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Harvard University vs Yale University

Side-by-side comparison with data from federal sources. Every metric traceable to IPEDS or College Scorecard.

SCHOOL A · PRIVATE

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA

DECISION SCORE

METRICS

SCHOOL B · PRIVATE

Yale University

New Haven, CT

DECISION SCORE

Metric-by-metric

winner highlighted

Metric	Harvard University	Yale University	Edge
Acceptance Rate	3.5%	4.5%	Yale University (easier)
Average SAT	1540	1540	Tie
Enrollment	37,613	16,416	Harvard University larger
Median Earnings (10yr)	$101,817	$100,533	Harvard University
Median Debt	$14,000	$12,975	Yale University lower
Pell Grant Rate	16.0%	19.0%	Higher = more low-income students

Decision scores

Harvard University

Yale University

Top majors

Harvard University

Social Sciences 31.6%

Biological Sciences 11.1%

Mathematics/Statistics 11.0%

Computer Science 8.6%

History 7.6%

Yale University

Social Sciences 22.3%

Biological Sciences 10.9%

Computer Science 10.3%

Multidisciplinary 7.6%

Mathematics/Statistics 7.4%

Which Should You Choose?

Both Harvard University and Yale University are outstanding institutions. The right choice depends on your priorities:

If location matters: Harvard University is in Cambridge, MA while Yale University is in New Haven, CT
If cost is a factor: Compare net prices for your family income bracket above
If career outcomes are the priority: Look at the salary data by major for each school
If getting in is the concern: Check which school's acceptance rate and profile better match yours

Harvard University vs Yale University FAQs

Which is harder to get into, Harvard University or Yale University?

Harvard University is harder to get into, with a 3.5% acceptance rate vs Yale University's 4.5%. Lower acceptance rate means more competitive admission, but admission profile (GPA, SAT, course rigor) matters more than the rate alone.

Which is more expensive, Harvard University or Yale University?

Yale University has a higher sticker cost of attendance ($88,300/yr) vs Harvard University ($85,540/yr) — a difference of $2,760/yr at sticker price. But after financial aid, the average family pays $15,411/yr at Harvard University vs $21,942/yr at Yale University.

Which has higher graduate earnings, Harvard University or Yale University?

Harvard University graduates earn more — a median of $101,817 10 years post-grad, vs $100,533 at Yale University. Note this is school-wide median; major choice impacts earnings far more than school choice.

Which should I choose, Harvard University or Yale University?

It depends on your priorities. Harvard University is in Cambridge, MA; Yale University is in New Haven, CT. Weigh acceptance odds against your profile, net cost for your family income, salary outcomes for your intended major, and campus fit (location, size, urban vs rural).

Which has better programs, Harvard University or Yale University?

Both Harvard University and Yale University have multiple top-ranked programs. The right answer depends on your major. Compare the salary-by-major tables on each school's salary page — Harvard University's salary page and Yale University's salary page — to see which school's grads in your target major earn more.

Explore each school

HARVARD UNIVERSITY

Acceptance Rate Tuition & Cost Salary & ROI

YALE UNIVERSITY

Acceptance Rate Tuition & Cost Salary & ROI

Data source: College Scorecard, IPEDS.