Penn vs Yale — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Yale is the more selective of the two (3.9% vs 5.4% acceptance). Yale ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#14 vs #11). Penn graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($111K vs $101K). Yale has lower sticker-price tuition ($67,250 vs $68,686 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 Penn for: higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate.
Choose Yale for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher retention.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Yale is more selective (3.9% vs 5.4% acceptance); Penn has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1534).
Penn graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($111K vs $101K); Penn has a higher 6-year graduation rate (96.5% vs 95.7%).
Yale has lower sticker-price tuition ($67,250 vs $68,686); Yale offers a larger average aid package ($76,770 vs $70,971).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Penn | Yale |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #14 | #11 |
| Rank · THE | — | #10 |
| Acceptance rate | 5.4% | 3.9% |
| Yield rate | 68% | 68.4% |
| Median SAT | 1553 | 1534 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.90 | — |
| Number of applications | 65,236 | 50,264 |
| International students | 24% | 22% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $111K | $101K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $132K | $124K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $183K | $194K |
| Graduation rate | 96.5% | 95.7% |
| Retention rate | 98.8% | 99.4% |
| Median debt | $15,715 | $12,975 |
| Tuition · year | $68,686 | $67,250 |
| Avg. aid package | $70,971 | $76,770 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,558 | $22,185 |
| Application fee | $75 | $80 |
| Enrollment | 24,023 | 15,657 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Penn or Yale?
It's harder to get into Yale. Penn accepts 5.4% of applicants, while Yale accepts 3.9%.
Do Penn or Yale graduates earn more?
Penn graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $111K vs $101K.
How much is tuition at Penn vs Yale?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,686 per year at Penn and $67,250 per year at Yale.
What SAT score do you need for Penn or Yale?
The median admitted SAT score is 1553 at Penn and 1534 at Yale; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Penn or Yale?
Yale ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #14 for Penn vs #11 for Yale.
Which university offers more financial aid — Penn or Yale?
The average aid package is $70,971 at Penn and $76,770 at Yale.
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