Brown University vs Yale University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Brown University and Yale University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Brown University vs Yale University at a glance
Brown University admits 5.4% of applicants and Yale University 3.9% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $26,976 at Brown University and $11,340 at Yale University. Six-year graduation rates are 95.6% and 96.3%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Brown University admits 5.4% of applicants and Yale University 3.9%, so Yale University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $26,976 a year at Brown University and $11,340 at Yale University; Yale University costs $15,636 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $39 at Brown University and $1,256 at Yale University.
- 95.6% of students graduate within six years at Brown University, against 96.3% at Yale University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $99,974 for Brown University and $118,356 for Yale University; Yale University is $18,382 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $14,567 at Brown University and $11,982 at Yale University.
- Brown University enrolls 7,226 students (midsize city) and Yale University 6,758 (midsize city).
Side by side
Brown University and Yale University in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | Brown University | Yale University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 5.4% | 3.9% |
| Applicants | 46,568 | 47,240 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1510–1580 | 1470–1570 |
| ACT middle 50% | 34–35 | 33–35 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $26,976 | $11,340 |
| Tuition, in state | $74,650 | $69,900 |
| Tuition, out of state | $74,650 | $69,900 |
| Cost of attendance | $91,676 | $91,950 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $39 | $1,256 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $228 | $867 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $10,079 | $854 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $24,827 | $7,828 |
| Over $110,000 | $48,459 | $47,749 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 95.6% | 96.3% |
| First-year retention | 98.8% | 98.8% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $99,974 | $118,356 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $14,567 | $11,982 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $166 | $136 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 7,226 | 6,758 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Midsize | City: Midsize |
| Location | Providence, RI | New Haven, CT |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
Brown University reports 59 bachelor's programs and Yale University 51; 36 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Brown University vs Yale University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Brown University or Yale University?
Yale University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Brown University admits 5.4% of applicants and Yale University admits 3.9%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Brown University 1510–1580; Yale University 1470–1570.
Which is cheaper, Brown University or Yale University?
Yale University has the lower average net price after grants: $26,976 a year at Brown University against $11,340 at Yale University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $39 and $1,256. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Brown University or Yale University graduates earn more?
Yale University graduates earn more at the median: $99,974 ten years after entry for Brown University and $118,356 for Yale University. Median federal debt at graduation is $14,567 and $11,982.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Brown University or Yale University?
Yale University does: 95.6% of Brown University students graduate within six years, against 96.3% at Yale University.
How big are Brown University and Yale University?
Brown University has 7,226 students in Providence, RI and Yale University has 6,758 students in New Haven, CT.