Yale vs. UChicago

Comparable Facts

Compare Yale University in New Haven, CT with University of Chicago in Chicago, IL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Chicago is larger than Yale based on total student enrollment (18,566 students vs. 15,564 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Yale vs. UChicago Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Yale or UChicago? 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 UChicago ($22,408 vs. $28,060).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Yale University are 1% lower than at University of Chicago ($19,900 vs. $20,109).
• University of Chicago is 5.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Yale (about $3,412 more per year; $70,662.00 vs. $67,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.1% higher at UChicago than at Yale University (about $3,412 more per year; $70,662.00 vs. $67,250.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Yale University than at University of Chicago (56% vs. 47%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Yale University students is 5.8% larger than aid received by University of Chicago students ($65,892 vs. $62,300).

Yale vs. UChicago Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Chicago (1550) is 30 points higher than at Yale (1520).
• Incoming Yale students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 34) as students at UChicago (34).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Yale University 1470/1570; University of Chicago 1510/1580.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Yale University 33/35; University of Chicago 34/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Yale - Required; UChicago - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Yale Jan 2, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Yale students have the same average high school GPA (3.95) as students at UChicago (3.95).
• UChicago has a higher acceptance rate (4.5%) than Yale (3.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 69.8% at Yale vs. 88.3% at UChicago.

Yale vs. UChicago Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Yale and UChicago? 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 University of Chicago's (92%).
• Graduates from Yale University earn a median of about $19,900 more per year than UChicago graduates about ten years after starting college ($118,400 vs. $98,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Yale University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than UChicago graduates ($13,500 vs. $14,500).
• Among borrowers, Yale graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than UChicago graduates ($139 vs. $149).
• More UChicago 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.