Yale vs. Union College

Comparable Facts

Compare Yale University in New Haven, CT with Union College in Schenectady, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Yale University is larger than Union College based on total student enrollment (15,564 students vs. 2,065 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Yale University is located in New Haven, CT (Midsize City setting); Union College is in Schenectady, NY (Small City setting).
• Yale University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Union College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Yale University 5:1; Union College 9:1.

Yale vs. Union College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Yale or Union College? 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 Union College ($22,408 vs. $42,137).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Union College are 14.5% lower than at Yale University ($17,010 vs. $19,900).
• Union College is 2.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Yale (about $1,789 more per year; $69,039.00 vs. $67,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.7% higher at Union College than at Yale University (about $1,789 more per year; $69,039.00 vs. $67,250.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Union College than at Yale University (96% vs. 56%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Yale University students is 54.9% larger than aid received by Union College students ($65,892 vs. $42,534).

Yale vs. Union College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Yale or Union College? 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 Union College and Yale.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Yale University (1520) is 120 points higher than at Union College (1400).
• Incoming Yale students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 31 at Union College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Yale University 1470/1570; Union College 1310/1480.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Yale University 33/35; Union College 29/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Yale - Required; Union College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Yale Jan 2, 2027; Union College Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Yale students have a 0.45 point higher average high school GPA (3.95) than students at Union College (3.5).
• Union College has a higher acceptance rate (43.9%) than Yale (3.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 69.8% at Yale vs. 13.9% at Union College.

Yale vs. Union College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Yale and Union College? 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 Union College's (86%).
• Graduates from Yale University earn a median of about $44,200 more per year than Union College graduates about ten years after starting college ($118,400 vs. $74,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Yale University graduates have a $13,500 lower median loan debt than Union College graduates ($13,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Yale graduates have an estimated $140 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Union College graduates ($139 vs. $279).
• More Union College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Yale students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 84%)

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.