Is Oxford more elite than Cambridge?

Asked by: Antonina Kassulke  |  Last update: March 12, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (69 votes)

QS World University Rankings 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.

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.

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.

Best Universities in the World 2023

41 related questions found

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.

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.

Why is Oxford so prestigious?

Oxford is one of the world's top research universities and boasts world-class facilities for study and research. We are famous for our research excellence and innovation, and home to some of the most talented researchers in the world.

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.

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.

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.

Why can you only choose Oxford or Cambridge?

Some people have speculated in the past that the two universities are in such competition that they do not want to be second choice to anyone, let alone to their long-held rival, but it's slightly less dramatic than that. Basically, it comes down to supply and demand.

Is Cambridge or Oxford prettier?

In terms of differences between the two locations, Cambridge is generally considered a little prettier, while Oxford has a bit more going on – but of course this will depend on who you ask.

What is the UK equivalent of Harvard?

University of Oxford and University of Cambridge.

Is Oxford the most prestigious school in the world?

Oxford University has been world number one in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings since 2017 - the longest time any university has held the position in the 21 annual editions of the rankings.

Why is Oxford more popular than Cambridge?

Oxford is the UK's oldest university, meaning it has an even richer history and set of traditions than Cambridge. If you like the idea of being associated with the first-ever university in British history, that's really not something you can get anywhere else.

What is the most common crime in Cambridge?

Top reported crimes
  • Violence and sexual offences. 614.
  • Anti-social behaviour. 307.
  • Shoplifting. 260.
  • Criminal damage and arson. 154.

Is Oxford more prestigious than Ivy League?

Although much younger than Oxbridge colleges (the oldest, Harvard, was founded in 1636), what they lack in age, they make up for in character and sheer success: the Ivy League matches Oxbridge for graduate employment opportunities and globally acknowledged prestige.

Is it hard to get into Oxford?

The acceptance rate at Oxford University is often compared with the most competitive universities around the world. Typically ranging between 13% and 17%, it appears more accessible compared to top Ivy League institutions.

Is Oxford as good as Harvard?

Rankings: Based on global rankings, Oxford beats Harvard, however in national rankings, Harvard holds a better position. Thus, Oxford wins based on the global rankings here. Acceptance Rate: Harvard is more selective than Oxford, hence Oxford wins here by 16.8% against 3.59%.

Is Oxford or Yale harder to get into?

The acceptance rate of Yale University is 6.3%. What is the acceptance rate of Oxford University? The acceptance rate of Oxford University is 14-16%.

Why is Stanford not an ivy?

However, top institutions like MIT and Stanford, which outperform several Ivy League schools in global rankings, are not part of the League due to geographic and historical reasons. Both universities excel in academic reputation, faculty-student ratio, employer reputation, and employment outcomes.