For generations, Yale University and Harvard University have stood as two of the most prestigious higher education institutions in the world. Both universities boast a rich history, distinguished alumni, and rigorous academic programs. But what sets these two titans apart?
Academics
Yale
- Ranked 3rd in the 2023 U.S. News & World Report’s Best National Universities ranking
- Particularly renowned for its strong programs in the humanities, social sciences, and sciences
- Home to over 120 academic departments and programs
Harvard
- Ranked 5th in the 2023 U.S. News & World Report’s Best National Universities ranking
- Known for its exceptional programs in business, law, and medicine
- Offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs
Admissions
Yale
- Acceptance rate of 6.3% in 2023
- Median SAT score of 1525
- Median ACT score of 34
Harvard
- Acceptance rate of 4.5% in 2023
- Median SAT score of 1540
- Median ACT score of 35
Campus Life
Yale
- Located in New Haven, Connecticut, a vibrant city with a rich cultural scene
- Residential college system, where students live and learn in one of 12 residential colleges
- Over 500 student clubs and organizations
Harvard
- Situated in Cambridge, Massachusetts, a world-class center for innovation and education
- Houses system, where students live in one of 12 gender-neutral residential houses
- Around 450 student clubs and organizations
Student Body
Yale
- Approximately 5,500 undergraduate students
- Diverse student body, with students representing all 50 states and over 100 countries
- International students make up around 23% of the undergraduate population
Harvard
- Approximately 7,000 undergraduate students
- Highly selective student body, with a majority of students graduating in the top 10% of their high school class
- International students account for approximately 12% of the undergraduate population
Notable Alumni
Yale
- Presidents: George H.W. Bush (41st), Bill Clinton (42nd), George W. Bush (43rd)
- CEOs: Satya Nadella (Microsoft), David Solomon (Goldman Sachs), Stephen Schwarzman (Blackstone)
- Authors: Toni Morrison, Jonathan Swift, John Ashbery
Harvard
- Presidents: John Adams (2nd), Theodore Roosevelt (26th), Franklin Delano Roosevelt (32nd)
- CEOs: Jeff Bezos (Amazon), Mark Zuckerberg (Facebook), Jamie Dimon (JPMorgan Chase)
- Authors: Henry David Thoreau, Sylvia Plath, T.S. Eliot
Career Outcomes
Yale
- Median starting salary for Class of 2022 graduates: $78,500
- 96% of graduates employed within six months of graduation
- Top employers include Google, JPMorgan, McKinsey & Company
Harvard
- Median starting salary for Class of 2022 graduates: $80,000
- 97% of graduates employed within six months of graduation
- Top employers include Goldman Sachs, Bain & Company, Microsoft
Which University is Right for You?
Choosing between Yale and Harvard is a highly personal decision. Both universities offer world-class academics, a vibrant campus life, and exceptional career outcomes.
Consider Yale if you:
- Are interested in a smaller, more intimate campus environment
- Want to study in a residential college system
- Are drawn to Yale’s renowned humanities and social sciences programs
Consider Harvard if you:
- Prefer a larger, more research-intensive university
- Are interested in studying at one of the best business, law, or medical schools in the country
- Want to be surrounded by a highly selective and diverse student body
Ultimately, the best university for you is the one that best fits your academic interests, campus preferences, and personal goals.
