Stanford vs Yale — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Stanford is the more selective of the two (3.6% vs 3.9% acceptance). Stanford ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#2 vs #11). Stanford graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($124K vs $101K). Stanford has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,910 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 Stanford for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Yale for: a higher graduation rate, higher retention, a larger aid package.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Stanford is more selective (3.6% vs 3.9% acceptance); Stanford has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1534).
Stanford graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($124K vs $101K); Yale has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.7% vs 91.9%).
Stanford has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,910 vs $67,250); Yale offers a larger average aid package ($76,770 vs $75,816).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Stanford | Yale |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #2 | #11 |
| Rank · THE | #6 | #10 |
| Acceptance rate | 3.6% | 3.9% |
| Yield rate | 79.9% | 68.4% |
| Median SAT | 1553 | 1534 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.90 | — |
| Number of applications | 60,646 | 50,264 |
| International students | 23% | 22% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $124K | $101K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $141K | $124K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $220K | $194K |
| Graduation rate | 91.9% | 95.7% |
| Retention rate | 97% | 99.4% |
| Median debt | $12,000 | $12,975 |
| Tuition · year | $65,910 | $67,250 |
| Avg. aid package | $75,816 | $76,770 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $28,507 | $22,185 |
| Application fee | $100 | $80 |
| Enrollment | 18,121 | 15,657 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Stanford or Yale?
It's harder to get into Stanford. Stanford accepts 3.6% of applicants, while Yale accepts 3.9%.
Do Stanford or Yale graduates earn more?
Stanford graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $124K vs $101K.
How much is tuition at Stanford vs Yale?
Sticker-price tuition is $65,910 per year at Stanford and $67,250 per year at Yale.
What SAT score do you need for Stanford or Yale?
The median admitted SAT score is 1553 at Stanford and 1534 at Yale; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Stanford or Yale?
Stanford ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #2 for Stanford vs #11 for Yale.
Which university offers more financial aid — Stanford or Yale?
The average aid package is $75,816 at Stanford and $76,770 at Yale.
Harvard
Massachusetts institute of technology
Princeton
Cornell
Penn
Johns hopkins
Washington university
Northwestern
North carolina
Duke