Head-to-head · 2026
Harvard University vs Yale University
Compare average net price ($19,066 at Harvard University; $23,777 at Yale University), ROI score (13.35 vs 10.57), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($101,817 vs $100,533), and admissions selectivity (3.7% acceptance at Harvard University; 3.9% at Yale University) using federal College Scorecard data. The table keeps affordability, outcomes, access and program fit separate rather than declaring one universal winner.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
13 metrics, side by side. Color marks a useful directional signal; admissions, SAT, tuition eligibility, ownership and enrollment stay neutral.
| Metric | Harvard University | Yale University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 13.35 ✓ | 10.57 |
| Avg net price | $19,066 ✓ | $23,777 |
| 4-year avg net price | $76,264 ✓ | $95,108 |
| In-state tuition | $61,676 | $67,250 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $61,676 | $67,250 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $101,817 ✓ | $100,533 |
| Acceptance rate | 3.7% | 3.9% |
| Graduation rate | 97.6% ✓ | 95.7% |
| Retention rate | 98.3% | 98.8% ✓ |
| Median debt | $14,000 | $12,975 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 7,601 | 6,758 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | 1553 | 1534 |
Cost by family income
Reported net price by income band
Federal averages for students receiving Title IV aid. These are context, not a substitute for either school's financial-aid offer.
| Income band | Harvard University | Yale University |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $8,697 ✓ | $17,633 |
| Family income $30–48k | $2,991 ✓ | $15,626 |
| Family income $48–75k | $2,091 ✓ | $17,943 |
| Family income $75–110k | $9,941 ✓ | $12,558 |
| Family income $110k+ | $53,337 | $45,951 ✓ |
Program fit
Shared fields with reported awards
Award share is the share of reported credentials in a field, not the share of currently enrolled students.
| Shared field | Harvard University | Yale University |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 9.1% | 11.4% |
| Law | 5.5% | 4% |
| Economics | 3% | 5.3% |
| Public Health | 3.7% | 1.8% |
| History | 2.1% | 3.2% |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | 0.9% | 4.3% |
| Political Science and Government | 1.7% | 3.1% |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | 0.9% | 3.8% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Harvard University reports the lower average net price by $4,711 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $18,844 difference over four years ($76,264 vs $95,108).
Harvard University reports $1,284 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($101,817 vs $100,533). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 98.3% at Harvard University and 98.8% at Yale University. Median federal debt among completers is $14,000 vs $12,975, respectively.
8 of the strongest shared fields with positive award-share data are listed below. Award share describes reported credentials in a field, not the percentage of currently enrolled students.
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Frequently asked
Harvard University vs Yale University, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
Harvard University is cheaper — average net price $19,066 per year vs $23,777 at Yale University. The annual difference of $4,711 adds up to about $18,844 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Harvard University reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $101,817 vs $100,533 at Yale University. The gap in the federal data is $1,284. This is not major-specific earnings.
Which school is harder to get into?
Harvard University is more selective at 3.7% acceptance vs 3.9% at Yale University.
Is there an overall winner?
No single metric makes either school the universal winner. Compare your actual aid offers, residency tuition, intended major, graduation and retention rates, debt, location and campus fit. EduGradify keeps these trade-offs separate instead of combining admissions selectivity and test scores into a final verdict.