University

Yale University

New Haven, Connecticut, United States

Verified · last verified 2026-09-02

University details

Yale University is a private research university located in New Haven, Connecticut. It was established in 1701. The university comprises Yale College (the undergraduate program), the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and a number of professional schools. Yale College is organized around a residential college system, which the university describes as more than 70 years old and as perhaps the most distinctive feature of the College. Yale states that its core mission is to create, disseminate, and preserve knowledge through research and teaching.

Institution type: Private, nonprofit
Campus setting: Urban
Application platforms: Common App, Coalition App, Other
Testing policy: Test flexible (2025–2026)
In-state tuition: $67,250
Out-of-state tuition: $67,250
Cost of attendance: Not available (2024–2025)
Undergraduate enrollment: 6,758

Website Admissions Financial aid

Common Data Set

Institution-reported facts by reporting cycle. Missing and withheld values are shown explicitly.

2024–2025 · most recent available

First-year admission rate

3.9%

Calculated from applications and admissions reported in CDS C1. This is a factual calculation, not a CollegePath rating.

Enrollment

Undergraduate enrollment (B1): 6,814 students
Full-time undergraduate enrollment (B1): 6,753 students
Part-time undergraduate enrollment (B1): 61 students

First-year admission

Majors

Anthropology
Social Sciences
Applied Mathematics
Mathematics and Statistics
Archeology
Social Sciences
Architecture
Architecture and Related Services
Area Studies
Area, Ethnic, Cultural, Gender, and Group Studies
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Physical Sciences
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Biomedical/Medical Engineering
Engineering
Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
Biological and Biomedical Sciences

Deadlines

Restrictive early action · 2026–2027
2026-11-01 — First-year deadline listed in the Common App 2026–2027 Requirements Grid, updated 2026-08-14.
https://content.commonapp.org/Files/ReqGrid.pdf
Regular decision · 2026–2027
2027-01-02 — First-year deadline listed in the Common App 2026–2027 Requirements Grid, updated 2026-08-14.
https://content.commonapp.org/Files/ReqGrid.pdf

View deadlines from earlier years

2025–2026

Restrictive early action · 2025–2026
2025-11-01 — Single-Choice Early Action (non-binding, restricted). Application deadline November 1; decisions released mid-December; admitted students reply by May 1.

Supplemental essays

How many responses?

8 prompts presented; one 400-word essay selected

Yale-specific short answers, short takes, and one selected 400-word essay are required for applicable first-year application platforms.

2026–2027

Required · Common Application or Coalition Application
Reflect on your membership in a community to which you feel connected. Why is this community meaningful to you? You may define community however you like.
Limit: 400 words — Choose one of Yale’s three 400-word essay prompts for the 2026–2027 admissions cycle.
https://admissions.yale.edu/essays
Required · Common Application or Coalition Application
Reflect on an element of your personal experience that you feel will enrich your college. How has it shaped you?
Limit: 400 words — Choose one of Yale’s three 400-word essay prompts for the 2026–2027 admissions cycle.
https://admissions.yale.edu/essays

Application requirements

2026–2027

Application fee · Required
Value: $85
First-year U.S. application fee listed in the Common App 2026–2027 Requirements Grid, updated 2026-08-28.
https://content.commonapp.org/Files/ReqGrid.pdf
Fee waiver · Optional
Value: Accepted
Common App fee-waiver availability listed in the 2026–2027 Requirements Grid, updated 2026-08-28.
https://content.commonapp.org/Files/ReqGrid.pdf
Personal essay · Required
The Common App personal essay is marked required in the Common App 2026–2027 Requirements Grid, updated 2026-08-28.
https://content.commonapp.org/Files/ReqGrid.pdf
Supplemental essays · Required

Sources

Direct sources supporting this university’s facts, with retrieval dates.

Official source · supports supplemental_essays:2026–2027
https://admissions.yale.edu/essays
Retrieved 2026-09-03 — Official Yale Undergraduate Admissions 2026–2027 essay topics.
Secondary source · supports requirements:2026–2027
https://content.commonapp.org/Files/ReqGrid.pdf
Retrieved 2026-09-02 — Common App member-reported first-year fee, waiver, and personal-essay fields; grid updated 2026-08-28.
Common App 2026–2027 Requirements Grid · supports deadlines:2026–2027
https://content.commonapp.org/Files/ReqGrid.pdf
Retrieved 2026-08-20 — Common App member-reported first-year deadlines; grid updated 2026-08-14.
Official source · supports financial_aid_url
https://finaid.yale.edu

First-year applications (C1)

First-year students admitted (C1)

2,227 students

First-year students enrolled (C1)

1,554 students

Application requirement · College-preparatory program (C5)

Recommended

Application requirement · Total academic units (C5)

Not reported by institution

Application requirement · English (C5)

Not reported by institution

Application requirement · Mathematics (C5)

Not reported by institution

Application requirement · Science (C5)

Not reported by institution

Application requirement · Laboratory science (C5)

Not reported by institution

Application requirement · Foreign language (C5)

Not reported by institution

Application requirement · Social studies (C5)

Not reported by institution

Application requirement · History (C5)

Not reported by institution

Application requirement · Academic electives (C5)

Not reported by institution

Application requirement · Computer science (C5)

Not reported by institution

Application requirement · Visual or performing arts (C5)

Not reported by institution

Application requirement · Other (C5)

Not reported by institution

What the institution considers

Application consideration · Rigor of secondary school record (C7): Very important
Application consideration · Class rank (C7): Very important
Application consideration · Academic GPA (C7): Very important
Application consideration · Standardized test scores (C7): Considered
Application consideration · Application essay (C7): Very important
Application consideration · Recommendations (C7): Very important
Application consideration · Interview (C7): Considered
Application consideration · Extracurricular activities (C7): Very important
Application consideration · Talent or ability (C7): Very important
Application consideration · Character or personal qualities (C7): Very important
Application consideration · First generation (C7): Considered
Application consideration · Alumni relation (C7): Considered
Application consideration · Geographical residence (C7): Considered
Application consideration · State residency (C7): Considered
Application consideration · Religious affiliation or commitment (C7): Not considered
Application consideration · Volunteer work (C7): Considered
Application consideration · Work experience (C7): Considered
Application consideration · Level of applicant interest (C7): Not considered

Testing

Testing policy (C8): SAT or ACT not required for admission, but considered if submitted for Fall 2024
Enrolled students submitting scores · SAT (C9): 61%
Enrolled students submitting scores · ACT (C9): 25%
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing · 25th percentile (C9): 730 score
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing · 75th percentile (C9): 780 score
SAT Math · 25th percentile (C9): 740 score
SAT Math · 75th percentile (C9): 790 score
ACT Composite · 25th percentile (C9): 33 score
ACT Composite · 75th percentile (C9): 35 score

Cost

Tuition (G1): $69,900
Required fees (G1): Not reported by institution
Housing and food (G1): $20,650
Other cost · Books and supplies (G1): $1,000
Other cost · Transportation (G1): $1,100
Other cost · Other expenses (G1): $2,700

Institutional financial aid

Institutional aid · Institutional need-based scholarships and grants (H1): $253,546,971
Students applying for need-based aid · Full-time first-time first-year students (H2): 1,165 students
Students receiving need-based aid · Full-time first-time first-year students (H2): 908 students
Students whose demonstrated need was fully met · Full-time first-time first-year students (H2): 908 students
Average need-based aid package · Full-time first-time first-year students (H2): $75,093

Retention and graduation

First-year retention rate · Fall 2023 entering cohort retained in Fall 2024 (B22): 98.8%
Graduation rate · Six-year graduation rate, Fall 2018 cohort (B27): 95.7%

Academics and class size

Student-to-faculty ratio (I2): 5:1

Source: Yale University Common Data Set 2024-2025 · Retrieved 2026-08-31

Open the official institutional source

Document ID: sha256:50e2f85a062f31a1ebe155dc8a63afd4bc940ff2b0cef16a624b39e30648128d · Import: cds-2026-08-v4

Chemical Engineering

Chemistry

Physical Sciences

City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning

Architecture and Related Services

Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics

Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics

Cognitive Science

Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies

Computer and Information Sciences, General

Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services

Computer Programming

Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services

Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft

Visual and Performing Arts

East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics

Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics

Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology

Biological and Biomedical Sciences

Economics

Social Sciences

Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering

Engineering

Engineering Physics

Engineering

Engineering Science

Engineering

English Language and Literature, General

English Language and Literature/Letters

English Language and Literature/Letters, Other

English Language and Literature/Letters

Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering

Engineering

Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies

Area, Ethnic, Cultural, Gender, and Group Studies

Film/Video and Photographic Arts

Visual and Performing Arts

Fine and Studio Arts

Visual and Performing Arts

Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences

Physical Sciences

Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics

Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics

International Relations and National Security Studies

Social Sciences

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities

Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services

Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics

Mathematics

Mathematics and Statistics

Mathematics and Computer Science

Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies

Mechanical Engineering

Engineering

Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics

Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics

Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other

Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies

Music

Visual and Performing Arts

Natural Resources Conservation and Research

Natural Resources and Conservation

Neurobiology and Neurosciences

Biological and Biomedical Sciences

Philosophy

Philosophy and Religious Studies

Physical Sciences, General

Physical Sciences

Physics

Physical Sciences

Political Science and Government

Social Sciences

Psychology, General

Psychology

Religion/Religious Studies

Philosophy and Religious Studies

Research and Experimental Psychology

Psychology

Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics

Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics

Sociology

Social Sciences

Statistics

Mathematics and Statistics

Other · 2025–2026

2025-11-01 — QuestBridge National College Match application deadline (binding admission program); match notification early December.

https://admissions.yale.edu/application-deadlines

Regular decision · 2025–2026

2026-01-02 — Regular Decision. Application deadline January 2; decisions released late March; admitted students reply by May 1.

https://admissions.yale.edu/application-deadlines

Financial aid · 2025–2026

2026-02-15 — Financial aid application deadline (CSS Profile and FAFSA) for all first-year applicants other than QuestBridge.

https://admissions.yale.edu/affordability-details

Required · Common Application, Coalition Application, or QuestBridge Application

As of this moment, what academic areas seem to fit your interests or goals most comfortably? Please indicate up to three.

No length limit reported — Yale-specific short answer for the 2026–2027 admissions cycle.

https://admissions.yale.edu/essays

Required · Common Application, Coalition Application, or QuestBridge Application

Tell us about a topic or idea that excites you and is related to one or more academic areas you selected above. Why are you drawn to it?

Limit: 200 words — Yale-specific short answer for the 2026–2027 admissions cycle.

https://admissions.yale.edu/essays

Required · Common Application or Coalition Application

If you could teach any college course, write a book, or create an original piece of art of any kind, what would it be?

Limit: 200 characters — Yale-specific short take for the 2026–2027 admissions cycle.

https://admissions.yale.edu/essays

Required · Common Application or Coalition Application

What is one aspect of yourself that you hope to grow or develop during college?

Limit: 200 characters — Yale-specific short take for the 2026–2027 admissions cycle.

https://admissions.yale.edu/essays

Required · Common Application or Coalition Application

What is something about you that is not included anywhere else in your application?

Limit: 200 characters — Yale-specific short take for the 2026–2027 admissions cycle.

https://admissions.yale.edu/essays

Required · Common Application or Coalition Application

Reflect on a time you discussed an issue important to you with someone holding an opposing view. Why did you find the experience meaningful?

Limit: 400 words — Choose one of Yale’s three 400-word essay prompts for the 2026–2027 admissions cycle.

https://admissions.yale.edu/essays

View supplemental prompts from earlier years

2025–2026

Required · All applicants
Students at Yale have time to explore their academic interests before committing to one or more major fields of study. Many students either modify their original academic direction or change their minds entirely. As of this moment, what academic areas seem to fit your interests or goals most comfortably? Please indicate up to three from the list provided.
No length limit reported — Selection question; applicants indicate up to three academic areas from the list provided.
https://admissions.yale.edu/essay-topics
Required · All applicants
Tell us about a topic or idea that excites you and is related to one or more academic areas you selected above. Why are you drawn to it?
Limit: 200 words
https://admissions.yale.edu/essay-topics
Required · Common Application and Coalition Application applicants
If you could teach any college course, write a book, or create an original piece of art of any kind, what would it be?
Limit: 200 characters — "Short Takes" section; 200-character maximum (approximately 35 words).
https://admissions.yale.edu/essay-topics
Required · Common Application and Coalition Application applicants
What is one aspect of yourself that you hope to grow or develop during college?
Limit: 200 characters — "Short Takes" section; 200-character maximum (approximately 35 words).
https://admissions.yale.edu/essay-topics
Required · Common Application and Coalition Application applicants
What is something about you that is not included anywhere else in your application?
Limit: 200 characters — "Short Takes" section; 200-character maximum (approximately 35 words).
https://admissions.yale.edu/essay-topics
Required · Common Application and Coalition Application applicants (choose one of three prompts)
Reflect on a time you discussed an issue important to you with someone holding an opposing view. Why did you find the experience meaningful?
Limit: 400 words — One 400-word essay is chosen from three options.
https://admissions.yale.edu/essay-topics
Required · Common Application and Coalition Application applicants (choose one of three prompts)
Reflect on your membership in a community to which you feel connected. Why is this community meaningful to you? You may define community however you like.
Limit: 400 words — One 400-word essay is chosen from three options.
https://admissions.yale.edu/essay-topics
Required · Common Application and Coalition Application applicants (choose one of three prompts)
Reflect on an element of your personal experience that you feel will enrich your college. How has it shaped you?
Limit: 400 words — One 400-word essay is chosen from three options.
https://admissions.yale.edu/essay-topics

Value: 8 prompts presented; one 400-word essay selected

Yale-specific short answers, short takes, and one selected 400-word essay are required for applicable first-year application platforms.

2025–2026

Application fee · Required
Value: 80
$80 application fee paid via the Common Application or Coalition Application website; the QuestBridge Application is always free.
https://admissions.yale.edu/requirements
Fee waiver · Optional
Yale does not issue its own fee waivers, but applicants may apply for free if they meet any of the eligibility criteria for their chosen application platform. U.S. military veterans and active-duty service members receive automatic application fee waivers; the QuestBridge Application is always free.
https://admissions.yale.edu/requirements
Teacher evaluations · Required
Value: 2
Letters of recommendation from two teachers who have taught you recently in core academic subjects.
https://admissions.yale.edu/requirements
Counselor recommendation · Required
A letter from the school's college counselor; if the school has no college counselor, a recommendation from a school administrator.
https://admissions.yale.edu/requirements
Personal essay · Required
Personal essay/statement submitted through the chosen application platform (Common Application, Coalition Application on SCOIR, or QuestBridge Application).
https://admissions.yale.edu/apply
Supplemental essays · Required
Yale-specific questions: academic-area selection, a 200-word academic-interest essay, three 200-character "Short Takes" (Common App/Coalition only), and one 400-word essay chosen from three prompts (Common App/Coalition only).
https://admissions.yale.edu/essay-topics
Interview · Optional
Evaluative interviews are conducted by alumni volunteers and current Yale students, by invitation only. Interviews are not required, and many successful applicants are not interviewed.
https://admissions.yale.edu/interviews
Secondary school report · Required
A School Report with an official transcript that includes all completed secondary school courses.
https://admissions.yale.edu/requirements
Midyear report · Required
High school seniors submit a Mid-Year Report with official grades from the first marking period of senior year once available (typically January or February).
https://admissions.yale.edu/requirements
English proficiency · Required
Required only for non-native English speakers graduating from a secondary school where English is not the language of instruction; submit results from an English proficiency test.
https://admissions.yale.edu/requirements
CSS Profile · Required
CSS Profile required for all first-year financial aid applicants.
https://admissions.yale.edu/affordability-details
FAFSA · Required
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) required for financial aid applicants.
https://admissions.yale.edu/affordability-details

Retrieved 2026-07-21

Official source · supports application_platforms

https://admissions.yale.edu/requirements

Retrieved 2026-07-21

Official source · supports testing_policy

https://news.yale.edu/2026/05/27/undergraduate-admissions-updates-testing-policy

Retrieved 2026-07-21

Official source · supports deadlines

https://admissions.yale.edu/application-deadlines

Retrieved 2026-07-21

Official source · supports deadlines

https://admissions.yale.edu/affordability-details

Retrieved 2026-07-21

Official source · supports requirements

https://admissions.yale.edu/requirements

Retrieved 2026-07-21

Official source · supports requirements

https://admissions.yale.edu/apply

Retrieved 2026-07-21

Official source · supports requirements

https://admissions.yale.edu/essay-topics

Retrieved 2026-07-21

Official source · supports requirements

https://admissions.yale.edu/interviews

Retrieved 2026-07-21

Official source · supports requirements

https://admissions.yale.edu/affordability-details

Retrieved 2026-07-21

Official source · supports essay_prompts

https://admissions.yale.edu/essay-topics

Retrieved 2026-07-21

Official source · supports description

https://www.yale.edu/about-yale

Retrieved 2026-07-21

Official source · supports admissions_url

https://admissions.yale.edu/

Retrieved 2026-07-21

Official source

https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?130794

Retrieved 2026-06-10