Yale vs Northwestern — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Yale is the more selective of the two (3.9% vs 7.7% acceptance). Yale ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#11 vs #33). Yale graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($101K vs $89K). Yale has lower sticker-price tuition ($67,250 vs $68,322 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 7.7% acceptance); Yale has a higher median SAT (1534 vs 1533).
Yale graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($101K vs $89K); Yale has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.7% vs 95.1%).
Yale has lower sticker-price tuition ($67,250 vs $68,322); Yale offers a larger average aid package ($76,770 vs $68,110).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Yale | Northwestern |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #11 | #33 |
| Rank · THE | #10 | #31 |
| Acceptance rate | 3.9% | 7.7% |
| Yield rate | 68.4% | 55.3% |
| Median SAT | 1534 | 1533 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 50,264 | 49,474 |
| International students | 22% | 20% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $101K | $89K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $124K | $93K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $194K | $139K |
| Graduation rate | 95.7% | 95.1% |
| Retention rate | 99.4% | 98% |
| Median debt | $12,975 | $15,000 |
| Tuition · year | $67,250 | $68,322 |
| Avg. aid package | $76,770 | $68,110 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $22,185 | $32,540 |
| Application fee | $80 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 15,657 | 23,431 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Yale or Northwestern?
It's harder to get into Yale. Yale accepts 3.9% of applicants, while Northwestern accepts 7.7%.
Do Yale or Northwestern graduates earn more?
Yale graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $101K vs $89K.
How much is tuition at Yale vs Northwestern?
Sticker-price tuition is $67,250 per year at Yale and $68,322 per year at Northwestern.
What SAT score do you need for Yale or Northwestern?
The median admitted SAT score is 1534 at Yale and 1533 at Northwestern; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Yale or Northwestern?
Yale ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #11 for Yale vs #33 for Northwestern.
Which university offers more financial aid — Yale or Northwestern?
The average aid package is $76,770 at Yale and $68,110 at Northwestern.
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