Yale vs Rochester — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Yale is the more selective of the two (3.9% vs 40.1% acceptance). Yale ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#11 vs #151-200). Yale graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($101K vs $79K). Rochester has lower sticker-price tuition ($67,080 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, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Rochester for: lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Yale is more selective (3.9% vs 40.1% acceptance); Yale has a higher median SAT (1534 vs 1488).
Yale graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($101K vs $79K); Yale has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.7% vs 85.4%).
Rochester has lower sticker-price tuition ($67,080 vs $67,250); Yale offers a larger average aid package ($76,770 vs $60,879).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Yale | Rochester |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #11 | #151-200 |
| Rank · THE | #10 | #127 |
| Acceptance rate | 3.9% | 40.1% |
| Yield rate | 68.4% | 15.4% |
| Median SAT | 1534 | 1488 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.70 |
| Number of applications | 50,264 | 21,384 |
| International students | 22% | 37% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $101K | $79K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $124K | $74K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $194K | $117K |
| Graduation rate | 95.7% | 85.4% |
| Retention rate | 99.4% | 90.7% |
| Median debt | $12,975 | $21,000 |
| Tuition · year | $67,250 | $67,080 |
| Avg. aid package | $76,770 | $60,879 |
| % of need met | 100% | 96.1% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $22,185 | $32,304 |
| Application fee | $80 | $50 |
| Enrollment | 15,657 | 11,946 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Yale or Rochester?
It's harder to get into Yale. Yale accepts 3.9% of applicants, while Rochester accepts 40.1%.
Do Yale or Rochester graduates earn more?
Yale graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $101K vs $79K.
How much is tuition at Yale vs Rochester?
Sticker-price tuition is $67,250 per year at Yale and $67,080 per year at Rochester.
What SAT score do you need for Yale or Rochester?
The median admitted SAT score is 1534 at Yale and 1488 at Rochester; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Yale or Rochester?
Yale ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #11 for Yale vs #151-200 for Rochester.
Which university offers more financial aid — Yale or Rochester?
The average aid package is $76,770 at Yale and $60,879 at Rochester.
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