DEEPCOLLEGES · OPS · v3.2 SCHOOLS·INDEXED 50 SOURCES IPEDS · CDS · SCORECARD LAST·SYNC 2026.04.28
CAMPUS · NEW HAVEN, CT · PRIVATE

Yale University

Yale University
4.5%
ACCEPT
01Acceptance 02Tuition 03Transfer 04ROI 05AP Credit 06Majors 07Housing 08International
58
FIT
REACH
Yale University is a reach for most applicants.
Score reflects acceptance odds × cost × outcome quality.
ACCEPTANCE
4.5%
of 51,803 applicants
SALARY · 10-YR
across all majors
01

Yale University at a Glance

4.5%
Acceptance Rate
1540
Average SAT
34
Average ACT
16,416
Total Enrollment
19.0%
Pell Grant Rate

Average SAT & ACT Scores for Yale University

Test25th Percentile75th PercentileMidpoint
SAT Reading740780760
SAT Math760800780
SAT Total150015801540
ACT Composite333534

Admissions Funnel

Applications Received51,803
Students Admitted2,332
Students Enrolled1,641
Yield Rate70.4%

Yale University Rankings

Ranking2025Year
US News National Universities #5 2025
QS World University Rankings #23 2025
THE World University Rankings #10 2025
ARWU (Shanghai) #11 2024
Show 10-Year US News Ranking History
US News National Universities
2016201720182019202020212022202320242025
#3 #3 #3 #3 #3 #4 #5 #5 #5 #5

US News National Universities: #3 (2016) → #5 (2025) ↓ 2 spots

Yale University Overview

Yale University is a private university in New Haven, CT with 16,416 students. With a 4.5% acceptance rate, it ranks among the most selective institutions in the country. The most popular majors are Social Sciences, Biological Sciences, and Computer Science.

Full NameYale University
LocationNew Haven, CT 06520
TypePrivate
Websiteyale.edu/
Total Enrollment16,416
Undergrad Enrollment8,009
Female Students52.8%

Yale University Housing & Dorms: Cost Breakdown

$19,180
Room & Board (Annual)
$10,900
Room Only
$8,280
Meal Plan
5,576
On-Campus Beds
4-Year Housing Cost
Based on current room & board rates
$76,720

Should You Live On or Off Campus at Yale University?

Yale University has 5,576 on-campus beds for 8,009 undergrads — that's enough for about 70% of the undergraduate population. Freshmen are typically guaranteed housing; upperclassmen often move off campus.

On-Campus

  • Walk to classes — no commute
  • Meal plan included
  • Built-in community and social life
  • Utilities, wifi, and furniture included

Off-Campus

  • Potentially cheaper (varies by city)
  • More privacy and independence
  • Cook your own meals — save on food
  • Need to budget for utilities and transport

Yale University Campus & Location

Yale University is located in New Haven, CT — classified as City: Midsize. The urban setting offers good access to restaurants, jobs, and cultural activities near campus.

Yale University Programs & Graduate Salary

Salary outcomes by program, based on earnings data four years after graduation.

ProgramUS RankYale University SalaryNational MedianPremium
Computer Science $116,250 $75,000 +55%
Engineering $111,600 $72,000 +55%
Mathematics & Statistics $96,100 $62,000 +55%
Physical Sciences $74,400 $48,000 +55%
Architecture $74,400 $48,000 +55%
Social Sciences #4 $69,750 $45,000 +55%
Biological Sciences #8 $65,100 $42,000 +55%
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies $65,100 $42,000 +55%
History #2 $62,000 $40,000 +55%
Natural Resources & Conservation $62,000 $40,000 +55%
Area/Ethnic/Cultural Studies $58,900 $38,000 +55%
Foreign Languages & Linguistics $58,900 $38,000 +55%
Philosophy & Religious Studies $58,900 $38,000 +55%
Psychology #5 $55,800 $36,000 +55%
English Language & Literature #3 $55,800 $36,000 +55%
Liberal Arts & General Studies $54,250 $35,000 +55%
Visual & Performing Arts $52,700 $34,000 +55%

Popular Majors at Yale University

Percentage of degrees awarded by field.

Social Sciences
22.3%
Biological Sciences
10.9%
Computer Science
10.3%
Multidisciplinary
7.6%
Mathematics/Statistics
7.4%
Engineering
5.9%
History
5.5%
Ethnic/Cultural Studies
5.1%
Visual/Performing Arts
4.7%
Psychology
4.1%
Physical Sciences
3.7%
English/Literature
3.5%
Foreign Languages
2.9%

Student Demographics

White
30.7%
Black/African American
7.4%
Hispanic/Latino
13.4%
Asian
19.6%
International
16.2%

How to Get Into Yale University

Yale is a Reach school for nearly all applicants. Competitive applicants typically score 1540+ on the SAT. Beyond grades and scores, Yale wants to see intellectual curiosity, leadership, and a clear sense of purpose in your application. Have 2-3 realistic backup schools — even perfect-on-paper students get denied here.

1540
Target SAT Score
34
Target ACT Score
4.5%
Acceptance Rate
51,803
Total Applicants

What Yale University Values Most in Applicants

Admission factor importance from the Common Data Set — what the school officially says matters.

FactorImportance
Academic Gpa Very Important
Rigor Of Secondary School Record Very Important
Class Rank Important
Standardized Test Scores Important
Application Essay Very Important
Recommendation Very Important
Extracurricular Activities Very Important
Talent Ability Very Important
Character Personal Qualities Very Important
First Generation Important
Alumni Relation Considered
Interview Important
Work Experience Considered
Volunteer Work Considered

Yale University Application Deadlines & Requirements

Key dates for the Yale University SCEA admission cycle. Mark these on your calendar — missing a deadline means waiting another year.

DeadlineDate
Early ActionNov 1
Regular DecisionJan 2
Financial Aid (FAFSA/CSS)Mar 1
SCEA: Yale University uses SCEA (Single-Choice Early Action). You can apply early without a binding commitment, but you cannot apply early to other private schools.

Financial Aid & Student Debt

19.0%
Pell Grant Recipients
Students from low-income families

Frequently Asked Questions About Yale University

What is Yale's acceptance rate?
Yale has an acceptance rate of 4.5%, making it extremely selective. This rate reflects freshman applicants for the most recent admissions cycle.
What SAT score do I need for Yale?
The middle 50% SAT range at Yale is 1500-1580. For the ACT, the middle 50% range is 33-35. Scoring above the 75th percentile puts you in a strong position, but scores alone don't determine admission.
What are the most popular majors at Yale?
The most popular majors at Yale by degrees awarded are: Social Sciences (22.3%), Biological Sciences (10.9%), Computer Science (10.3%), Multidisciplinary (7.6%), Mathematics/Statistics (7.4%). These percentages reflect undergraduate degrees conferred in the most recent reporting year.
Can I transfer to Yale?
Yale accepts transfer students, though the process is highly selective. Transfer applicants typically need a strong college GPA (3.5+), relevant coursework, and compelling reasons for transferring. The transfer acceptance rate is generally lower than freshman admission at selective schools.
▎FROM THE DATA TO YOUR LIST

Plug your stats in. We'll tell you where you stand.

Browse all schools

More About Yale University

Yale University Acceptance Rate Yale University Tuition & Cost Transfer to Yale University Yale University Salary & ROI Yale University AP Credit Best Majors at Yale University Yale University Housing International at Yale University

Other Colleges in CT

University of Connecticut
53.9% accept · Storrs

Data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS. Yale University is not affiliated with DeepColleges.