Yale University Acceptance Rate
Yale University at a Glance
Average SAT & ACT Scores for Yale University
| Test | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile | Midpoint |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Reading | 740 | 780 | 760 |
| SAT Math | 760 | 800 | 780 |
| SAT Total | 1500 | 1580 | 1540 |
| ACT Composite | 33 | 35 | 34 |
Admissions Funnel
| Applications Received | 51,803 |
| Students Admitted | 2,332 |
| Students Enrolled | 1,641 |
| Yield Rate | 70.4% |
Yale University Rankings
| Ranking | 2025 | Year |
|---|---|---|
| US News National Universities | #5 | 2025 |
| QS World University Rankings | #23 | 2025 |
| THE World University Rankings | #10 | 2025 |
| ARWU (Shanghai) | #11 | 2024 |
Show 10-Year US News Ranking History
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #3 | #3 | #3 | #3 | #3 | #4 | #5 | #5 | #5 | #5 |
US News National Universities: #3 (2016) → #5 (2025) ↓ 2 spots
Yale University Admissions Overview
Yale University is a private university in New Haven, CT with 16,416 students. With a 4.5% acceptance rate, it ranks among the most selective institutions in the country. The most popular majors are Social Sciences, Biological Sciences, and Computer Science.
| Full Name | Yale University |
| Location | New Haven, CT 06520 |
| Type | Private |
| Website | yale.edu/ |
| Total Enrollment | 16,416 |
| Undergrad Enrollment | 8,009 |
| Female Students | 52.8% |
Is Yale University a Reach, Match, or Safety?
With an acceptance rate of 4.5%, Yale University is a Reach for most applicants. You'll need a standout application — strong GPA, meaningful extracurriculars, and compelling essays — to have realistic odds here.
| Your Profile | Yale University Is... | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Above-average GPA + strong application | Match | Apply — worth the effort |
| Average GPA, some strengths | Reach | Apply, but have 2-3 backup schools |
| Below-average GPA | Hard Reach | Consider similar schools with higher acceptance rates |
Yale University True Cost by Family Income
19% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating Yale enrolls a meaningful share of lower-income students.
| Family Income | Annual Net Price | 4-Year Total |
|---|---|---|
| $0-30k | $17,633 | $70,532 |
| $30-48k | $15,626 | $62,504 |
| $48-75k | $17,943 | $71,772 |
| $75-110k | $12,558 | $50,232 |
| $110k+ | $45,951 | $183,804 |
Cost Breakdown
| Room & Board | $19,180 |
| Total Cost of Attendance | $88,300 |
Want to see how Yale University stacks up? Compare college costs side by side and check the college rankings by net price and salary outcomes.
Popular Majors at Yale University
The most popular fields of study, ranked by the number of degrees awarded.
{sn} Student Demographics
How to Get Into Yale University
Yale is a Reach school for nearly all applicants. Competitive applicants typically score 1540+ on the SAT. Beyond grades and scores, Yale wants to see intellectual curiosity, leadership, and a clear sense of purpose in your application. Have 2-3 realistic backup schools — even perfect-on-paper students get denied here.
What Yale University Values Most in Applicants
Admission factor importance from the Common Data Set — what the school officially says matters.
| Factor | Importance |
|---|---|
| Academic Gpa | Very Important |
| Rigor Of Secondary School Record | Very Important |
| Class Rank | Important |
| Standardized Test Scores | Important |
| Application Essay | Very Important |
| Recommendation | Very Important |
| Extracurricular Activities | Very Important |
| Talent Ability | Very Important |
| Character Personal Qualities | Very Important |
| First Generation | Important |
| Alumni Relation | Considered |
| Interview | Important |
| Work Experience | Considered |
| Volunteer Work | Considered |
Want to know your odds? Use the college admissions calculator to see your chances at Yale University by GPA and SAT/ACT — or calculate your college GPA first to check where you stand.
Yale University Application Deadlines & Requirements
Key dates for the Yale University SCEA admission cycle. Mark these on your calendar — missing a deadline means waiting another year.
| Deadline | Date |
|---|---|
| Early Action | Nov 1 |
| Regular Decision | Jan 2 |
| Financial Aid (FAFSA/CSS) | Mar 1 |
See Yale University alongside every school in our full college application deadlines calendar for 2026–2027.
{sn} Financial Aid & Student Debt
Frequently Asked Questions About Yale University
Data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS. Yale University is not affiliated with NextColleges.