Yale University
About Yale University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Yale is a private Ivy League research university in New Haven, Connecticut. It is especially strong in the humanities, law, and drama, and is home to the Yale School of Drama, the oldest university art gallery in the Western Hemisphere, and the second-largest academic library in the United States. Yale operates on a residential college system where students live and dine together in close-knit communities.
Founded
1701
Location
New Haven, Connecticut
Students
15,508
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
3.9%
Highly selective
Graduation Rate
95.7%
Above national average
Tuition
$67,250
Per year
Avg Net Price
$23,777
After financial aid
SAT Average
1534
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$100,533
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Most Selective
Only 3.9 out of 100 applicants are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Required
Application Fee
$80
Early
Nov 1
Regular
Jan 2
With a 3.9% acceptance rate and an average SAT of 1534, Yale University is among the most selective schools in the country. Every part of your application needs to stand out.
SAT Scores
1534/ 1600
ACT Scores
34/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Excellent
95.7% complete their degree within six years
Retention
98.8%
4-Year Grad
88%
6-Year Grad
97%
Teaching Quality
6:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
75%
$/Student
$80.5K
Class Size
Small
88% of students graduate on time, and with a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio, it's clear students get the personal attention they need to succeed.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$67,250
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$19,900
Books & Supplies
$1,000
Total Cost of Attendance
$88,300
After Financial Aid
$23,777
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$17,633
Receive Grants
20.4%
Take Loans
5.4%
Don't let the $67,250 sticker price scare you. Most students pay around $23,777 after financial aid, a 65% discount. Families earning under $30K pay closer to $17,633.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Yale University fund their education.
While in School
20.4%
Get Grants
Free money
5.4%
Take Loans
Must repay
$44,004
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$12,975
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$138/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The median debt is just $12,975, and less than 0% of graduates default on their loans. Students here leave with very manageable financial obligations.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Yale University.
Gender
51.5%
Female
49%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
6,758
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
8,750
Graduates
25%
First-Gen
19 yrs
Avg Age
1%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (52% women, 49% men). 25% are first-generation college students. 11.2% international students bring global perspectives to campus life.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Yale's 345-acre campus in downtown New Haven features stunning Gothic architecture, including the iconic Harkness Tower and Sterling Memorial Library. The residential college system gives each student a home base, and the campus seamlessly blends into the city.
Campus Setting
City: Midsize
Campus Quick Facts
6,758
Students
private
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
R1 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
No
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
What Students Say
Pros
- +Breathtaking Gothic architecture at every turn
- +Residential college system creates tight-knit communities
- +World-class museums and galleries right on campus
- +New Haven has an incredible food scene — especially pizza
Cons
- -Parts of New Haven feel unsafe at night
- -Gothic buildings can be dark and gloomy in winter
- -On-campus housing is required — limited independence
- -New York is close but far enough to eat your weekend
Yale's campus looks like Hogwarts dropped into a Connecticut city. The residential colleges create family-like bonds, and the New Haven pizza rivalry (Pepe's vs. Sally's) might be the most passionate debate on campus outside of seminars.
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Yale University fields 19 varsity teams with 1,067 student athletes, about 16% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FCS
Conference
Ivy League
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
19
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
1,067
16% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
56% / 44%
601
Men
466
Women
14
Men's Teams
16
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Yale Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$100,533
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Economics
$83K
182 grads
1yr Earnings
Computer and Information Sciences, General
$133K
164 grads
1yr Earnings
Political Science and Government
$57K
107 grads
1yr Earnings
History
$55K
96 grads
1yr Earnings
Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
$40K
86 grads
1yr Earnings
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
$46K
78 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates start at $82K six years out, climb to $97K by year eight, and reach $101K by year ten. That upward trajectory shows the degree keeps paying off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Yale University
What is the acceptance rate at Yale University?▾
How much does Yale University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Yale University?▾
How much do Yale University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.