Northwestern vs Yale — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Yale is the more selective of the two (3.9% vs 7.7% acceptance). Yale ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#33 vs #11). Yale graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($101K vs $89K). Yale has lower sticker-price tuition ($67,250 vs $68,322 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 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 7.7% acceptance); Yale has a higher median SAT (1534 vs 1533).
Yale graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($101K vs $89K); Yale has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.7% vs 95.1%).
Yale has lower sticker-price tuition ($67,250 vs $68,322); Yale offers a larger average aid package ($76,770 vs $68,110).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Northwestern | Yale |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #33 | #11 |
| Rank · THE | #31 | #10 |
| Acceptance rate | 7.7% | 3.9% |
| Yield rate | 55.3% | 68.4% |
| Median SAT | 1533 | 1534 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 49,474 | 50,264 |
| International students | 20% | 22% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $89K | $101K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $93K | $124K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $139K | $194K |
| Graduation rate | 95.1% | 95.7% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 99.4% |
| Median debt | $15,000 | $12,975 |
| Tuition · year | $68,322 | $67,250 |
| Avg. aid package | $68,110 | $76,770 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,540 | $22,185 |
| Application fee | $75 | $80 |
| Enrollment | 23,431 | 15,657 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Northwestern or Yale?
It's harder to get into Yale. Northwestern accepts 7.7% of applicants, while Yale accepts 3.9%.
Do Northwestern or Yale graduates earn more?
Yale graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $101K vs $89K.
How much is tuition at Northwestern vs Yale?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,322 per year at Northwestern and $67,250 per year at Yale.
What SAT score do you need for Northwestern or Yale?
The median admitted SAT score is 1533 at Northwestern and 1534 at Yale; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Northwestern or Yale?
Yale ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #33 for Northwestern vs #11 for Yale.
Which university offers more financial aid — Northwestern or Yale?
The average aid package is $68,110 at Northwestern and $76,770 at Yale.
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