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College comparison
Harvard 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 |  Harvard Cambridge, MA |  Yale New Haven, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateHarvard University is more selective | 4% | 4% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1510–1580 | 1470–1570 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 7,601 | 6,758 |
| Avg net price | $19,066 | $23,777 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Harvard reports higher median earnings | $101,817 | $100,533 |
| Graduation rate | 98% | 96% |
| Median debt | $14,000 | $12,975 |
| Economic mobility | 1.8% | 2.1% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Harvard vs Yale: how they compare
Two institutions with comparable prestige offer distinct approaches to value and student experience.
By the numbers The schools are equally selective (both 4% acceptance) with similarly elite SAT ranges (Harvard 1510–1580, Yale 1470–1570). Outcomes are comparable: 10-year median earnings are nearly identical ($102k vs. $101k), as are graduation rates (98% vs. 96%). The key quantitative differences lie in value and mobility. Harvard’s lower average net price ($19k vs. $24k) generates a higher financial return, at 5.3× earnings per dollar of net price versus Yale’s 4.2×. However, Yale shows stronger economic mobility, with a rate of 208% versus Harvard’s 176%. Yale also has a slightly more stable financial health score (3.0/3 vs. 2.8/3). For producing future science and engineering scholars, Harvard’s yield is higher (9.5 vs. 8.4).
Where they overlap Both are world-renowned Ivy League universities located in city settings, offering extensive resources, networks, and academic rigor that lead to strong postgraduate outcomes. Their admit-rate volatility is similarly high (48% vs. 52%), indicating competitive and variable admissions cycles.
How they differ Culturally, the institutions present a contrast. Yale is often described as having a more personal, close-knit, and discussion-driven undergraduate experience centered on its residential college system. Harvard’s atmosphere is frequently characterized as ambitious and professionally intense. Observations note Yale’s campus life and architecture, while some find Harvard’s urban environment more demanding.
Who each suits Yale suits a student seeking a collaborative, residential liberal arts experience within a major research university, where community and intellectual exploration are emphasized. Harvard is a match for a highly driven, entrepreneurial student energized by a dynamic environment and an extensive network, who may prioritize the quantified financial return on investment.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
Quick answers
- Is Harvard University or Yale University harder to get into?
- Harvard University is more selective: Harvard University's acceptance rate is approximately 4% and Yale University's is approximately 4% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Harvard University vs Yale University?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1510–1580 at Harvard 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.