Harvard University vs Yale University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Harvard University and Yale University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Harvard University vs Yale University at a glance
Harvard University admits 3.7% of applicants and Yale University 3.9% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $19,148 at Harvard University and $11,340 at Yale University. Six-year graduation rates are 97.1% and 96.3%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Harvard University admits 3.7% of applicants and Yale University 3.9%, so both are about equally selective.
- The average net price after grants is $19,148 a year at Harvard University and $11,340 at Yale University; Yale University costs $7,808 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $2,542 at Harvard University and $1,256 at Yale University.
- 97.1% of students graduate within six years at Harvard University, against 96.3% at Yale University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $121,957 for Harvard University and $118,356 for Yale University; Harvard University is $3,601 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $17,559 at Harvard University and $11,982 at Yale University.
- Harvard University enrolls 7,601 students (midsize city) and Yale University 6,758 (midsize city).
Side by side
Harvard 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 | Harvard University | Yale University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 3.7% | 3.9% |
| Applicants | 57,786 | 47,240 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1510–1580 | 1470–1570 |
| ACT middle 50% | 34–36 | 33–35 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $19,148 | $11,340 |
| Tuition, in state | $64,796 | $69,900 |
| Tuition, out of state | $64,796 | $69,900 |
| Cost of attendance | $89,279 | $91,950 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $2,542 | $1,256 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $2,070 | $867 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $4,126 | $854 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $9,995 | $7,828 |
| Over $110,000 | $51,128 | $47,749 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 97.1% | 96.3% |
| First-year retention | 98.3% | 98.8% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $121,957 | $118,356 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $17,559 | $11,982 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $200 | $136 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 7,601 | 6,758 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Midsize | City: Midsize |
| Location | Cambridge, MA | 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
Harvard University reports 66 bachelor's programs and Yale University 51; 39 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Harvard University vs Yale University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Harvard University or Yale University?
Harvard University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Harvard University admits 3.7% of applicants and Yale University admits 3.9%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Harvard University 1510–1580; Yale University 1470–1570.
Which is cheaper, Harvard University or Yale University?
Yale University has the lower average net price after grants: $19,148 a year at Harvard University against $11,340 at Yale University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $2,542 and $1,256. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Harvard University or Yale University graduates earn more?
Harvard University graduates earn more at the median: $121,957 ten years after entry for Harvard University and $118,356 for Yale University. Median federal debt at graduation is $17,559 and $11,982.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Harvard University or Yale University?
Harvard University does: 97.1% of Harvard University students graduate within six years, against 96.3% at Yale University.
How big are Harvard University and Yale University?
Harvard University has 7,601 students in Cambridge, MA and Yale University has 6,758 students in New Haven, CT.