Harvard vs Yale University
Harvard University and Yale University, two of the most prestigious institutions of higher learning in the world, share a long history of academic excellence and global impact. However, there are some key differences between these two Ivy League powerhouses that prospective students should consider when making their college decision. From acceptance rates and popular majors to student body demographics and graduation rates, this side-by-side comparison will help you understand the unique strengths and characteristics of each university. Dive into the comparison table to discover which institution aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences, setting you on the path to success in your chosen field.
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![]() Harvard University |
![]() Yale University |
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Overview |
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Location | Cambridge, Massachusetts | New Haven, Connecticut |
Campus setting | City: Midsize | City: Midsize |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Private (Non Profit) | Private (Non Profit) |
Calendar system | Semester | Semester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate and Graduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 96.0% | 98.0% |
![]() |
Yes | Yes |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 4.0% | 5.3% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$75
Graduate:
$105
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Undergraduate:
$80
Graduate:
$105
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SAT range | 1480 - 1580 | 1480 - 1580 |
ACT range | 33 - 36 | 33 - 35 |
Students submitting SAT score | 54.0% | 54.0% |
Students submitting ACT score | 31.0% | 35.0% |
Total number of applicants | 57,786 | 47,240 |
Total number of admissions given out | 2,318 | 2,509 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 1,951 | 1,786 |
Yield rate | 84.2% | 71.2% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Not required | Not required |
Recommendation letters | Required | Required |
High school transcript | Not required | Not required |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Not required | Required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price | $78,028 | $82,170 |
Average net price | $13,910 | $20,605 |
Tuition | $51,143 | $59,950 |
Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$11,705
Meal plan:
$7,236
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Room/dormitory:
$10,100
Meal plan:
$7,700
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Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
56.0%
Average amount $59,840 |
58.0%
Average amount $58,715 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
3.0%
Average amount $5,180 |
5.0%
Average amount $4,879 |
Students taking out private loans |
2.0%
Average amount $8,080 |
0.0%
Average amount $5,094 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
9,579
Men 49.0% Women 51.0% |
6,536
Men 48.6% Women 51.4% |
Graduate students |
21,766
Men 46.3% Women 53.7% |
8,031
Men 46.3% Women 53.7% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Moderate
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Moderate
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Out-of-state students | N/A | 93.6% |
International students | 23.9% | 21.6% |
Campus local/setting | City: Midsize | City: Midsize |
Dormitory capacity | 12,874 | 5,576 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | Yes | Yes |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | New York California Texas Illinois New Jersey | California New York Connecticut Texas New Jersey |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 7:1 | 6:1 |
Institutional accreditation | New England Commission on Higher Education | New England Commission on Higher Education |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 96.7% | 96.9% |
Dropout rate | 2.0% | 2.5% |
Transferred out | N/A | N/A |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Statistics (Bachelor's Degrees)
Law (First Professional Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (First Professional Degrees)
Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences (Graduate/Professional Certificates)
Public Health (Master's Degrees)
Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology (Master's Degrees)
Applied Mathematics (Bachelor's Degrees)
Education, General (Doctoral Degrees)
Dentistry (First Professional Degrees)
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Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Law (Doctoral Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees)
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degrees)
Economics (Bachelor's Degrees)
Medicine (Doctoral Degrees)
Natural Resources Conservation and Research (Master's Degrees)
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Compare Similar Colleges
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