Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)
Estimated sticker price before financial aid.
Northwestern
$333,540
4-year total (private)
VS
Yale
$335,600
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Northwestern = $138,980 | Yale = $105,960. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.
Northwestern Top Majors
EconomicsJournalismEngineeringComputer SciencePsychologyYale Top Majors
EconomicsPolitical ScienceHistoryComputer ScienceBiology
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Northwestern or Yale harder to get into?+
Yale is more selective with an acceptance rate of 4.4% compared to 7.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Northwestern or Yale?+
At sticker price, Northwestern costs less over 4 years ($333,540 vs $335,600). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Northwestern offers an average of $48,640/year in aid while Yale offers $57,410/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Northwestern and Yale?+
The average SAT score at Northwestern is 1520 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 Northwestern or Yale graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Yale have a higher average starting salary ($83,200 vs $80,600). 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?+
Northwestern has a 6:1 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 Northwestern and Yale compare for campus life?+
Northwestern is located in Evanston, Illinois (suburban setting) with a 231-acre campus. Yale is in New Haven, Connecticut (urban setting) with 373 acres. Northwestern competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Yale in NCAA D1.