Head-to-Head Comparison
Brown University vs Yale University
- Brown Wins
- 20
- Tied
- 14
- Yale Wins
- 20
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Yale University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $23,777 vs Brown University's $25,184, Yale University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. Students who choose Yale University benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $100,533 at ten years.
54 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Brown
- Less debt: Median debt of $11,428, the lower of the two
Yale
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $100,533 ten years after enrollment, 8% more than Brown University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $23,777, roughly $1,407 a year less
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 2.1%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- Research prestige: THE World Rank #10
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Brown graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (25% of degrees); Yale in Social Sciences (23%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick Yale University over Brown University. Median earnings of $100,533 ten years after enrollment vs $93,487.
Pick Yale University over Brown University. Net price $23,777 vs $25,184.
Pick Yale University over Brown University. THE World Rank #10 vs #55.
Pick Yale University over Brown University. 2.1% mobility rate vs 1.4%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Brown University and Yale University are close on paper, but Yale University wins the head-to-head, leading on 5 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Yale University is the harder admit. It takes 4% of applicants, while Brown University takes 5%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,546 to 1,534.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Yale University sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, Yale University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $23,777, about $1,407 a year below Brown University's $25,184. Graduates of Brown University also borrow less: median debt of $11,428, against $12,975.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $5,628 before any change in aid. Choosing Yale University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Yale University graduates report median earnings of $100,533, compared with $93,487 at Brown University. That is a 8% advantage. Set against borrowing, Brown University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.12x to 0.13x.
So what: An earnings gap of 8% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Moving people up
Yale University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 2.1%; at Brown University, it is 1.4%. Brown University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 11.5% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 3.6%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Yale University offers the stronger statistical shot at reaching the top of the income distribution. The gap is wide enough to weigh in any access-minded decision.
Research standing
In the Times Higher Education world table, Yale University sits higher, at #10 versus #55.
So what: Research rank matters most for students headed to graduate school or hoping to work in faculty labs. For undergraduates going straight into the job market, it is a weak predictor of earnings.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Yale University to keep costs and debt down.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 6 of 6 core signals used here, so every comparison above matches reported data against reported data.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
No strong negative signals — Brown competes well across the dimensions measured.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Yale University's enrollment, and Brown University is stronger here.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Yale holds onto its admits more tightly: 68% of admitted students enroll, versus 63% at Brown — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Brown offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Yale does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 6 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Brown University
Providence, RI · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 5%, Brown University in Providence, RI, is a selective option that attracts students driven to excel academically and personally. It’s a place for those who thrive in a collaborative environment and are eager to dive into programs like Social Sciences, Computer Science, Biology, Mathematics, and Engineering. The high graduation rate of 96% speaks to the strong support system in place, making it a solid choice for ambitious students.
After graduation, Brown alumni see impressive earning potential, with a median income of $93,487 ten years post-graduation. This financial trajectory suggests that graduates are not just securing jobs, but often moving into roles that reward their hard work. While this school may come with a price tag, the outcomes reflect a community that values education and shapes successful careers.
When it comes to the finances, the net price after aid stands at $25,184, and the median debt is relatively manageable at $11,428. This is encouraging, especially for students who may be concerned about student loans. Those who tend to thrive here are often self-motivated and ready to engage deeply with their studies, taking full advantage of the opportunities that come their way.
Yale University
New Haven, CT · Private nonprofit
Yale University boasts an impressive graduation rate of 96%, indicating that most students who enroll successfully complete their degrees. This high level of achievement reflects the supportive academic environment and resources available to students.
According to Opportunity Insights data, Yale's graduates have a median earnings of $100,533 ten years after enrollment. While specific mobility rates are not available, the strong earnings potential suggests that graduates are likely to experience upward economic mobility, particularly when compared to peers from lower-income backgrounds.
The net price for attending Yale is $23,777, with a median debt of $12,975. This financial landscape allows students to invest in their education while keeping debt manageable. Students who thrive here tend to be those who are motivated and eager to engage deeply in their studies, particularly in top fields such as social sciences, biology, and engineering.
Rankings They Appear On
Brown University and Yale University appear together in 2 rankings. On the Best Colleges in New England, Brown University ranks #3 — Brown University outranks Yale University by 5 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Sociology as their top enrolled program field, comprising 25% of Brown's student body and 23% of Yale's.
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Brown) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Yale).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Brown University or Yale University?
Yale University is harder to get into, admitting 4% of applicants compared with 5% at Brown University.
Which is more affordable, Brown University or Yale University?
Yale University is more affordable, with an average net price of $23,777 after aid versus $25,184 at Brown University.
Do Brown University or Yale University graduates earn more?
Yale University graduates earn more: median earnings of $100,533 ten years after enrollment, versus $93,487 at Brown University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Brown University or Yale University?
Yale University has the higher graduation rate, 96% versus 96%.
Brown University vs Yale University: which is better for social mobility?
Yale University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 2.1% versus 1.4%.
Should you choose Brown University or Yale University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Yale University if affordability and lower debt come first. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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