60,343

https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?166027-Harvard-University&fos_code=4510&fos_credential=3
Harvard Political Science: $64,803

History and Political Science are the better ones, but still don't look 'lucrative'
Just a little better than lower tier schools, but not so lucrative.

Again elite majors >>> elite name brand schools
It's 21st century.  Don't rely on rumors or imagination.
Middle class/UMC folks who spend $$ better be aware.

For comparison in Boston area.

https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?167358-Northeastern-University&fos_code=5201&fos_credential=3
Northeatesrn Business: $78,684

https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?164988-Boston-University&fos_code=5202&fos_credential=3
Boston University Business: $71,952

Not even STEM.
Is Harvard overrated? Very Much.

Harvard computer science - $163,896.

That is a massive premium to the CS earnings at Northeastern and BU

Yes, such a humongous difference between CS and English/History/Political Science.
Northeastern and BU are still over 100K.
So regardless of schools, CS >> humanities
Northeastern and BU are still 100K.

So if you can get into Harvard and are capable of real majors, that is it.
The next best thing is real majors at the next tier schools rather than English/History/Political Science at Harvard.

Elite major matters much more than elite school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:All these schools are overrated in terms of what they actually provide. But there are still A LOT of benefits from a Harvard degree

- signed a Harvard grad

NP. Could you explain more, please?

DP - do you think anyone who gets a resume across their desk of a Harvard grad thinks "eh, that schools alright?". Heck no! When someone says they went to Harvard, people have a favorable impression. The degree gets you in doors.

https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?166027-Harvard-University&fos_code=2301&fos_credential=3
Harvard English = $43845

https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?164924-Boston-College&fos_code=5208&fos_credential=3
Bosnton College Finance = $94,626

https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?167358-Northeastern-University
Northeastern Computer Science = $108,000

Elite majors matter much more unless you have rich dad, fancy connections, and/or trust fund.

Holy moly the Harvard English number is horrendous. My child goes to a university most people on here have never heard of and they and their friends have signed job offers starting this summer making nearly double that number.

Ooh, care to share which school? Co grats to your child and their friends!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:All these schools are overrated in terms of what they actually provide. But there are still A LOT of benefits from a Harvard degree

- signed a Harvard grad

NP. Could you explain more, please?

DP - do you think anyone who gets a resume across their desk of a Harvard grad thinks "eh, that schools alright?". Heck no! When someone says they went to Harvard, people have a favorable impression. The degree gets you in doors.

https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?166027-Harvard-University&fos_code=2301&fos_credential=3
Harvard English = $43845

https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?164924-Boston-College&fos_code=5208&fos_credential=3
Bosnton College Finance = $94,626

https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?167358-Northeastern-University
Northeastern Computer Science = $108,000

Elite majors matter much more unless you have rich dad, fancy connections, and/or trust fund.

Holy moly the Harvard English number is horrendous. My child goes to a university most people on here have never heard of and they and their friends have signed job offers starting this summer making nearly double that number.

Ooh, care to share which school? Co grats to your child and their friends!

This being an anonymous board, most will feel reluctant respond to such a question.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Harvard is the type of school where you can study art history or “Government” and still end up with a lucrative career in finance.

Whatever that tangible benefit is called….people really want it. I bet there’s a German word for this.

No, being ridiculously smart and ambitious and majoring in whatever you want can get you a great career in whatever you want. It has little to do with Harvard.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:All these schools are overrated in terms of what they actually provide. But there are still A LOT of benefits from a Harvard degree

- signed a Harvard grad

NP. Could you explain more, please?

DP - do you think anyone who gets a resume across their desk of a Harvard grad thinks "eh, that schools alright?". Heck no! When someone says they went to Harvard, people have a favorable impression. The degree gets you in doors.

https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?166027-Harvard-University&fos_code=2301&fos_credential=3
Harvard English = $43845

https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?164924-Boston-College&fos_code=5208&fos_credential=3
Bosnton College Finance = $94,626

https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?167358-Northeastern-University
Northeastern Computer Science = $108,000

Elite majors matter much more unless you have rich dad, fancy connections, and/or trust fund.

Holy moly the Harvard English number is horrendous. My child goes to a university most people on here have never heard of and they and their friends have signed job offers starting this summer making nearly double that number.

Ooh, care to share which school? Co grats to your child and their friends!

School is a directional school (I.e. think University of Southern Illinois). They are Accounting majors going into large Public Accounting firms (on-track for CPA) and offers are in the $73-80k range. This is with a bachelor’s, but 150 credits.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Doing some research for my DC who is a sophomore. Recent grad outcomes appear very pedestrian and it appears many are struggling to find work. Are the glory days for Harvard behind them? Serious question. I cannot find reasons why Harvard is any better than other schools in the top 50 USNWR rankings. Recent matriculants I have known personally are not that impressive and seem to be a blend of legacy, VIP and athlete. What am I missing? Perhaps it is a dying brand - what am I missing? Does the emperor have any clothes here?

Its underrated for poor, okay for wealthy and overrated for donut families who end up squeezing their life savings. It costs $0- 85k, value depends on how much one is actually paying.

We declined it because kid was getting $0 need based aid and there is $0 merit scholarships. Another T20 gave half tuition merit scholarship, which made it a it better value for us. We did decline full ride state schools because kid didn't want to go there and felt free isn't necessarily a good value.

Can you share what T20 school offered merit? Signed, donut hole mom

On top of my head, Vanderbilt, Rice, USC, Duke, Northwestern etc have merit scholarships, often given to students who are cross admits at Ivies but merit money can sway their decisions as they aren't eligible for any or enough aid to make it work.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Doing some research for my DC who is a sophomore. Recent grad outcomes appear very pedestrian and it appears many are struggling to find work. Are the glory days for Harvard behind them? Serious question. I cannot find reasons why Harvard is any better than other schools in the top 50 USNWR rankings. Recent matriculants I have known personally are not that impressive and seem to be a blend of legacy, VIP and athlete. What am I missing? Perhaps it is a dying brand - what am I missing? Does the emperor have any clothes here?

Its underrated for poor, okay for wealthy and overrated for donut families who end up squeezing their life savings. It costs $0- 85k, value depends on how much one is actually paying.

We declined it because kid was getting $0 need based aid and there is $0 merit scholarships. Another T20 gave half tuition merit scholarship, which made it a it better value for us. We did decline full ride state schools because kid didn't want to go there and felt free isn't necessarily a good value.

Can you share what T20 school offered merit? Signed, donut hole mom

Different poster. Duke & Vanderbilt offer merit scholarships. Not sure, but I have read online that JHU offers merit money.

Yah, but my DCs will have to study in the South, and I’d rather avoid that.

[Anonymous]

Harvard brand def helps in the job market and socially

-spouse of Harvard PhD grad