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University of Pennsylvania vs Yale University

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

5.4% UPenn acceptance
4.4% Yale acceptance
$7,592 UPenn cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

UPenn
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Private
Founded
1740
Enrollment
28,304
Setting
Urban
Yale
New Haven, Connecticut
Private
Founded
1701
Enrollment
14,776
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition UPenn saves $1,248
UPenn
$63,452
Yale
$64,700
Acceptance Rate Yale more selective
UPenn
5.4%
Yale
4.4%
Graduation Rate Same
UPenn
96%
Yale
96%
Avg SAT Score Yale higher
UPenn
1530
Yale
1540
Starting Salary UPenn higher
UPenn
$92,800
Yale
$83,200

Detailed Comparison

Metric UPenn Yale Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$63,452$64,700UPenn
Tuition (In-State)$63,452$64,700UPenn
Room & Board$18,550$19,200UPenn
Acceptance Rate5.4%4.4%Yale
Graduation Rate96%96%Tie
Average SAT15301540Yale
Student-Faculty Ratio6:14:1Yale
Enrollment28,30414,776-
Avg Financial Aid$54,060$57,410Yale
Starting Salary$92,800$83,200UPenn
Endowment$20.5B$41.4BYale
Campus Size299 acres373 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

UPenn
$328,008
4-year total (private)
VS
Yale
$335,600
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: UPenn = $111,768 | Yale = $105,960. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

UPenn Top Majors

FinanceEconomicsNursingComputer ScienceBiology

Yale Top Majors

EconomicsPolitical ScienceHistoryComputer ScienceBiology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
UPennUrban
YaleUrban
Campus Size
UPenn299 ac
Yale373 ac
Athletics
UPennNCAA D1
YaleNCAA D1
Region
UPennNortheast
YaleNortheast
Founded
UPenn1740
Yale1701
Enrollment
UPenn28,304
Yale14,776

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is UPenn or Yale harder to get into?+
Yale is more selective with an acceptance rate of 4.4% compared to 5.4%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, UPenn or Yale?+
At sticker price, UPenn costs less over 4 years ($328,008 vs $335,600). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. UPenn offers an average of $54,060/year in aid while Yale offers $57,410/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for UPenn and Yale?+
The average SAT score at UPenn is 1530 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 UPenn or Yale graduates earn more?+
Graduates of UPenn have a higher average starting salary ($92,800 vs $83,200). 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?+
UPenn 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 UPenn and Yale compare for campus life?+
UPenn is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (urban setting) with a 299-acre campus. Yale is in New Haven, Connecticut (urban setting) with 373 acres. UPenn competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Yale in NCAA D1.