Yale vs Penn — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Yale is the more selective of the two (3.9% vs 5.4% acceptance). Yale ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#11 vs #14). Penn graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($111K vs $101K). Yale has lower sticker-price tuition ($67,250 vs $68,686 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 retention.
Choose Penn for: higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Yale is more selective (3.9% vs 5.4% acceptance); Penn has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1534).
Penn graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($111K vs $101K); Penn has a higher 6-year graduation rate (96.5% vs 95.7%).
Yale has lower sticker-price tuition ($67,250 vs $68,686); Yale offers a larger average aid package ($76,770 vs $70,971).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Yale | Penn |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #11 | #14 |
| Rank · THE | #10 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 3.9% | 5.4% |
| Yield rate | 68.4% | 68% |
| Median SAT | 1534 | 1553 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.90 |
| Number of applications | 50,264 | 65,236 |
| International students | 22% | 24% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $101K | $111K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $124K | $132K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $194K | $183K |
| Graduation rate | 95.7% | 96.5% |
| Retention rate | 99.4% | 98.8% |
| Median debt | $12,975 | $15,715 |
| Tuition · year | $67,250 | $68,686 |
| Avg. aid package | $76,770 | $70,971 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $22,185 | $32,558 |
| Application fee | $80 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 15,657 | 24,023 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Yale or Penn?
It's harder to get into Yale. Yale accepts 3.9% of applicants, while Penn accepts 5.4%.
Do Yale or Penn graduates earn more?
Penn graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $111K vs $101K.
How much is tuition at Yale vs Penn?
Sticker-price tuition is $67,250 per year at Yale and $68,686 per year at Penn.
What SAT score do you need for Yale or Penn?
The median admitted SAT score is 1534 at Yale and 1553 at Penn; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Yale or Penn?
Yale ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #11 for Yale vs #14 for Penn.
Which university offers more financial aid — Yale or Penn?
The average aid package is $76,770 at Yale and $70,971 at Penn.
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