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College comparison
Stanford 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 |  Stanford Stanford, CA |  Yale New Haven, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateStanford University is more selective | 4% | 4% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1510–1580 | 1470–1570 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 7,554 | 6,758 |
| Avg net price | $13,807 | $23,777 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Stanford reports higher median earnings | $124,080 | $100,533 |
| Graduation rate | 92% | 96% |
| Median debt | $12,000 | $12,975 |
| Economic mobility | 2.2% | 2.1% |
| Test policy | test-required | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Stanford vs Yale: how they compare
Two of the world's most prestigious universities, Stanford and Yale, present a clear quantitative divergence in outcomes alongside distinct cultural identities.
By the numbers QuantAdmit's verified data shows a significant financial advantage for Stanford. Its 10-year median earnings of $124k outpace Yale's $101k, while its average net price is $14k versus Yale's $24k. This creates a stark value ratio: 9.0× earnings per dollar of net price for Stanford compared to 4.2× for Yale. Both are highly selective (4% acceptance), with Stanford's SAT 25-75 range (1510–1580) slightly higher than Yale's (1470–1570). They excel in economic mobility (Stanford 225%, Yale 208%). Yale edges out in graduation rate (96% vs. 92%) and DOE financial health (3.0/3 vs. 2.6/3). For producing future science & engineering PhDs, Stanford's yield is 9.1 to Yale's 8.4.
Where they overlap Both are elite, global institutions that offer strong outcomes and exceptional resources. They are highly selective and have made commitments to fostering socioeconomic mobility. Each possesses a robust residential system that structures undergraduate life.
How they differ The core contrasts are in environment and temperament. Stanford’s suburban Silicon Valley setting fosters a culture often described as ambitious and pre-professional, bathed in perennial sunshine. Yale’s historic urban campus in New Haven provides a more traditional, collegiate atmosphere within a tight-knit residential college system. The cultural vibe shifts from West Coast tech-adjacent innovation to East Coast liberal arts intensity.
Quick answers
- Is Stanford University or Yale University harder to get into?
- Stanford University is more selective: Stanford 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 Stanford University vs Yale University?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1510–1580 at Stanford 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.