Cornell vs Yale — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Yale is the more selective of the two (3.9% vs 8.8% acceptance). Yale ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#12 vs #11). Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $101K). Yale has lower sticker-price tuition ($67,250 vs $69,314 per year).
Both universities have complete, comparable data in canonical — the choice should come down to fit (campus culture, major, aid package) alongside the differences visible in the numbers below.
Choose Cornell for: higher graduate earnings.
Choose Yale for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, a higher graduation rate.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Yale is more selective (3.9% vs 8.8% acceptance); Cornell has a higher median SAT (1535 vs 1534).
Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $101K); Yale has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.7% vs 95.4%).
Yale has lower sticker-price tuition ($67,250 vs $69,314); Yale offers a larger average aid package ($76,770 vs $62,257).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Cornell | Yale |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #12 | #11 |
| Rank · THE | #20 | #10 |
| Acceptance rate | 8.8% | 3.9% |
| Yield rate | 66% | 68.4% |
| Median SAT | 1535 | 1534 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 67,846 | 50,264 |
| International students | 26% | 22% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $104K | $101K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $101K | $124K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $166K | $194K |
| Graduation rate | 95.4% | 95.7% |
| Retention rate | 97.8% | 99.4% |
| Median debt | $14,000 | $12,975 |
| Tuition · year | $69,314 | $67,250 |
| Avg. aid package | $62,257 | $76,770 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $27,244 | $22,185 |
| Application fee | — | $80 |
| Enrollment | 19,027 | 15,657 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Cornell or Yale?
It's harder to get into Yale. Cornell accepts 8.8% of applicants, while Yale accepts 3.9%.
Do Cornell or Yale graduates earn more?
Cornell graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $104K vs $101K.
How much is tuition at Cornell vs Yale?
Sticker-price tuition is $69,314 per year at Cornell and $67,250 per year at Yale.
What SAT score do you need for Cornell or Yale?
The median admitted SAT score is 1535 at Cornell and 1534 at Yale; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Cornell or Yale?
Yale ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #12 for Cornell vs #11 for Yale.
Which university offers more financial aid — Cornell or Yale?
The average aid package is $62,257 at Cornell and $76,770 at Yale.
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