Yale vs Washington university — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Yale is the more selective of the two (3.9% vs 12.1% acceptance). Yale ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#11 vs #23). Yale graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($101K vs $86K). Washington university has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,790 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 Washington university 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 12.1% acceptance); Yale has a higher median SAT (1534 vs 1530).
Yale graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($101K vs $86K); Yale has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.7% vs 94.3%).
Washington university has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,790 vs $67,250); Yale offers a larger average aid package ($76,770 vs $75,604).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Yale | Washington university |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #11 | #23 |
| Rank · THE | #10 | #69 |
| Acceptance rate | 3.9% | 12.1% |
| Yield rate | 68.4% | 46.7% |
| Median SAT | 1534 | 1530 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 4.20 |
| Number of applications | 50,264 | 32,754 |
| International students | 22% | 27% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $101K | $86K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $124K | $88K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $194K | $137K |
| Graduation rate | 95.7% | 94.3% |
| Retention rate | 99.4% | 95% |
| Median debt | $12,975 | $17,500 |
| Tuition · year | $67,250 | $65,790 |
| Avg. aid package | $76,770 | $75,604 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $22,185 | $26,666 |
| Application fee | $80 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 15,657 | 16,357 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Yale or Washington university?
It's harder to get into Yale. Yale accepts 3.9% of applicants, while Washington university accepts 12.1%.
Do Yale or Washington university graduates earn more?
Yale graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $101K vs $86K.
How much is tuition at Yale vs Washington university?
Sticker-price tuition is $67,250 per year at Yale and $65,790 per year at Washington university.
What SAT score do you need for Yale or Washington university?
The median admitted SAT score is 1534 at Yale and 1530 at Washington university; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Yale or Washington university?
Yale ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #11 for Yale vs #23 for Washington university.
Which university offers more financial aid — Yale or Washington university?
The average aid package is $76,770 at Yale and $75,604 at Washington university.
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