College Comparison
Yale University vs Penn State: 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
Penn State
University Park, PA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Yale | Penn State |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 4.5%wins | 54.2% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1500–1580wins | 1220–1400 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 33–35wins | 27–32 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $64,700 | $40,188wins |
| Avg Net Price | $27,818wins | $32,598 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $100,533wins | $63,435 |
| Graduation Rate | 96.3%wins | 85.7% |
| Retention Rate | 99.0%wins | 92.0% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 6:1wins | 15:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 6,811 | 41,862wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Yale edges out Penn State on 8 of 10 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
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 33–35
- ✓Avg Net Price: $27,818
Penn State Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $40,188
- ✓Total Enrollment: 41,862
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