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Harvard University vs Yale University

Odds, test scores, cost, aid and graduation rates, side by side from each school's own Common Data Set. Add more schools

Getting in

Acceptance rate4.2%4.7%
Early decision rateNo EDNo ED
SAT middle 50%~1450–15601480–1560
ACT middle 50%33–3533–35
Applicant reports on our site1,2651,289

Cost and aid

Tuition—$72,500
Food and housing—$21,600
Sticker price per year—$94,100
Average need-based grant$72,749$73,273
Average % of need met100%100%

Outcomes

First-year retention98%99.4%
6-year graduation rate97.1%96.3%
Undergraduates6,7386,667

Best value in each row is highlighted. Sticker price uses out-of-state tuition for public universities and leaves out books, travel and aid. "—" means the school left the item blank in its Common Data Set.

Harvard University or Yale University?

Is Harvard University harder to get into than Yale University?

They are about equally selective: Harvard University admitted 4.2% of first-year applicants (2025-26) and Yale University admitted 4.7% (2025-26).

What SAT scores do Harvard University and Yale University students have?

The middle 50% of enrolled first-years scored about 1450–1560 at Harvard University and 1480–1560 at Yale University.

Does Harvard University or Yale University have a higher graduation rate?

97.1% of Harvard University students graduate within six years, compared with 96.3% at Yale University.

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