HomeCompare › FSU vs Yale

Florida State University vs Yale University

A comprehensive side-by-side comparison of academics, cost, admissions, campus life and career outcomes to help you choose.

25.0% FSU acceptance
4.4% Yale acceptance
$200,708 FSU cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

FSU
Tallahassee, Florida
Public
Founded
1851
Enrollment
46,944
Setting
Urban
Yale
New Haven, Connecticut
Private
Founded
1701
Enrollment
14,776
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition FSU saves $43,017
FSU
$21,683
Yale
$64,700
Acceptance Rate Yale more selective
FSU
25.0%
Yale
4.4%
Graduation Rate Yale higher
FSU
83%
Yale
96%
Avg SAT Score Yale higher
FSU
1310
Yale
1540
Starting Salary Yale higher
FSU
$59,800
Yale
$83,200

Detailed Comparison

Metric FSU Yale Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$21,683$64,700FSU
Tuition (In-State)$6,517$64,700FSU
Room & Board$12,040$19,200FSU
Acceptance Rate25.0%4.4%Yale
Graduation Rate83%96%Yale
Average SAT13101540Yale
Student-Faculty Ratio21:14:1Yale
Enrollment46,94414,776-
Avg Financial Aid$12,400$57,410Yale
Starting Salary$59,800$83,200Yale
Endowment$1.1B$41.4BYale
Campus Size1,427 acres373 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

FSU
$134,892
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Yale
$335,600
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: FSU = $85,292 | Yale = $105,960. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

FSU Top Majors

BusinessPsychologyBiologyCriminologyEngineering

Yale Top Majors

EconomicsPolitical ScienceHistoryComputer ScienceBiology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
FSUUrban
YaleUrban
Campus Size
FSU1,427 ac
Yale373 ac
Athletics
FSUNCAA D1
YaleNCAA D1
Region
FSUSouth
YaleNortheast
Founded
FSU1851
Yale1701
Enrollment
FSU46,944
Yale14,776

Need Help Choosing Between FSU & Yale?

Get free personalized guidance from college admissions experts. Application strategy, essay reviews, and financial aid help.

Get Free College Guidance →
✓ 100% free consultation ✓ Expert admissions advisors ✓ No obligation

Helpful Resources

Tools and services to help with your college journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is FSU or Yale harder to get into?+
Yale is more selective with an acceptance rate of 4.4% compared to 25.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, FSU or Yale?+
At sticker price, FSU costs less over 4 years ($134,892 vs $335,600). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. FSU offers an average of $12,400/year in aid while Yale offers $57,410/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for FSU and Yale?+
The average SAT score at FSU is 1310 and at Yale it is 1540. Keep in mind that admitted students often score across a range, and many schools practice holistic admissions where test scores are just one factor.
Do FSU or Yale graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Yale have a higher average starting salary ($83,200 vs $59,800). Salary outcomes vary significantly by major, industry, and location — so this is a general average across all graduates.
What is the student-to-faculty ratio at each school?+
FSU has a 21:1 student-to-faculty ratio while Yale has 4:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do FSU and Yale compare for campus life?+
FSU is located in Tallahassee, Florida (urban setting) with a 1,427-acre campus. Yale is in New Haven, Connecticut (urban setting) with 373 acres. FSU competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Yale in NCAA D1.