Yale vs. George Washington

Comparable Facts

Compare Yale University in New Haven, CT with George Washington University in Washington, DC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

George Washington University is larger than Yale based on total student enrollment (25,374 students vs. 15,564 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Yale University is located in New Haven, CT (Midsize City setting); George Washington University is in Washington, DC (Large City setting).
• Yale University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. George Washington University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Yale University 5:1; George Washington University 13:1.

Yale vs. George Washington Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Yale or George Washington? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Yale University than George Washington ($22,408 vs. $46,485).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at George Washington University are 15% lower than at Yale University ($16,920 vs. $19,900).
• George Washington University is 0.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Yale (about $460 more per year; $67,710.00 vs. $67,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.7% higher at George Washington than at Yale University (about $460 more per year; $67,710.00 vs. $67,250.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at George Washington University than at Yale University (78% vs. 56%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Yale University students is 75.7% larger than aid received by George Washington University students ($65,892 vs. $37,500).

Yale vs. George Washington Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Yale or George Washington? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between George Washington and Yale.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Yale University (1520) is 90 points higher than at George Washington (1430).
• Incoming Yale students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 32 at George Washington).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Yale University 1470/1570; George Washington University 1350/1500.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Yale University 33/35; George Washington University 31/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Yale - Required; George Washington - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Yale Jan 2, 2027; George Washington Jan 5, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Yale students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.95) than students at George Washington (3.81).
• George Washington has a higher acceptance rate (47.1%) than Yale (3.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 69.8% at Yale vs. 19.3% at George Washington.

Yale vs. George Washington Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Yale and George Washington? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Yale University's six-year graduation rate (97%) is higher than George Washington University's (81%).
• Graduates from Yale University earn a median of about $37,900 more per year than George Washington graduates about ten years after starting college ($118,400 vs. $80,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Yale University graduates have a $11,462 lower median loan debt than George Washington graduates ($13,500 vs. $24,962).
• Among borrowers, Yale graduates have an estimated $119 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than George Washington graduates ($139 vs. $258).
• More Yale graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former George Washington students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 82%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.