Rochester vs Yale — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Yale is the more selective of the two (3.9% vs 40.1% acceptance). Yale ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#151-200 vs #11). Yale graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($101K vs $79K). Rochester has lower sticker-price tuition ($67,080 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 Rochester 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 40.1% acceptance); Yale has a higher median SAT (1534 vs 1488).
Yale graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($101K vs $79K); Yale has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.7% vs 85.4%).
Rochester has lower sticker-price tuition ($67,080 vs $67,250); Yale offers a larger average aid package ($76,770 vs $60,879).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Rochester | Yale |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #151-200 | #11 |
| Rank · THE | #127 | #10 |
| Acceptance rate | 40.1% | 3.9% |
| Yield rate | 15.4% | 68.4% |
| Median SAT | 1488 | 1534 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.70 | — |
| Number of applications | 21,384 | 50,264 |
| International students | 37% | 22% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $79K | $101K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $74K | $124K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $117K | $194K |
| Graduation rate | 85.4% | 95.7% |
| Retention rate | 90.7% | 99.4% |
| Median debt | $21,000 | $12,975 |
| Tuition · year | $67,080 | $67,250 |
| Avg. aid package | $60,879 | $76,770 |
| % of need met | 96.1% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,304 | $22,185 |
| Application fee | $50 | $80 |
| Enrollment | 11,946 | 15,657 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Rochester or Yale?
It's harder to get into Yale. Rochester accepts 40.1% of applicants, while Yale accepts 3.9%.
Do Rochester or Yale graduates earn more?
Yale graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $101K vs $79K.
How much is tuition at Rochester vs Yale?
Sticker-price tuition is $67,080 per year at Rochester and $67,250 per year at Yale.
What SAT score do you need for Rochester or Yale?
The median admitted SAT score is 1488 at Rochester and 1534 at Yale; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Rochester or Yale?
Yale ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #151-200 for Rochester vs #11 for Yale.
Which university offers more financial aid — Rochester or Yale?
The average aid package is $60,879 at Rochester and $76,770 at Yale.
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