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University of Minnesota vs Yale University

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

75.0% UMN acceptance
4.4% Yale acceptance
$138,512 UMN cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

UMN
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Public
Founded
1851
Enrollment
54,890
Setting
Urban
Yale
New Haven, Connecticut
Private
Founded
1701
Enrollment
14,776
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition UMN saves $28,298
UMN
$36,402
Yale
$64,700
Acceptance Rate Yale more selective
UMN
75.0%
Yale
4.4%
Graduation Rate Yale higher
UMN
83%
Yale
96%
Avg SAT Score Yale higher
UMN
1370
Yale
1540
Starting Salary Yale higher
UMN
$64,800
Yale
$83,200

Detailed Comparison

Metric UMN Yale Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$36,402$64,700UMN
Tuition (In-State)$15,588$64,700UMN
Room & Board$12,870$19,200UMN
Acceptance Rate75.0%4.4%Yale
Graduation Rate83%96%Yale
Average SAT13701540Yale
Student-Faculty Ratio17:14:1Yale
Enrollment54,89014,776-
Avg Financial Aid$15,100$57,410Yale
Starting Salary$64,800$83,200Yale
Endowment$4.4B$41.4BYale
Campus Size1,204 acres373 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

UMN
$197,088
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Yale
$335,600
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: UMN = $136,688 | Yale = $105,960. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

UMN Top Majors

PsychologyBiologyEngineeringComputer ScienceBusiness

Yale Top Majors

EconomicsPolitical ScienceHistoryComputer ScienceBiology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
UMNUrban
YaleUrban
Campus Size
UMN1,204 ac
Yale373 ac
Athletics
UMNNCAA D1
YaleNCAA D1
Region
UMNMidwest
YaleNortheast
Founded
UMN1851
Yale1701
Enrollment
UMN54,890
Yale14,776

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is UMN or Yale harder to get into?+
Yale is more selective with an acceptance rate of 4.4% compared to 75.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, UMN or Yale?+
At sticker price, UMN costs less over 4 years ($197,088 vs $335,600). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. UMN offers an average of $15,100/year in aid while Yale offers $57,410/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for UMN and Yale?+
The average SAT score at UMN is 1370 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 UMN or Yale graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Yale have a higher average starting salary ($83,200 vs $64,800). 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?+
UMN has a 17:1 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 UMN and Yale compare for campus life?+
UMN is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota (urban setting) with a 1,204-acre campus. Yale is in New Haven, Connecticut (urban setting) with 373 acres. UMN competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Yale in NCAA D1.