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Yale University acceptance rate, GPA needed and real cost

Yale University accepts 4% of applicants. It is a private university in New Haven, Connecticut, with about 6,758 undergraduates. The sticker price is $90,550 a year, but after aid the average family pays $11,340.

4%Acceptance rate
1470–1570Middle 50% SAT
33–35Middle 50% ACT
$11,340Average cost after aid / year
96%Graduation rate
$83,715Typical early-career earnings

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

What GPA do you need for Yale University?

Even with a 4.0 unweighted GPA, Admitly estimates a typical applicant has about a 3% chance, so a top GPA is expected and the rest of the application decides most outcomes.

The U.S. Department of Education does not collect high school GPAs, so Admitly does not publish an "average GPA" figure. Colleges that report one do so in their own Common Data Set.

Chances of getting into Yale University by GPA

Assumes an SAT of 1530, the middle score for admitted students (tests are optional here). A higher or lower score moves these numbers. GPA is unweighted, on a 4.0 scale.

GPAEstimated chance
3.01% Reach
3.31% Reach
3.51% Reach
3.71% Reach
3.92% Reach
4.03% Reach

Likely = 80% or higher, Target = 30–80%, Reach = under 30%. Course rigour, class rank, activities and AP scores all change the estimate.

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What families actually pay at Yale University

Yearly cost after need-based grants, by household income. Sticker price is $90,550 a year including room and board.

Family incomeCost per year
Under $50k$4,500
$50k – $100k$4,500
$100k – $150k$7,800
$150k – $250k$51,600
Over $250k$56,300

Outcomes

96%Finish their degree
99%Return for second year
$83,715Median earnings, early career

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

Common questions about Yale University

What is the acceptance rate at Yale University?

Yale University admits 4% of applicants, according to the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

What GPA do you need to get into Yale University?

Even with a 4.0 unweighted GPA, Admitly estimates a typical applicant has about a 3% chance, so a top GPA is expected and the rest of the application decides most outcomes. This is an estimate from Admitly's admission model, not an official cutoff: course rigour, test scores, activities and essays all matter.

What SAT or ACT score do you need for Yale University?

The middle 50% of admitted students scored 1470–1570 on the SAT and 33–35 on the ACT. Submitting scores is optional.

How much does Yale University cost after financial aid?

The sticker price is $90,550 a year including room and board, but the average family pays $11,340 after grants. Families earning under $50k pay about $4,500.

What is the graduation rate at Yale University?

96% of students finish their degree, and 99% return for a second year.

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