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Yale University vs Harvard University

Yale University is a private university in New Haven, CT. Harvard University is a private university in Cambridge, MA. Both admit about 4% of applicants. Students pay an average of about $19,066 a year at Harvard University after aid, and about $23,777 at Yale University. About 97% of students graduate at Harvard University, compared with 96% at Yale University. Ten years after enrolling, Harvard University alumni earn a median of about $101,817, against $100,533 for Yale University.

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Yale University

New Haven, CT · Private

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
New Haven, CT
Cambridge, MA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
6,758
7,601
Acceptance rate
4%
4%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.55–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1470–1570
1510–1580
ACT (middle 50%)
33–35
34–36
Test policy
Required
Required
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$23,777
$19,066
Full cost / yr
$88,300
$85,540
In-state tuition
$67,250
$61,676
Out-of-state tuition
$67,250
$61,676
Application fee
$80
$85
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$17,633
$8,697
$30k - $48k
$15,626
$2,991
$48k - $75k
$17,943
$2,091
$75k - $110k
$12,558
$9,941
Over $110k
$45,951
$53,337
Outcomes
Graduation rate
96%
97%
Freshman retention
99%
98%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$81,765
$99,572
Median earnings (10 yr)
$100,533
$101,817
Median debt at graduation
$12,975
$14,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
20%
16%
First-generation students
25%
26%
International students
11%
15%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 2
Jan 1

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Yale University or Harvard University harder to get into?
They are about equally selective: both admit around 4% of applicants. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Yale University or Harvard University?
Harvard University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $19,066 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $23,777 at Yale University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Yale University and Harvard University?
Before aid, Harvard University costs about $85,540 a year and Yale University about $88,300. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Yale University or Harvard University?
Harvard University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $8,697 there, against about $17,633 at Yale University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Yale University or Harvard University?
Harvard University is the larger of the two, with about 7,601 undergraduates against 6,758 at Yale University.
Does Yale University or Harvard University have a better graduation rate?
Harvard University has the higher graduation rate, at about 97% against 96% at Yale University.
Do graduates of Yale University or Harvard University earn more?
Harvard University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $101,817 ten years after enrolling, against about $100,533 for Yale University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Yale University and Harvard University require SAT or ACT scores?
Yale University requires SAT or ACT scores. Harvard University requires SAT or ACT scores.
What SAT scores do Yale University and Harvard University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1470–1570 at Yale University and 1510–1580 at Harvard University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school