Founded in 1701, Yale University. is a Private college. Located in Connecticut, which is a city setting in Connecticut, the campus itself is Urban. The campus is home to 5,472 full time undergraduate students, and 6,986 full time graduate students.
The Yale University Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 6:1. There are 1147 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Yale University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.
Quick Facts
Acceptance Rate
6%
Application Deadline
Application Fee
80
SAT Range
1420-1600
ACT Range
32-35
Admissions at are considered Most Selective, with ,82% of all applicants being admitted.
In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 4 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.
0% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 100% were in the top quarter, and 97% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.
STUDENT LIFE Reviews
We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Yale University.
0%
“We”re apathetic”
0%
“We know about current events and vote”
0%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
0%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
0%
“We save it for the classroom”
0%
“Sometimes, but not often”
0%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
0%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
0%
“I only go out in groups”
0%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
0%
“I feel extremely safe”
0%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
0%
“We bought the gear”
0%
“We live for the big game”
0%
“It”s not really our thing”
0%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
0%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
0%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
0%
“Available in class”
0%
“They keep regular office hours”
0%
“They”re always available”
100%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
0%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
0%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
0%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
0%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
0%
“We only party on weekends”
0%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
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“Never, we”re here to learn”
0%
“There might be people who do”
0%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
0%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
0%
“We”re apathetic”
0%
“We know about current events and vote”
0%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
0%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
0%
“We save it for the classroom”
0%
“Sometimes, but not often”
0%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
0%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
0%
“I only go out in groups”
0%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
0%
“I feel extremely safe”
0%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
0%
“We bought the gear”
0%
“We live for the big game”
0%
“It”s not really our thing”
0%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
0%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
0%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
0%
“Available in class”
0%
“They keep regular office hours”
0%
“They”re always available”
100%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
0%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
0%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
0%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
0%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
0%
“We only party on weekends”
0%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
0%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
0%
“There might be people who do”
0%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
0%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
0%
“We”re apathetic”
0%
“We know about current events and vote”
0%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
0%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
0%
“We save it for the classroom”
0%
“Sometimes, but not often”
0%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
0%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
0%
“I only go out in groups”
0%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
0%
“I feel extremely safe”
0%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
0%
“We bought the gear”
0%
“We live for the big game”
0%
“It”s not really our thing”
0%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
0%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
0%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
0%
“Available in class”
0%
“They keep regular office hours”
0%
“They”re always available”
100%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
0%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
0%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
0%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
0%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
0%
“We only party on weekends”
0%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
0%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
0%
“There might be people who do”
0%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
0%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
0%
“We”re apathetic”
0%
“We know about current events and vote”
0%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
0%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
0%
“We save it for the classroom”
0%
“Sometimes, but not often”
0%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
0%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
0%
“I only go out in groups”
0%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
0%
“I feel extremely safe”
0%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
0%
“We bought the gear”
0%
“We live for the big game”
0%
“It”s not really our thing”
0%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
0%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
0%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
0%
“Available in class”
0%
“They keep regular office hours”
0%
“They”re always available”
100%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
0%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
0%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
120 Students rated on-campus housing 4.4 stars. 53 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate off-campus housing?
76 Students rated off-campus housing 3.4 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus food?
120 Students rated campus food 3.9 stars. 32 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus facilities?
122 Students rated campus facilities 4.5 stars. 65 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate class size?
122 Students rated class size 4.3 stars. 50 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate school activities?
122 Students rated school activities 4.5 stars. 67 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate local services?
122 Students rated local services 3.8 stars. 32 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate academics?
0 Students rated academics 4.4 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.
Yale University REVIEWS
What's your overall opinion of Yale University?
46 Students rated Yale University
Kelly
Prospective04/28/2025
does it count to say that when I first watched the show Gilmore girls and was first introduced to this school, I was very intrigued. Since then i've wanted to live an educational life like Rory. or in general live her life; What could be better then attending the same school she did?
Bryce
Prospective04/28/2025
"Everything in the universe has rhythm. Everything dances.”
This quote from Maya Angelou introduces the concept that rhythms are intrinsic to the human experience. From military chants to circadian rhythms, varied fields are connected by one thread: a steady pulse.
The human elements of rhythm are connected by Yale's interdisciplinary Cognitive Science program. Starting with CGSC 110 and eventually studying under professors like Dr. Quinn will foster my understanding of connections between rhythm and cognition.
When I’m not in class, I look forward to feeling the rhythm in my step when exploring the Morris Steinert Collection of Musical Instruments, or when dancing with new friends in whichever residential college I join. I could feel the groove in Davenport’s “basement labyrinth” or in Branford’s gorgeous courtyards!
Blaise
Prospective04/28/2025
Yale University stands out as an attractive backup option for me due to its exceptional academic programs, dynamic extracurricular opportunities, and vibrant campus environment. Its commitment to fostering a diverse, intellectually curious, and socially responsible community resonates deeply with my own values. Yale’s rigorous academic environment, combined with its interdisciplinary approach, would provide me with the opportunity to explore a wide range of subjects and develop my interests further. As someone passionate about healthcare, Yale’s pre-medical track and extensive research resources, particularly within the Yale School of Medicine, would allow me to pursue my goal of becoming an anesthesiologist while addressing health disparities in underserved communities.
In addition to academics, Yale’s emphasis on fostering a collaborative environment through small class sizes and close interactions with professors is particularly appealing. The strong network of mentors and peers would support my growth both academically and personally, helping me connect with individuals who share my passion for social justice and healthcare reform.
Extracurricular activities at Yale also play a significant role in making it an attractive option. I am drawn to organizations like the Yale African American Cultural Center and the Yale Health Club, where I could continue to explore my identity and advocate for the healthcare needs of marginalized communities. The opportunity to engage in community service and social activism, areas in which I have been deeply involved throughout my life, is another factor that makes Yale appealing.
However, for Yale to become my first choice, I would need to see even more opportunities for hands-on, community-based healthcare initiatives. While the academic programs are strong, I believe that the integration of more practical, grassroots healthcare experiences would provide the kind of learning that can directly impact the communities I want to serve. Additionally, expanding initiatives that focus on health equity within the broader context of public health would strengthen Yale’s appeal to me, aligning with my long-term goals of addressing the healthcare system's inequalities.
If these elements were further emphasized, Yale would not only be an academic backup option but would truly become the ideal place for me to grow and achieve my dreams of making meaningful change in the healthcare field.
Rayhan
Prospective04/27/2025
Yale’s passion for developing ideas into tangible solutions is why I want to build my future here. During my junior year, I pursued biomechanics research with USC. Curious to find devices that could aid my research, I learned about the Vault Dot Drill sensor that captured 21,000 data samples in minutes. I learned it was manufactured by Yale undergraduates through the Project to Products initiative at the CEID, which deepened my admiration for Yale’s innovative mindset.
At CEID, I hope to develop my own product and explore the possibility of a startup with LAUNCH, integrating creativity with impact. Courses like ENAS 217a (Disruptive Technologies and Responsible Innovation) will allow me to analyze societal implications of my work while designing solutions for urban environments.
Sophia
Prospective04/21/2025
Yale is an attractive backup option for me because they are known for being an amazing college and they have so many programs. For example, they offer a wide range of undergraduate programs. They have 47 majors across 17 broad fields. The majors they have span the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering, they also have options like African American studies, Computer science, Economics and many more. Yale has over 500 registered clubs that cover art, athletics, academics and many more interests. Yales campus offers several aspects that appeal to female students. Such as, their commitment to diversity and inclusion. They have a diverse student body that support women in STEM fields creating a comforting atmosphere. Their wide selection of clubs, and academic programs provide opportunities of person growth and connection. What would need to be changed for it to become my first choice is the price to stay on campus. If I could afford this school It would be my first choice.
Dustin
Prospective04/18/2025
“STEM are noble pursuits. Humanities are what we live for.”
These words from Dead Poets Society linger as I perform my research, applying linguistics and computer science to solve chemistry problems. From these experiences, I learned that life thrives when STEM and humanities meet, a concept I can fully explore at Yale. During the day, lines of code splash my screen as I research soft-body robotic exosuits to aid those like my grandfather at Yale’s Biomechanics and Control Lab while living my Formula-1 childhood dream by building FSAE cars alongside fellow F1-enthusiasts at Yale Bulldogs Racing. At night, musical trebles orbit me as I rehearse for the upcoming ensemble at Yale’s Guitar Chamber Music with my father’s hand-me-down guitar. Beautiful worlds form as I hunch over poetry in my cave (Pierson Buttery). These seemingly different passions don’t compete—they complement, each one deepening the meaning of the other. As Mr. Keating in Dead Poets Society urges, “Carpe diem—Make your lives extraordinary.” Yale is my foundation for the extraordinary.
Yale's emphasis on "and, not or" is deeply resonant with my personal and academic journey. It encapsulates my belief that innovation, creativity, and meaningful change arise from the intersections of diverse disciplines and experiences. At Yale, I don’t have to be one version of myself. I can be all of them—scientist, engineer, musician, poet. And that’s exactly why I want to be there.
Angeline
Prospective04/16/2025
For me, Yale has been always an epitome of excellence and leadership. Since I was a little girl, I have watched famous Yale alumni like Clarence Thomas, George W. Bush, and Hillary Clinton gave public speeches and they simply inspired me to become a better individual. I want to make an impact to my community. I want to work on service projects, particularly supporting public health. And, I am confident Yale is the the academia for this quest I have envisioned since Kindergarten.
Josephine
Prospective04/14/2025
Yale University is an amazing school because it offers a unique blend of academic rigor, interdisciplinary exploration, and a strong sense of community that’s deeply appealing. I am attracted to Yale because of:
1. Residential College System: Yale’s residential college system is like having a small family within a large university, creating an intimate and inclusive environment that fosters lifelong friendships and mentorships.
2. Interdisciplinary Opportunities: Yale encourages intellectual curiosity and cross-disciplinary study. Whether I am interested in combining science and the humanities, or diving into global affairs with a scientific lens, Yale supports flexible academic paths through double majors, joint programs, and accessible faculty advisors.
3. Research and Mentorship: I am given the opportunity to work closely with world-renowned professors and researchers, often as early as their first year.
4. Yale’s Culture of Service and Leadership: There's a strong tradition of public service and civic engagement at Yale. I am drawn to the Dwight Hall Center for Public Service and Social Justice, and support for student-run initiatives, demonstrating that the culture that encourages students to use their talents to make meaningful change.
6. Global Perspective: The Yale’s Jackson School of Global Affairs and generous support for study abroad, Yale fosters a global mindset. Its international student body and alumni network also provide a broader cultural exchange that enriches the academic experience.
Gabrielle
Prospective04/07/2025
What makes me want to attend Yale University is its outstanding law program and the amazing opportunities it offers for future lawyers. Learning from top faculty who are leaders in the legal field is incredibly inspiring. Yale's focus on critical thinking and interdisciplinary studies fits perfectly with my passion for understanding complex legal issues.
I'm also attracted to the vibrant campus culture. The residential college system fosters a close-knit community where I can engage in meaningful discussions and collaborate with peers who share my ambition to make a difference in the legal field.
Additionally, Yale's commitment to social justice resonates with me. I admire how the university encourages students to use their legal education for advocacy and support of marginalized communities. Overall, attending Yale would provide me with the knowledge and connection I need for a successful career in law, and I'm excited about the possibility of joining such a dynamic community.
Ian
Prospective04/05/2025
My interest in Yale starts with a microscopic discovery. Edward Tatum and Josh Lederberg’s discovery of bacterial recombination to be exact. The Yale professor and his graduate student uncovered this groundbreaking technique, revolutionizing biochemical genetics by researching how bacteria exchange genetic material. When you look up the foundations of molecular biology, Lederberg’s and Tatum’s work should appear: a discovery that not only led to a Nobel Prize in 1958, but became one of the cornerstones of the field. Genetics and molecular biology are rapidly evolving fields today. But Lederberg and Tatum were advancing genetic techniques over 70 years ago. They shaped the future of science, and I want to follow in their footsteps by studying molecular biology at Yale.
Jenny
04/03/2025
I think Yale University is a very intellectually stimulating environment to be able to continue my education in. As with many, if not, all, college and university campuses, diversity of backgrounds is what enables both students and faculty to learn how to approach a vast range of problems and challenges and develop unique and effective solutions. On the other hand, this diversity also enables better understanding between people, and promotes collaboration of ideas and people. While Yale may be a prestigious institution, full of opportunities, it is by no means perfect. However, to be able to see students express the need for change and protest the actions of faculty and other leaders in the institution is very inspiring. I am reminded that change occurs daily, and advocating for change can start anywhere, especially on a college campus.
jessica
06/16/2024
Beautiful, but no AC so that sucks a lot, especially in the hotter months. The people at Yale are of an unparalleled quality and the campus culture is very lively. I am very lucky to have had my experience there and I am incredibly grateful for that opportunity.
Mohammed Usmaan
08/11/2023
Life-changing experience. Everyone here is super passionate about something, and the conversations we have are just so interesting. I love the community; there is something for just about anyone. New Haven is kinda a crappy city though. There are small shops here and there that are jewels, however.
Lyle
03/27/2023
Generally, a tightly knit community. I found the teaching to be excellent in foreign languages, psychology, and other humanities subjects.
The math courses were very well taught. The teaching in computer science and engineering could have been better, but Yale has made huge additional investments in STEM areas in recent years.
The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Yale University is 6%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020, _____ students were offered admission.
What should every freshman at your school know before they start?
I think that the class sizes here are pretty good. I was surprised, though, because I expected them to be smaller than my classes in high school, but they aren't. I think that there is a wide range, as there would be at any school, of how often students study. I know some people that don't do any work, while others never go out. The nice thing about Yale is that I have not run into anyone who is really competitive. Everyone shares notes and helps each other out whenever possible. I think that Yale's academic requirements are becoming a little too strict. I definitely think that a Yale education is more about learning for the sake of learning. However, the skills that you pick up along the way are extremely useful for any type of work you will encounter after graduation.
Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!
I've never seen a place that boasts so many of the world's geniuses in realms ranging from the sciences to the arts. Going to class, you'll walk amongst published poets, renowned mathematicians, and acclaimed singers. Not to mention, they've have created foundations, charities, and community service programs that give back to the WORLD. The talents here are overwhelming, yet you'd never know. Everyone here is so humble. It only inspires you to contribute. Although talents are everywhere, they'll never be to the concentration that it is at Yale, especially with the amount of humility.
Yale has no real campus but there is a Yale bubble within New Haven so if you only like the idea of a gated community, the campus is not for you. There is a lot of school pride against Harvard and among the sports people, but other than that there is more residential college pride that is merely light hearted fun. This is not a school full of spirit like the other very large athletic schools. There are no real advisors during the first year which makes the experience difficult, especially as a freshman faces his or her first "shopping period." Although all of the food is sustainable and Yale tries to offer vegetarian options at every meal, the students certainly do get tired of the food and the only option is to go to one of New Haven's many fine restaurants that cost an arm and a leg. The school is a university focused school so if you do not plan to go into a profession in which research is important, Yale may not be the place for you.
To the undergraduate, the best thing from Yale, aside from academics, is the residential college system. Randomly chosen, the colleges represent a macrocosm of society and from early on create a firm support system for students. From Master's Teas to study breaks, the residential colleges provide a way to network with others, both in and out of the university, and becomes an important part of a Yalie's identity throughout his or her life.
Curious people. Yale is a great place to explore academically, socially, extra-curricularly. It's a playground for your passions, whatever they are. So, if you're highly-focused on a professional career, or one particular talent, Yale will be a waste of your time and theirs. The people who get the most out of this school are active, engaged minds that crave challenge and variation. We're intellectual explorers not book-worms. If that's you, you'll do well here.
What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?
The worst thing about Yale is its location- in New Haven, Connecticut. Connecticut is a beautiful state, as is the city of New Haven, but if anything were wrong with this school it would easily be the location. For most classes students must cross busy city streets, and the city is in a constant state of movement. While this is favored by some, most students would prefer a more secluded and quiet environment. New Haven is a wonderful place, but with the potential dangers of a city it is certainly not the ideal location for a college population.
What's the most frustrating thing about your school?
The school atmosphere is vibrant and stimulating, yes; but it can also cross the line into frenetic and overwhelming. Since everyone's involved in so many activities on top of a full course load, sleep has a tendency to go by the wayside. And you get the sense that you're not delving deep enough into any one thing to really appreciate its full value. Yale students need to learn how to slow down, create time for reflection, and invest in learning experiences outside the classroom, club, or athletic field--real life experiences.
What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?
What I brag about the most is the school spirit and the cohesive group of students and professors at my school. I have had an amazing educational experience with my professors because they're always enthusiastic about their teachings. They come to class ready to excite us with the information they'll provide for the day. And the professors are always willing to help during their office hours. In addition, the students are friendly and enthusiastic about their studies and involved in campus activities where they are able to show their school spirit.
What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?
Like most Ivy League schools, the stereotype of a Yale student is probably a wealthy snooty preppy brat more than anything.That's the stereotype I had before I visited. In reality, you see almost none of that in reality at Yale. Yale students, faculty and staff (especially in the Divinity School) are actually incredibly friendly, helpful and accessible. I was shocked to see how middle class the average student is too.
All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA.
Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.
58% of students attending Yale University receive some sort of financial aid.
17% were awarded federal grants.10%received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.