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College comparison
UChicago 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 |  UChicago Chicago, IL |  Yale New Haven, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateYale University is more selective | 4% | 4% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1510–1580 | 1470–1570 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 7,569 | 6,758 |
| Avg net price | $14,860 | $23,777 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Yale reports higher median earnings | $91,885 | $100,533 |
| Graduation rate | 96% | 96% |
| Median debt | $15,000 | $12,975 |
| Economic mobility | 1.9% | 2.1% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
UChicago vs Yale: how they compare
Two elite universities with distinct academic identities and student experiences, both offering strong—but different—returns on investment.
By the numbers Both are highly selective, with 4% acceptance rates and median SAT ranges in the mid-1500s. Outcomes diverge: Yale's 10-year median earnings are higher at $101k vs. Chicago's $92k, but Chicago's lower average net price ($15k vs. $24k) gives it a stronger "value" ratio (6.2x vs. 4.2x earnings per dollar of net price). Chicago shows greater production of future science/engineering PhDs (yield of 12 vs. 8.4), while Yale edges it in economic-mobility rate (208% vs. 194%) and has a perfect DOE financial-health score of 3.0/3. Both share a 96% graduation rate.
Where they overlap They are both intellectual powerhouses located in major city settings (Chicago and New Haven), attracting globally-minded, high-achieving students. Each provides a rigorous core curriculum designed to build a broad, foundational education.
How they differ The cultural reputations are distinct. The University of Chicago is often described as a place of intense academic focus, known for its rigorous standards and a student body often characterized as intellectually passionate. Yale's culture is frequently perceived as allowing students to be more well-rounded, with balance between deep academics and a vibrant array of extracurricular, social, and pre-professional opportunities.
Who each suits Yale suits the student who seeks top-tier prestige within a more traditional, holistic Ivy League experience—where world-class academics are integrated with a dynamic college community and network. The University of Chicago is for the fiercely independent, intellectually driven student who prioritizes academic intensity and theoretical depth, particularly in fields like economics and STEM, and thrives in a culture defined by its scholarly dedication.
Quick answers
- Is University of Chicago or Yale University harder to get into?
- Yale University is more selective: University of Chicago'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 University of Chicago vs Yale University?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1510–1580 at University of Chicago 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.