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University of Michigan vs Yale University

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

17.7% Michigan acceptance
4.4% Yale acceptance
$53,952 Michigan cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Public
Founded
1817
Enrollment
48,090
Setting
Urban
Yale
New Haven, Connecticut
Private
Founded
1701
Enrollment
14,776
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition Michigan saves $7,454
Michigan
$57,246
Yale
$64,700
Acceptance Rate Yale more selective
Michigan
17.7%
Yale
4.4%
Graduation Rate Yale higher
Michigan
93%
Yale
96%
Avg SAT Score Yale higher
Michigan
1470
Yale
1540
Starting Salary Yale higher
Michigan
$73,400
Yale
$83,200

Detailed Comparison

Metric Michigan Yale Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$57,246$64,700Michigan
Tuition (In-State)$17,786$64,700Michigan
Room & Board$13,166$19,200Michigan
Acceptance Rate17.7%4.4%Yale
Graduation Rate93%96%Yale
Average SAT14701540Yale
Student-Faculty Ratio12:14:1Yale
Enrollment48,09014,776-
Avg Financial Aid$22,680$57,410Yale
Starting Salary$73,400$83,200Yale
Endowment$17.9B$41.4BYale
Campus Size3,207 acres373 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Michigan
$281,648
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Yale
$335,600
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Michigan = $190,928 | Yale = $105,960. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Michigan Top Majors

BusinessEngineeringComputer ScienceEconomicsPsychology

Yale Top Majors

EconomicsPolitical ScienceHistoryComputer ScienceBiology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
MichiganUrban
YaleUrban
Campus Size
Michigan3,207 ac
Yale373 ac
Athletics
MichiganNCAA D1
YaleNCAA D1
Region
MichiganMidwest
YaleNortheast
Founded
Michigan1817
Yale1701
Enrollment
Michigan48,090
Yale14,776

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Michigan or Yale harder to get into?+
Yale is more selective with an acceptance rate of 4.4% compared to 17.7%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Michigan or Yale?+
At sticker price, Michigan costs less over 4 years ($281,648 vs $335,600). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Michigan offers an average of $22,680/year in aid while Yale offers $57,410/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Michigan and Yale?+
The average SAT score at Michigan is 1470 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 Michigan or Yale graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Yale have a higher average starting salary ($83,200 vs $73,400). 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?+
Michigan has a 12:1 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 Michigan and Yale compare for campus life?+
Michigan is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan (urban setting) with a 3,207-acre campus. Yale is in New Haven, Connecticut (urban setting) with 373 acres. Michigan competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Yale in NCAA D1.