UPenn vs Yale University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for University of Pennsylvania and Yale University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
UPenn vs Yale University at a glance
UPenn admits 5.4% of applicants and Yale University 3.9% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $29,577 at UPenn and $11,340 at Yale University. Six-year graduation rates are 96.9% and 96.3%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- UPenn admits 5.4% of applicants and Yale University 3.9%, so Yale University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $29,577 a year at UPenn and $11,340 at Yale University; Yale University costs $18,237 less a year.
- 96.9% of students graduate within six years at UPenn, against 96.3% at Yale University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $121,687 for UPenn and $118,356 for Yale University; UPenn is $3,331 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $15,000 at UPenn and $11,982 at Yale University.
- UPenn enrolls 10,650 students (large city) and Yale University 6,758 (midsize city).
Side by side
UPenn 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 | UPenn | Yale University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 5.4% | 3.9% |
| Applicants | 56,332 | 47,240 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1510–1570 | 1470–1570 |
| ACT middle 50% | 34–36 | 33–35 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $29,577 | $11,340 |
| Tuition, in state | $71,236 | $69,900 |
| Tuition, out of state | $71,236 | $69,900 |
| Cost of attendance | $92,288 | $91,950 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | Not reported | $1,256 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $234 | $867 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $12,421 | $854 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $25,263 | $7,828 |
| Over $110,000 | $61,455 | $47,749 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 96.9% | 96.3% |
| First-year retention | 98.9% | 98.8% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $121,687 | $118,356 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $15,000 | $11,982 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $170 | $136 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 10,650 | 6,758 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Large | City: Midsize |
| Location | Philadelphia, PA | 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
UPenn reports 77 bachelor's programs and Yale University 51; 39 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about UPenn vs Yale University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into UPenn or Yale University?
Yale University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: UPenn admits 5.4% of applicants and Yale University admits 3.9%. Middle 50% SAT scores: UPenn 1510–1570; Yale University 1470–1570.
Which is cheaper, UPenn or Yale University?
Yale University has the lower average net price after grants: $29,577 a year at UPenn against $11,340 at Yale University. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do UPenn or Yale University graduates earn more?
UPenn graduates earn more at the median: $121,687 ten years after entry for UPenn and $118,356 for Yale University. Median federal debt at graduation is $15,000 and $11,982.
Which has a higher graduation rate, UPenn or Yale University?
UPenn does: 96.9% of UPenn students graduate within six years, against 96.3% at Yale University.
How big are UPenn and Yale University?
UPenn has 10,650 students in Philadelphia, PA and Yale University has 6,758 students in New Haven, CT.