Harvard vs Yale - US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
The verdict, from the data
The more international environment is at Harvard (15.7% international students) than Yale (10.6%).
On paper the cheaper option is Harvard: $64,796 against $72,500, which is $7,704 less a year.
At 3.6% and 4.7%, both admissions processes remain a lottery for any candidate; the difference between them is not an argument here.
Students admitted to both more often choose Harvard (83.6% enrol, against 68.4%).
These numbers describe the cohorts already enrolled, not your chances; treat them as a starting point rather than a forecast.
Every sentence above comes from a field we hold in canonical. Where the data is missing, or the gap is small enough to be noise, the sentence simply does not appear.
EXPERT TAKE
Harvard is the more selective of the two (3.65% vs 4.7% acceptance). Harvard ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#1 vs #11). Median earnings 10 years after enrollment are effectively tied ($102K vs $101K). Harvard has lower sticker-price tuition ($64,796 vs $72,500 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 Harvard for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Yale for: higher retention, lower graduate debt.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Harvard is more selective (3.65% vs 4.7% acceptance); Harvard has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1540).
Harvard graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($102K vs $101K); Harvard has a higher 6-year graduation rate (97.6% vs 95.7%).
Harvard has lower sticker-price tuition ($64,796 vs $72,500); Harvard offers a larger average aid package ($74,387 vs $74,353).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Harvard | Yale |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #1 | #11 |
| Rank · THE | #3 | #10 |
| Acceptance rate | 3.65% | 4.7% |
| Yield rate | 83.6% | 68.4% |
| Median SAT | 1553 | 1540 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.21 | - |
| Number of applications | 54,008 | 50,264 |
| International students | 15.7% | 10.6% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $102K | $101K |
| Bottom 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $65K | $66K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $200K | $194K |
| Graduation rate | 97.6% | 95.7% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 99.4% |
| Median debt | $14,000 | $12,975 |
| Tuition · year | $64,796 | $72,500 |
| Avg. aid package | $74,387 | $74,353 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $22,262 | $22,185 |
| Application fee | $85 | $80 |
| Enrollment | 21,189 | 15,657 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Harvard or Yale?
It's harder to get into Harvard. Harvard accepts 3.65% of applicants, while Yale accepts 4.7%.
Do Harvard or Yale graduates earn more?
Earnings are practically equal - 10 years after enrollment, the median is $102K at Harvard and $101K at Yale.
How much is tuition at Harvard vs Yale?
Sticker-price tuition is $64,796 per year at Harvard and $72,500 per year at Yale.
What SAT score do you need for Harvard or Yale?
The median admitted SAT score is 1553 at Harvard and 1540 at Yale; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher - Harvard or Yale?
Harvard ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #1 for Harvard vs #11 for Yale.
Which university offers more financial aid - Harvard or Yale?
The average aid package is $74,387 at Harvard and $74,353 at Yale.
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