Yale University Tuition and Fees

By Kelly Boyer Sagert

(Last Updated – 05/2023)

Yale University is an elite Ivy League university in New Haven, Connecticut, known for its outstanding academics and competitive admissions process. In this guide, we’ll share insights into admission requirements, the Yale acceptance rate, tuition, financial aid, popular majors, and more.

Total Cost of Attendance

In 2022-23, Yale University tuition and other expenses were as follows:

•  Tuition and fees: $62,250, a 3.8% increase over the previous year

•  Books and supplies: $1,000

•  On-campus room and board: $18,450, a 3.7% increase over the previous year

•  Other fees: $3,420

•  Total expenses: $85,120, a 3.6% increase over the previous year

Financial Aid

More than forty years ago, Yale became the country’s first private research university to establish need-blind admissions, along with need-based financial aid, for undergraduates. The school says that one of their guiding principles is to make a Yale education something every student can afford.

In the 2020-21 school year, 66% of first-time, full-time Yale undergraduates received some type of financial aid, with 58% receiving grants or scholarships, 39% getting federal grants, 21% receiving Pell grants, and 37% receiving other federal grants. Fifty-eight percent of Yale students received institutional grants or scholarships, and 5% took out federal student loans.

Generally, financial aid is monetary assistance awarded to students based on personal need and merit. Students that qualify for financial aid can use it to pay for college costs like tuition, books, and living expenses.

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The federal government is the largest provider of student financial aid. However, aid can also be given by state governments, colleges and universities, private companies, and nonprofits. The different types include:

•  Scholarships: These can be awarded by schools and other organizations based on students’ academic excellence, athletic achievement, community involvement, job experience, field of study, and financial need.

•  Grants: Generally based on financial need, these can come from federal, state, private, and non-profit organizations.

•  Work-study: This federal program provides qualifying students with part-time employment to earn money for expenses while in school.

•  Federal student loans: This is money borrowed directly from the U.S. Department of Education. It comes with fixed interest rates that are typically lower than private loans.

Colleges, universities, and state agencies use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine financial aid eligibility. The FAFSA can be completed online, but note that state and federal and school deadlines may differ.

You can find other financial aid opportunities on databases such as:

•  US Department of Education – Search for grants from colleges and universities by state

•  College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS) – A global college scholarship application used by select institutions to award financial aid

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Private Student Loans

In 2020-21, less than 1% of students at Yale received private student loans with an average amount of $5,094.

Private loans are funded by private organizations such as banks, online lenders, credit unions, some schools, and state-based or state-affiliated organizations. While Federal student loans have interest rates that are regulated by Congress, private lenders follow a different set of regulations so their qualifications and interest rates can vary widely.

What’s more, private loans have variable or fixed interest rates that may be higher than federal loan interest rates, which are always fixed. Private lenders may (but don’t always) require you to make payments on your loans while you are still in school, compared to federal student loans which you don’t have to start paying back until after you graduate, leave school, or change your enrollment status to less than half-time.

Private loans don’t have a specific application window and can be applied for on an as-needed basis. However, if you think you may need to take out a private loan, it’s a good idea to submit your FAFSA first to see what federal aid you may qualify for as it generally may have better rates and terms.

If you’ve missed the FAFSA deadline or you’re struggling to pay for school throughout the year, private loans can potentially help you make your payments. Just keep in mind that you will need enough lead time for your loan to process and for your lender to send money to your school.

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Projected 4-Year-Degree Price

In 2022-23, attending Yale cost $85,120. For four years at this price, Yale cost would equal $340,480. But keep in mind that these costs can rise.

Here’s some Connecticut Student Loan & Scholarship Information for you.

Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

In 2022-23, Yale tuition and total expenses were as follows:

•  Yale tuition and fees: $62,250

•  Total cost of attendance for students on campus: $85,120

Compared to the average total costs for a four-year, private university in the U.S. of $57,570 in 2022-23, Yale University’s costs are 48% higher.

Graduate Tuition and Fees

In 2022-23, Yale tuition for graduates averaged $46,900 with no additional fees.

Cost per Credit Hour

The cost per credit hour at Yale varies by department. In the School of Public Health, matriculated students taking fewer than 4 course units in a term are considered part-time students. Part-time students pay $5,026 per course unit.

Campus Housing Expenses

In 2022-23, on-campus room and board cost $18,450. Each first-year student is randomly assigned to one of 14 residential units. Graduate students can choose between furnished dorm rooms or unfurnished apartments, and the university provides a helpful resource to compare dormitory and apartment life. Yale owns apartments to rent to graduates and provides a resource to search other apartments and homes. Find details here.

Yale Acceptance Rate

Yale is extremely competitive. In fall 2022, 50,060 people applied and the Yale University acceptance rate was 4.6%.

Yale Admission Requirements

When you apply, you’ll need to include transcripts, two teacher recommendations, a counselor recommendation, and a mid-year report. Currently, ACT and SAT scores are optional.

The early action deadline is November 1 of the year before the academic year. Regular decision applications are due on January 2 of the academic year.

SAT and ACT Scores

Yale University is test optional for fall 2023 enrollment. In fall 2022, 59% of applicants submitted SAT scores and 29% submitted ACT scores. The 25th and 75th percentiles were as follows:

Popular Majors at Yale

In 2021-22, 1,420 undergraduates completed a degree at Yale. Here are some of the most popular majors.

1. Econometrics & Qualitative Economic

The econometrics department at Yale is acclaimed. For more than 30 years, the university has led international econometrics rankings. Students in this program learn about econometrics theory along with probability theory, modern asymptotic theory, panel data methods, and much more.

Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 162

2. Political Science

The curriculum for this major focuses on the organization and allocation of power by individuals and groups. Students are taught to think critically and analytically about factors that shape politics in our societies.

Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 118

3. Computer Science

Students can choose between a BA and a BS degree in computer science, each providing a strong technical education. Plus they can pursue a joint major in economics, electrical engineering, mathematics, or psychology.

Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 99

4. Cellular and Molecular Biology

In this program, students learn to investigate biological processes across organisms through multiple approaches: genetic, molecular, biochemical, and quantitatively. The curriculum is interdisciplinary with diverse offerings.

Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 85

5. History

History majors explore human experimentation and innovation over the centuries from individual to global perspectives. Topics covered include politics, the economy, culture, war, intellectual life, and more. Students have the opportunity to create original research projects.

Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 69

6. Experimental Psychology

Yale’s psychology department provides education for students in clinical, cognitive, developmental, and social/personal psychology, and neuroscience.

Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 66

7. Multi-Interdisciplinary Studies

Students investigate social challenges from different perspectives. Multiple programs exist in this major, and each shares a central curriculum and opportunities to learn theory and practical applications on key subjects.

Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 55

8. International Relations and Affairs

By studying global affairs, students in this program gain a better understanding of the world around them. They develop expertise in today’s global happenings through the lens of social sciences and have flexibility in developing their curriculum.

Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 50

9. English Language and Literature

Students cultivate the ability to analyze, understand, and debate important works of literature when they choose this major. Courses provide insights into research and writing skills as well as historical context.

Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 42

10. Statistics

The BA program in statistics and data science teaches students fundamental techniques, while the BS program prepares them for research and further education in the field. They both focus on the theory of probability. In 2021, 3.5% of graduating undergraduates completed this degree.

Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 40

Yale Graduation Rate

Yale graduation rate is as follows for the Fall 2016 cohort:

•  6 years: 98%

Post-Graduation Median Earnings

The median yearly earnings of Yale graduates is $95,961. That is 74% higher than the average annual earnings of graduates in the U.S., which is $55,260.