North carolina vs Yale — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Yale is the more selective of the two (3.9% vs 15.3% acceptance). Yale ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#35 vs #11). Yale graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($101K vs $72K). North carolina has lower sticker-price tuition ($41,203 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 North carolina for: lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
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 15.3% acceptance); Yale has a higher median SAT (1534 vs 1439).
Yale graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($101K vs $72K); Yale has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.7% vs 91.2%).
North carolina has lower sticker-price tuition ($41,203 vs $67,250); Yale offers a larger average aid package ($76,770 vs $20,705).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | North carolina | Yale |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #35 | #11 |
| Rank · THE | #70 | #10 |
| Acceptance rate | 15.3% | 3.9% |
| Yield rate | 45.5% | 68.4% |
| Median SAT | 1439 | 1534 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.50 | — |
| Number of applications | 66,535 | 50,264 |
| International students | 9% | 22% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $72K | $101K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $69K | $124K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $112K | $194K |
| Graduation rate | 91.2% | 95.7% |
| Retention rate | 96.6% | 99.4% |
| Median debt | $14,000 | $12,975 |
| Tuition · year | $41,203 | $67,250 |
| Avg. aid package | $20,705 | $76,770 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $20,382 | $22,185 |
| Application fee | $85 | $80 |
| Enrollment | 32,680 | 15,657 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into North carolina or Yale?
It's harder to get into Yale. North carolina accepts 15.3% of applicants, while Yale accepts 3.9%.
Do North carolina or Yale graduates earn more?
Yale graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $101K vs $72K.
How much is tuition at North carolina vs Yale?
Sticker-price tuition is $41,203 per year at North carolina and $67,250 per year at Yale.
What SAT score do you need for North carolina or Yale?
The median admitted SAT score is 1439 at North carolina and 1534 at Yale; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — North carolina or Yale?
Yale ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #35 for North carolina vs #11 for Yale.
Which university offers more financial aid — North carolina or Yale?
The average aid package is $20,705 at North carolina and $76,770 at Yale.
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