Overview
Yale University, located in New Haven, Connecticut, is known for its prestigious law school and its secret societies, including Skull and Bones. The Ivy League institution has produced many influential alumni, including U.S. Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton.
There are currently 6,639 undergraduates at Yale and the school’s acceptance rate is 5%. The tuition at Yale is $62,250.
Essay
Scholarships & Financial Aid
$85,120
$66,585
$18,535
Cost Breakdown
Estimated Cost:
$85,120The sticker price at Yale is $85,120. This includes the cost of tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and other miscellaneous expenses.
The cost of attendance can vary from year to year and will typically rise over your four years in college. That said, colleges will recalculate your financial aid every year to take price increases and changes in your financial situation into account.
College costs can look different for every student based on their financial situation. To get a more accurate picture of what tuition at Yale would look like for you, try entering your financial information into their Net Price Calculator.
Yale University Financial Aid
To apply for financial aid at Yale you’ll need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as well as the CSS Profile.
The FAFSA and CSS Profile use financial information from the prior, prior year. That means you can submit the forms even if you or your parents haven’t filed last year’s taxes.
The FAFSA code for Yale is 001426 and the CSS Profile Code is 3987.
The FAFSA is completely free, while the CSS Profile charges a fee for each college you send it to. If you have demonstrated financial need, you may qualify for a CSS Profile fee waiver.
If you are looking for more information on how to complete the FAFSA or the CSS Profile, check out these resources:
Apply to these scholarships due soon
See more Connecticut scholarshipsYale University QuestBridge Scholarships
Yale is a member of QuestBridge, which is a prestigious scholarship program that supports high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds. Students who are “matched” to Yale University through QuestBridge receive a four year, full ride scholarship to the school. If you are interested in learning more about QuestBridge, you can check out our QuestBridge Scholarship guide.
Yale University’s 100% Need-Met Guarantee
Yale meets 100% of admitted students’ financial need. Using the FAFSA and/or CSS Profile, they calculate your need and offer a combination of scholarships and federal loans to cover any costs you and your family cannot pay.
No Loan Policy at Yale
Yale is a no-loan school, which means that their financial aid packages offer students grants and scholarships in place of the federal loans that are typically part of a package. This means that their financial aid is more generous than most, and they help bridge the gap between cost and student need. Some no-loan schools offer this policy for all accepted students while others only extend it to students below a specific income level, or to in-state students. Be sure to check Yale's website for details on their No-Loan policy.
Pell Grants at Yale University
19% of students at Yale University receive Pell Grants.
The federal government awards Pell Grants to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need by filling out the FAFSA. Students with a bachelor’s or professional degree are not eligible. Pell Grants do not be repaid. If you receive a Pell Grant, the award amount should remain consistent at any college you gain admission to. You can learn more about Pell Grant eligibility here.
Outside Scholarships
Students can use outside scholarships to supplement their financial aid package at Yale. Outside scholarships are awards offered by private and non-profit organizations separate from their college. To browse vetted, reliable outside scholarships, check out our popular lists:
Yale University Financial Aid Resources
For more information about financial aid at Yale, or for questions that are specific to your financial situation, we recommend that you reach out directly to the financial aid office!
Here’s how you can get in touch:
- Website: https://finaid.yale.edu/
- Phone: 203-432-2700
Admissions
5%
34
1528
1528 is the median SAT score and 34 is the median ACT score for admitted students at Yale. A score that is close to this median value indicates that you have a good chance of admission to the institution. However, it’s important to remember that colleges judge applications holistically. If the rest of your application is strong, it’s possible to make up for lower test scores.
Coalition Colleges
Yale is a Coalition Member College, which means they have completed a vigorous vetting process from the Coalition for College to ensure that they “provide substantial support to lower-income, under-resourced and/or first-generation students; offer responsible student financial aid; and demonstrate a commitment to student graduation.” That also means you can apply to Yale via the Coalition Application. The Coalition Application makes it easy to obtain application fee waivers if you qualify. It’s also a great way to discover other colleges that have demonstrated a strong commitment to affordability and strong student outcomes.
Does Yale have a supplemental essay?
Yes, Yale University includes a supplemental essay in their application. Luckily, Scholarships360 has a free guide to help you answer Yale's essay prompt and stand out in the application process.
Yale Supplemental Essay Guide
Is Yale test-optional?
Yale University is test-optional, which means that applicants are permitted, but not required, to submit their standardized test scores. If you choose not to submit your scores, admissions officers will weigh your grades, extracurriculars, essays, and interviews more heavily. If you aren’t sure whether to submit your standardized test scores, Scholarships360’s guide on whether to submit your test scores to test-optional schools can help.
What test scores do you need to get into Yale University?
Colleges use standardized tests like the SAT, ACT, or CLT as one of many factors to determine their admissions decisions. A high score on one of these tests does not guarantee admission to a college, and a low score does not guarantee rejection. However, the majority of accepted applicants to Yale University receive between a 33 and a 35 on their ACT, or a 1485 and a 1585 on their SAT.
Regular Decision
What is the application deadline at Yale?
Students must apply by January 2 to enroll at Yale during the fall semester. Remember that college applications involve many pieces, including essays, a transcript, letters of recommendation, and more. Be sure to start your application as soon as you can to make sure you have enough time to make it as compelling as possible.
Is Yale University need-blind?
Yes, Yale University has need-blind admissions, which means they do not take financial need into account when they decide who to accept. If your FAFSA and/or CSS Profile indicate that you would need substantial financial aid, you will still be on equal footing with applicants who do not require any aid at all.
Academics
Student/Faculty Ratio
6:1
Graduation Rate
98%
Popular Majors
Percent of Students
Social Sciences
25%
25% of graduates
Biological & Biomedical Sciences
12%
12% of graduates
Computer & Information Sciences
9%
9% of graduates
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies.
7%
7% of graduates
Mathematics
6%
6% of graduates
Engineering
6%
6% of graduates
History
5%
5% of graduates
Physical Sciences
5%
5% of graduates
Psychology
5%
5% of graduates
Visual & Performing Arts
5%
5% of graduates
Area, Ethnic, Cultural, & Gender Studies
4%
4% of graduates
English Language & Literature
3%
3% of graduates
Natural Resources & Conservation
2%
2% of graduates
Philosophy & Religious Studies
2%
2% of graduates
Languages & Literatures
2%
2% of graduates
Architecture
1%
1% of graduates
Liberal Arts & Humanities
1%
1% of graduates
Student Body
Undergraduate Students
6,639
Pell Grant 19%
Part-Time Undergrad Students 1%
Undergrad Students Over 25 1%
Percent Male / Female 49% / 51%
Ethnic Diversity at Yale
35% White
22% Asian / Pacific Islander
15% Hispanic
10% International / Non-Citizen
8% Black
7% Multiracial
1% Unknown
Student Outcomes
Graduate Income
$100,533
Median Debt $12,975
Debt 10 years after graduation $138
Graduation Rate 98%
What is the graduation rate at Yale University?
98% of students who start at Yale University finish their degree within six years of enrolling. This is 40% more than the national median. A higher graduation rate indicates that students have better experiences at an institution.
How much do graduates of Yale University go on to earn?
The median income of students 10 years after starting at Yale University is $100,533. This is $50,142 more than the national median.
This data is from the College Scorecard, which only surveys students from Yale University who received federal financial aid.
Graduate earnings can vary widely based on many factors other than school choice. Major and career path are two important factors in how much a student goes on to earn. For more information, check out Scholarships360’s article on the average starting salary out of college.
How much do students at Yale take out in loans?
Graduates of Yale take out a median of $12,975 in federal student loans. This is $525 less than the national median. As you make decisions about your college loans, be sure to inform yourself on the advantages and disadvantages of each loan option. Scholarships360’s guide to navigating these different options is a great place to start.
Data Sources
We strive to provide users with the most up-to-date information and source data from publicly available sources, including the College Scorecard and directly from the colleges. College statistics can change throughout the year, but we do our best to update them as quickly as possible. If you see an error, feel free to contact us.
If you represent Yale University and would like to make any corrections or supplement your college profile with additional information, you can fill out our free Premium Profile questionnaire here.
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