Iowa state vs Yale — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Yale is the more selective of the two (3.9% vs 88.7% acceptance). Yale ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#501-600 vs #11). Yale graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($101K vs $63K). Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 vs $67,250 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 Iowa state for: lower tuition.
Choose Yale for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Yale is more selective (3.9% vs 88.7% acceptance); Yale has a higher median SAT (1534 vs 1204).
Yale graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($101K vs $63K); Yale has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.7% vs 75.3%).
Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 vs $67,250); Yale offers a larger average aid package ($76,770 vs $15,665).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Iowa state | Yale |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #501-600 | #11 |
| Rank · THE | — | #10 |
| Acceptance rate | 88.7% | 3.9% |
| Yield rate | 28.8% | 68.4% |
| Median SAT | 1204 | 1534 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.80 | — |
| Number of applications | 23,095 | 50,264 |
| International students | 8% | 22% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $63K | $101K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $56K | $124K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $90K | $194K |
| Graduation rate | 75.3% | 95.7% |
| Retention rate | 87.6% | 99.4% |
| Median debt | $22,869 | $12,975 |
| Tuition · year | $28,881 | $67,250 |
| Avg. aid package | $15,665 | $76,770 |
| % of need met | 78% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $29,475 | $22,185 |
| Application fee | $40 | $80 |
| Enrollment | 30,432 | 15,657 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Iowa state or Yale?
It's harder to get into Yale. Iowa state accepts 88.7% of applicants, while Yale accepts 3.9%.
Do Iowa state or Yale graduates earn more?
Yale graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $101K vs $63K.
How much is tuition at Iowa state vs Yale?
Sticker-price tuition is $28,881 per year at Iowa state and $67,250 per year at Yale.
What SAT score do you need for Iowa state or Yale?
The median admitted SAT score is 1204 at Iowa state and 1534 at Yale; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Iowa state or Yale?
Yale ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #501-600 for Iowa state vs #11 for Yale.
Which university offers more financial aid — Iowa state or Yale?
The average aid package is $15,665 at Iowa state and $76,770 at Yale.
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