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College comparison
Brown vs Yale
A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.
| Metric |  Brown Providence, RI |  Yale New Haven, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateYale University is more selective | 5% | 4% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1510–1580 | 1470–1570 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 7,226 | 6,758 |
| Avg net price | $25,184 | $23,777 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Yale reports higher median earnings | $93,487 | $100,533 |
| Graduation rate | 96% | 96% |
| Median debt | $11,428 | $12,975 |
| Economic mobility | 1.5% | 2.1% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Brown vs Yale: how they compare
Two elite Ivies in city settings, but with distinct academic philosophies and campus cultures.
By the numbers QuantAdmit data shows near parity in financial health (DOE score: 3.0/3 for both), graduation rates (96%), and future scholar yield (8.4). Yale holds a slight edge in outcomes, with higher 10-year median earnings ($101k vs. $93k) and a stronger economic-mobility rate (208% vs. 155%), translating to a better value multiple (4.2x vs. 3.7x earnings per dollar of net price, despite similar average net prices of $24k and $25k). Brown's admitted class has a marginally higher SAT 25-75th percentile range (1510–1580 vs. 1470–1570), though both are hyper-selective (Brown acceptance: 5%, Yale: 4%). Admit-rate volatility is comparable (Brown: 48%, Yale: 52%).
Where they overlap Both offer world-class resources within a collaborative Ivy League framework, situated in urban environments that provide cultural and professional opportunities. They attract high-achieving, intellectually curious students.
How they differ The core distinction is academic structure and institutional personality. Brown champions its Open Curriculum, which imposes no core requirements, fostering academic freedom. Yale offers a more structured liberal arts education centered on its residential college system. Brown's environment is often characterized as informal, while Yale maintains a more conventional, intellectually intense atmosphere.
Who each suits Brown suits the independent, self-directed student who values curricular flexibility and a less pressured campus culture. Yale suits the student who thrives within a classic, structured liberal arts framework enriched by tight-knit residential communities.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
Quick answers
- Is Brown University or Yale University harder to get into?
- Yale University is more selective: Brown University's acceptance rate is approximately 5% and Yale University's is approximately 4% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Brown University vs Yale University?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1510–1580 at Brown University and 1470–1570 at Yale University. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.
These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.