Yale vs Rensselaer polytechnic institute — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Yale is the more selective of the two (3.9% vs 63.5% acceptance). Yale ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#11 vs #501-600). Median earnings 10 years after enrollment are effectively tied ($101K vs $102K). Rensselaer polytechnic institute has lower sticker-price tuition ($64,081 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 Yale for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, a higher graduation rate.
Choose Rensselaer polytechnic institute for: higher graduate earnings, lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Yale is more selective (3.9% vs 63.5% acceptance); Yale has a higher median SAT (1534 vs 1456).
Rensselaer polytechnic institute graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($102K vs $101K); Yale has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.7% vs 83.6%).
Rensselaer polytechnic institute has lower sticker-price tuition ($64,081 vs $67,250); Yale offers a larger average aid package ($76,770 vs $76,097).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Yale | Rensselaer polytechnic institute |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #11 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | #10 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 3.9% | 63.5% |
| Yield rate | 68.4% | 39.7% |
| Median SAT | 1534 | 1456 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 50,264 | 15,819 |
| International students | 22% | 19% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $101K | $102K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $124K | $86K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $194K | $137K |
| Graduation rate | 95.7% | 83.6% |
| Retention rate | 99.4% | 98% |
| Median debt | $12,975 | $23,750 |
| Tuition · year | $67,250 | $64,081 |
| Avg. aid package | $76,770 | $76,097 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $22,185 | $29,149 |
| Application fee | $80 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 15,657 | 6,761 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Yale or Rensselaer polytechnic institute?
It's harder to get into Yale. Yale accepts 3.9% of applicants, while Rensselaer polytechnic institute accepts 63.5%.
Do Yale or Rensselaer polytechnic institute graduates earn more?
Earnings are practically equal — 10 years after enrollment, the median is $101K at Yale and $102K at Rensselaer polytechnic institute.
How much is tuition at Yale vs Rensselaer polytechnic institute?
Sticker-price tuition is $67,250 per year at Yale and $64,081 per year at Rensselaer polytechnic institute.
What SAT score do you need for Yale or Rensselaer polytechnic institute?
The median admitted SAT score is 1534 at Yale and 1456 at Rensselaer polytechnic institute; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Yale or Rensselaer polytechnic institute?
Yale ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #11 for Yale vs #501-600 for Rensselaer polytechnic institute.
Which university offers more financial aid — Yale or Rensselaer polytechnic institute?
The average aid package is $76,770 at Yale and $76,097 at Rensselaer polytechnic institute.
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