Is Cambridge less prestigious than Oxford?

Asked by: Audrey Kling  |  Last update: August 8, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (2 votes)

The differences between the institutions are generally very minor – as longstanding members of the global top 10, both Oxford and Cambridge are firmly established among the world's higher education elite.

Is Cambridge or Oxford more prestigious?

Reputation and Global Rankings

Cambridge also ranks highly, often neck-and-neck with Oxford in global rankings. It is renowned for its rigorous academic programs, particularly in the sciences and engineering.

Which is nicer, Oxford or Cambridge?

Cambridge is easier and more charming -- with its lovely gardens along the River Cam. Oxford is more substantial with lots more to see and do. If you're choosing between them, consider this: Cambridge feels like a lazy, easygoing small town; Oxford has more urban energy and more stately buildings than its rival.

Is it harder to get into Oxford or Cambridge?

The acceptance rate for Oxford is 17.5%, Cambridge is 21% and Ivy League Colleges is 3%- 4%. The following could be probable reasons that the acceptance rate of Oxford and Cambridge is much higher than Ivy League colleges. The number of students at Oxford is 3x more than at Harvard.

Which is richer, Oxford or Cambridge?

Here are all the Oxbridge colleges ranked by exactly how rich they are right now. The net worths of different Oxbridge colleges varies wildly. Trinity College at the University of Cambridge is easily the richest Oxbridge college. It has a truly eye-watering £2.2 billion.

Less than 5% of students know Oxford/Cambridge University do this…

15 related questions found

Is Cambridge safer than Oxford?

Both Oxford and Cambridge are among the safest cities in Britain – surveys differ on which is safer and how they compare to other British cities, but it's fair to say that for their size, there is unusually little crime in both, especially in the student areas in and around the city centre.

What is the wealthiest university in the world?

Harvard University, with a $50.9 billion endowment as of 2022, is the wealthiest university in the world.

Is Oxford tougher than Harvard?

Harvard's acceptance rate is about 3%, reflecting its rigorous selection standards. Meanwhile, Oxford's overall acceptance rate is around 17%, emphasising its competitive nature, especially in popular courses.

What is the hardest degree to get into Cambridge?

What Is the Hardest Subject to Get Into at Cambridge? Computer Science is the hardest undergraduate course to get into, with an acceptance rate of just 7.6%. Graduate Medicine, however, had a success rate of just 7.3%.

Is Oxford in the Ivy League?

Despite its fame and reputation, Oxford University, located in the U.K., is not counted as an Ivy League university. The top eight schools in the USA are collectively known as the Ivy League. Princeton, Columbia, Dartmouth, Brown, Pennsylvania, Cornell, Harvard, and Yale make up the Ivy League.

Is it cheaper to live in Oxford or Cambridge?

Key Takeaways: Cost of Living: Both Oxford and Cambridge have high living costs, but Cambridge tends to be slightly more expensive overall. Housing Prices: Housing in Oxford is generally cheaper compared to Cambridge, where property prices can be significantly higher.

What do Oxford students wear to class?

Sub fusc (from the Latin sub fuscus meaning very dark) should be worn beneath your academic gown and is also required when sitting examinations. Sub fusc and the wider academic dress code at Oxford is solemn and modest, in line with our ceremonies, and traditionally comprised of plain black dress.

What subject is Cambridge university famous for?

Cambridge has an astounding academic record appearing in 40 top ten subject tables and is the number one place to study 33 of those, including: Archaeology. Biological Sciences. Chemistry.

What is the biggest difference between Oxford and Cambridge?

Oxford is larger in size, with a population about 30% larger than that of Cambridge. And while both cities are located near rivers, the sole river in Cambridge, the river Cam, flows through the city centre. Oxford, on the other hand, has two rivers (Thames and Cherwell) which flow around the city centre.

Is Cambridge better than Harvard?

In terms of prestige, Harvard may have a slight edge, especially in the United States; however, Cambridge has a strong global reputation as well. Ultimately, the opportunities after graduation will be influenced by your academic field, achievements, and personal aspirations.

Is Oxford more difficult than Cambridge?

Both Oxford and Cambridge are highly competitive, and unfortunately, you can only apply to one per year. Based on acceptance rates and numbers, however, it is easier to get into Cambridge than Oxford. Both Harvard and Oxford are esteemed, top-ranked universities where students strive to get their degrees.

Is King's College part of Cambridge?

King's College, formally The King's College of Our Lady and Saint Nicholas in Cambridge, is a constituent college of the University of Cambridge. This college lies beside the River Cam and faces out onto King's Parade in the centre of the city.

What is the number 1 hardest degree?

Medical education courses are considered the hardest degrees in most countries. Due to the intensive training, high study hours and compulsory clinical rotations, medical degrees are considered the hardest in most countries.

Is MIT or Oxford better?

Deciding between the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the University of Oxford hinges on one's academic preferences and career objectives. MIT is the go-to for those passionate about engineering, technology, and applied sciences, offering an environment ripe with innovation and practical problem-solving.

Is Oxford still prestigious?

The University of Oxford as a whole is one of the most prestigious universities in the world. All Oxford degrees are awarded by the university and not by individual colleges.

What university did most billionaires go to?

Harvard University: This Ivy League school holds the number one spot. Its graduates make up a considerable number of the world's richest individuals. Notable billionaire alumni include Michael Bloomberg, Steve Ballmer, and many more.

Where do rich kids go to college?

It may come as no surprise that the likes of Harvard, Yale and Princeton favor the children of the ultra-wealthy, but the study also shows that academically high-performing students from middle-income families are among the least likely to gain admission to one these elite colleges.