Harvard University vs Yale University: Side-by-Side Comparison

Data-driven comparison to help you decide.

At a Glance

MetricHarvard UniversityYale UniversityEdge
Acceptance Rate 3.5% 4.5% Yale University (easier)
Average SAT 1540 1540 Tie
Enrollment 37,613 16,416 Harvard University larger
Tuition $59,076 $62,250 Harvard University cheaper
Median Earnings (10yr) $95,500 $90,400 Harvard University
Pell Grant Rate 16.0% 19.0% Higher = more low-income students

Decision Score Comparison

Harvard University

58 Overall Fit 50 ROI 25 Transfer

Yale University

58 Overall Fit 50 ROI 26 Transfer

Top Majors Compared

Harvard University

Social Sciences 31.6%
Biological Sciences 11.1%
Mathematics/Statistics 11.0%
Computer Science 8.6%
History 7.6%

Yale University

Social Sciences 22.3%
Biological Sciences 10.9%
Computer Science 10.3%
Multidisciplinary 7.6%
Mathematics/Statistics 7.4%

Which Should You Choose?

Both Harvard University and Yale University are outstanding institutions. The right choice depends on your priorities:

  • If location matters: Harvard University is in Cambridge, MA while Yale University is in New Haven, CT
  • If cost is a factor: Compare net prices for your family income bracket above
  • If career outcomes are the priority: Look at the salary data by major for each school
  • If getting in is the concern: Check which school's acceptance rate and profile better match yours

Explore Each School

Harvard University
Yale University

Data source: College Scorecard, IPEDS.