Yale vs Cornell — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Yale is the more selective of the two (3.9% vs 8.8% acceptance). Yale ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#11 vs #12). Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $101K). Yale has lower sticker-price tuition ($67,250 vs $69,314 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, a higher graduation rate.
Choose Cornell for: 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 8.8% acceptance); Cornell has a higher median SAT (1535 vs 1534).
Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $101K); Yale has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.7% vs 95.4%).
Yale has lower sticker-price tuition ($67,250 vs $69,314); Yale offers a larger average aid package ($76,770 vs $62,257).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Yale | Cornell |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #11 | #12 |
| Rank · THE | #10 | #20 |
| Acceptance rate | 3.9% | 8.8% |
| Yield rate | 68.4% | 66% |
| Median SAT | 1534 | 1535 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 50,264 | 67,846 |
| International students | 22% | 26% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $101K | $104K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $124K | $101K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $194K | $166K |
| Graduation rate | 95.7% | 95.4% |
| Retention rate | 99.4% | 97.8% |
| Median debt | $12,975 | $14,000 |
| Tuition · year | $67,250 | $69,314 |
| Avg. aid package | $76,770 | $62,257 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $22,185 | $27,244 |
| Application fee | $80 | — |
| Enrollment | 15,657 | 19,027 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Yale or Cornell?
It's harder to get into Yale. Yale accepts 3.9% of applicants, while Cornell accepts 8.8%.
Do Yale or Cornell graduates earn more?
Cornell graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $104K vs $101K.
How much is tuition at Yale vs Cornell?
Sticker-price tuition is $67,250 per year at Yale and $69,314 per year at Cornell.
What SAT score do you need for Yale or Cornell?
The median admitted SAT score is 1534 at Yale and 1535 at Cornell; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Yale or Cornell?
Yale ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #11 for Yale vs #12 for Cornell.
Which university offers more financial aid — Yale or Cornell?
The average aid package is $76,770 at Yale and $62,257 at Cornell.
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