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NYU vs Yale University

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

12.2% NYU acceptance
4.4% Yale acceptance
$7,536 NYU cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

NYU
New York, New York
Private
Founded
1831
Enrollment
59,144
Setting
Urban
Yale
New Haven, Connecticut
Private
Founded
1701
Enrollment
14,776
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition NYU saves $4,262
NYU
$60,438
Yale
$64,700
Acceptance Rate Yale more selective
NYU
12.2%
Yale
4.4%
Graduation Rate Yale higher
NYU
87%
Yale
96%
Avg SAT Score Yale higher
NYU
1480
Yale
1540
Starting Salary Yale higher
NYU
$74,100
Yale
$83,200

Detailed Comparison

Metric NYU Yale Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$60,438$64,700NYU
Tuition (In-State)$60,438$64,700NYU
Room & Board$21,578$19,200Yale
Acceptance Rate12.2%4.4%Yale
Graduation Rate87%96%Yale
Average SAT14801540Yale
Student-Faculty Ratio8:14:1Yale
Enrollment59,14414,776-
Avg Financial Aid$38,960$57,410Yale
Starting Salary$74,100$83,200Yale
Endowment$6.2B$41.4BYale
Campus Size230 acres373 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

NYU
$328,064
4-year total (private)
VS
Yale
$335,600
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: NYU = $172,224 | Yale = $105,960. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

NYU Top Majors

BusinessLiberal StudiesFilmEconomicsComputer Science

Yale Top Majors

EconomicsPolitical ScienceHistoryComputer ScienceBiology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
NYUUrban
YaleUrban
Campus Size
NYU230 ac
Yale373 ac
Athletics
NYUNCAA D3
YaleNCAA D1
Region
NYUNortheast
YaleNortheast
Founded
NYU1831
Yale1701
Enrollment
NYU59,144
Yale14,776

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is NYU or Yale harder to get into?+
Yale is more selective with an acceptance rate of 4.4% compared to 12.2%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, NYU or Yale?+
At sticker price, NYU costs less over 4 years ($328,064 vs $335,600). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. NYU offers an average of $38,960/year in aid while Yale offers $57,410/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for NYU and Yale?+
The average SAT score at NYU is 1480 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 NYU or Yale graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Yale have a higher average starting salary ($83,200 vs $74,100). 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?+
NYU has a 8:1 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 NYU and Yale compare for campus life?+
NYU is located in New York, New York (urban setting) with a 230-acre campus. Yale is in New Haven, Connecticut (urban setting) with 373 acres. NYU competes in NCAA D3 athletics and Yale in NCAA D1.