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Harvard University vs Yale University

46 data points compared. Stronger value in each row highlighted. Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS.

26
Harvard Wins
10
Tied / N/A
10
Yale Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Urban
New England
Region
New England
7,601
Enrollment
6,758
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

4%
Acceptance Rate
4%
1553
SAT Average
1534
35
ACT Midpoint
34
1510-1580
SAT Range
1470-1570

Cost & Financial Aid

$61,676
In-State Tuition
$67,250
$61,676
Out-of-State Tuition
$67,250
$19,066
Average Net Price
$23,777
$8,697
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$17,633
$2,991
Net Price ($30-48K)
$15,626
$2,091
Net Price ($48-75K)
$17,943
$53,337
Net Price ($110K+)
$45,951
16%
Pell Grant Rate
20%
4%
Federal Loan Rate
5%

Academics

97%
Graduation Rate
96%
98%
Retention Rate
99%
87%
Full-Time Faculty
75%
$25,048
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$22,590
26%
First-Gen Students
25%

Student Body

50%
Female
50%
31%
White
31%
12%
Hispanic
17%
9%
Black
9%
22%
Asian
22%
0.81
Diversity Index
0.80

Outcomes

$99,572
Earnings (6yr)
$81,765
$101,095
Earnings (8yr)
$94,821
$101,817
Earnings (10yr)
$100,533
$14,000
Median Debt
$12,975
0.14x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.13x
88%
Earning Above HS
83%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

175.92%
Mobility Rate
208.17%
5774.2%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
5730.3%
304.7%
From Bottom 20%
363.3%
$174,000
Parent Median Income
$199,700

Social Capital

1.69
Economic Connectedness
1.72
0.02
Friending Bias
0.04
9.6%
Volunteering Rate
11.9%

Research (Times HE)

#1
World Rank
#10
99.7
Teaching Score
92.1
98.7
Research Score
89.7
98.8
Citations Score
91.5

The Overviews

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA · Private nonprofit

4% accept 97% grad $101,817 earnings $19,066 net

With an acceptance rate of just 4%, Harvard University is a place where the most driven and ambitious students find their footing. It’s especially suitable for those drawn to rigorous academic programs like Social Sciences, Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Mathematics, Computer Science, and Physical Sciences. The environment here encourages intellectual curiosity and a commitment to excellence, attracting a diverse group of scholars who are ready to engage deeply with their studies.

After graduation, the financial outlook is promising, with alumni earning an average of $101,817 within ten years. This level of earning power is a significant motivator for students considering their future. While the cost of education is an important factor, many graduates see a strong return on their investment, which makes the financial commitment worthwhile for those who can navigate the admissions process.

When we look at the practical aspects, the net price after aid stands at $19,066, and the median debt is relatively manageable at $14,000. This financial structure allows students to focus on their education without being overwhelmed by debt. Those who thrive at Harvard often share a passion for learning and a desire to make a difference in the world, making the most of the resources and opportunities available to them.

Yale University

New Haven, CT · Private nonprofit

4% accept 96% grad $100,533 earnings $23,777 net

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.

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