Yale vs Boston university — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Yale is the more selective of the two (3.9% vs 11.1% acceptance). Yale ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#11 vs #101-150). Yale graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($101K vs $83K). Yale has lower sticker-price tuition ($67,250 vs $68,102 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 11.1% acceptance); Yale has a higher median SAT (1534 vs 1480).
Yale graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($101K vs $83K); Yale has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.7% vs 88.7%).
Yale has lower sticker-price tuition ($67,250 vs $68,102); Yale offers a larger average aid package ($76,770 vs $69,396).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Yale | Boston university |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #11 | #101-150 |
| Rank · THE | #10 | #75 |
| Acceptance rate | 3.9% | 11.1% |
| Yield rate | 68.4% | 35% |
| Median SAT | 1534 | 1480 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.90 |
| Number of applications | 50,264 | 76,776 |
| International students | 22% | 32% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $101K | $83K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $124K | $76K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $194K | $122K |
| Graduation rate | 95.7% | 88.7% |
| Retention rate | 99.4% | 94.2% |
| Median debt | $12,975 | $23,250 |
| Tuition · year | $67,250 | $68,102 |
| Avg. aid package | $76,770 | $69,396 |
| % of need met | 100% | 92% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $22,185 | $36,774 |
| Application fee | $80 | $80 |
| Enrollment | 15,657 | 36,977 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Yale or Boston university?
It's harder to get into Yale. Yale accepts 3.9% of applicants, while Boston university accepts 11.1%.
Do Yale or Boston university graduates earn more?
Yale graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $101K vs $83K.
How much is tuition at Yale vs Boston university?
Sticker-price tuition is $67,250 per year at Yale and $68,102 per year at Boston university.
What SAT score do you need for Yale or Boston university?
The median admitted SAT score is 1534 at Yale and 1480 at Boston university; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Yale or Boston university?
Yale ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #11 for Yale vs #101-150 for Boston university.
Which university offers more financial aid — Yale or Boston university?
The average aid package is $76,770 at Yale and $69,396 at Boston university.
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