College Comparison
Yale University vs UC Irvine: 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
UC Irvine
Irvine, CA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Yale | UC Irvine |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 4.5%wins | 25.6% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1500–1580wins | N/A |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 33–35 | N/A |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $64,700 | $45,014wins |
| Avg Net Price | $27,818 | $12,840wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $100,533wins | $80,735 |
| Graduation Rate | 96.3%wins | 86.0% |
| Retention Rate | 99.0%wins | 93.8% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 6:1wins | 18:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 6,811 | 29,494wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Yale edges out UC Irvine on 6 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
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $100,533
- ✓Graduation Rate: 96.3%
UC Irvine Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $45,014
- ✓Avg Net Price: $12,840
- ✓Total Enrollment: 29,494
Want a deeper comparison?
Our interactive compare tool lets you add more schools, filter by major, and see financial aid breakdowns by income level.