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University of Maryland vs Yale University

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

44.0% Maryland acceptance
4.4% Yale acceptance
$117,040 Maryland cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

Maryland
College Park, Maryland
Public
Founded
1856
Enrollment
41,200
Setting
Suburban
Yale
New Haven, Connecticut
Private
Founded
1701
Enrollment
14,776
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition Maryland saves $24,394
Maryland
$40,306
Yale
$64,700
Acceptance Rate Yale more selective
Maryland
44.0%
Yale
4.4%
Graduation Rate Yale higher
Maryland
88%
Yale
96%
Avg SAT Score Yale higher
Maryland
1410
Yale
1540
Starting Salary Yale higher
Maryland
$70,900
Yale
$83,200

Detailed Comparison

Metric Maryland Yale Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$40,306$64,700Maryland
Tuition (In-State)$11,505$64,700Maryland
Room & Board$14,334$19,200Maryland
Acceptance Rate44.0%4.4%Yale
Graduation Rate88%96%Yale
Average SAT14101540Yale
Student-Faculty Ratio18:14:1Yale
Enrollment41,20014,776-
Avg Financial Aid$14,200$57,410Yale
Starting Salary$70,900$83,200Yale
Endowment$2.3B$41.4BYale
Campus Size1,335 acres373 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Maryland
$218,560
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Yale
$335,600
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Maryland = $161,760 | Yale = $105,960. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Maryland Top Majors

Computer ScienceBiologyEngineeringBusinessCriminology

Yale Top Majors

EconomicsPolitical ScienceHistoryComputer ScienceBiology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
MarylandSuburban
YaleUrban
Campus Size
Maryland1,335 ac
Yale373 ac
Athletics
MarylandNCAA D1
YaleNCAA D1
Region
MarylandNortheast
YaleNortheast
Founded
Maryland1856
Yale1701
Enrollment
Maryland41,200
Yale14,776

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Maryland or Yale harder to get into?+
Yale is more selective with an acceptance rate of 4.4% compared to 44.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Maryland or Yale?+
At sticker price, Maryland costs less over 4 years ($218,560 vs $335,600). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Maryland offers an average of $14,200/year in aid while Yale offers $57,410/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Maryland and Yale?+
The average SAT score at Maryland is 1410 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 Maryland or Yale graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Yale have a higher average starting salary ($83,200 vs $70,900). 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?+
Maryland has a 18:1 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 Maryland and Yale compare for campus life?+
Maryland is located in College Park, Maryland (suburban setting) with a 1,335-acre campus. Yale is in New Haven, Connecticut (urban setting) with 373 acres. Maryland competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Yale in NCAA D1.