Can you get into Yale University?

New Haven, CT · Private · 6,758 students Here is the class that got in, and where your numbers land inside it.

Add your GPA, or a test score, and the read appears here. Nothing you type leaves this page.

The admitted class · 2024

What it took to get in

Acceptance rate

3.9%

SAT middle 50%

1470–1570

median 1530

ACT middle 50%

33–35

median 34

Top 10% of class

96%

of admitted students

Testing

Optional

59% submitted an SAT

Graduation rate

96%

within six years

Common App

Accepted

Reported by the college

What Yale University actually reads

Colleges publish which parts of an application they weigh. It is the most useful thing they say about admissions and almost nobody reads it, because knowing that an essay is very important here and class rank is not considered changes where the work should go.

  • Very important

    The parts of an application this school weighs most heavily.

    • Grades
    • Course rigor
    • Class rank
    • Essay
    • Recommendations
    • Extracurriculars
    • Talent or ability
    • Character and personal qualities
  • Considered

    Looked at, but not decisive on its own.

    • Test scores
    • Interview
    • First-generation status
    • Legacy
    • State residency
    • Where you live
    • Volunteer work
    • Work experience
  • Not considered

    Reported as playing no part in the decision.

    • Demonstrated interest
    • Religious affiliation

From Yale University’s Common Data Set, 2024, section C7, where colleges report how heavily they weigh each part of an application.

Deadlines · 2026 cycle

When to apply

  • Restrictive Early ActionNovember 1, 2026
  • Regular DecisionJanuary 2, 2027

Yale University fills part of its class in the early round, where admit rates typically run higher. Early Decision is binding, so it only fits a clear first choice.

Real cost · 2024 data

What families actually pay

The sticker price is $88,300, but almost nobody pays it. Average net price at Yale University by family income, after grants and scholarships:

  • Under $30k$17,633
  • $30k–$48k$15,626
  • $48k–$75k$17,943
  • $75k–$110k$12,558
  • Over $110k$45,951

U.S. Department of Education data: average net price per year for aided first-time students. Your number depends on your family’s finances.

Common questions

Yale University admissions, answered

What is Yale University's acceptance rate?

Yale University admits 3.9% of applicants (latest reported cycle: 2024).

What SAT score do you need for Yale University?

The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1470 and 1570. A score above 1570 clears the 75th percentile; below 1470, the rest of the application has to carry more weight, or you can apply test-optional.

Is Yale University test-optional?

Yes, Yale University is currently test-optional. Submit a score if it falls inside or above the admitted middle 50%.

What does Yale University look for in an application?

Yale University reports that it weighs grades, course rigor, class rank, essay, recommendations most heavily, in its Common Data Set. Anything it lists as not considered is worth knowing too, because effort spent there does not count here.

How much does Yale University actually cost?

Sticker price is $88,300, but the average family pays $23,777 after aid. Families earning under $30k pay about $17,633 per year on average.

What Spike does with this

Use the Yale University read in your plan.

Spike helps connect your numbers with courses, testing, essays, activities, and the rest of your college list.