College Comparison
Yale University vs Cornell University: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more — updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
Yale University
New Haven, CT
School
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Yale | Cornell |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 4.5%wins | 8.2% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1500–1580wins | 1480–1560 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 33–35 | 33–35 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $64,700wins | $66,014 |
| Avg Net Price | $27,818wins | $32,337 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $100,533 | $104,043wins |
| Graduation Rate | 96.3%wins | 95.1% |
| Retention Rate | 99.0%wins | 97.8% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 6:1wins | 9:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 6,811 | 15,935wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Yale edges out Cornell on 7 of 9 measurable categories — including key factors like acceptance rate, earnings, and graduation rate. That said, the right choice depends heavily on your major, financial situation, and campus culture fit.
Yale Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 4.5%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1500–1580
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $64,700
- ✓Avg Net Price: $27,818
Cornell Strengths
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $104,043
- ✓Total Enrollment: 15,935
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