Is Yale More Expensive Than Harvard? 2025 Tuition & Cost Comparison
Yale University is a dream destination for many Indian students looking to study in the USA. Understanding the fee structure for 2025, including tuition, living costs, and opportunities for scholarships or financial aid, is crucial for planning your study abroad journey. With updated figures and direct comparisons in INR, this guide provides all the info you need to make an informed decision for Yale admissions in 2025.
Yale University Fees for International Students in 2025 (USD & INR)
| Program / Fee Type | Annual Tuition & Fees (USD) | Annual Tuition & Fees (INR)* |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (Yale College) | $69,900 | ₹57,30,000 |
| Housing & Food | $20,650 | ₹16,90,000 |
| Yale Health Insurance (mandatory unless waived) | $3,422 | ₹2,80,000 |
| Total Cost of Attendance (UG, Estimated) | $93,972 | ₹76,98,000 |
| Graduate School of Arts & Sciences (Full-time) | $50,900 | ₹41,70,000 |
| MBA (School of Management) | $87,800 | ₹72,00,000 |
*Approximate INR values (₹1 = $0.0122). Actual costs vary by yearly forex rates. See the section below for detailed graduate/professional program fees. Figures reflect only direct educational and standard living expenses, not indirect costs like books or travel.
Detailed Yale Tuition & Living Expenses by Program (2025)
| School / Degree | 2025–2026 Tuition (USD) |
|---|---|
| School of Architecture (Full Time) | $64,400 |
| School of Art (Full Time) | $48,500 |
| Divinity School (Full Time) | $30,576 |
| Drama School (Full Time) | $39,500 |
| School of the Environment (Full Time) | $53,550 |
| Graduate School of Arts & Sciences (Full Time) | $50,900 |
| Jackson School of Global Affairs (Full Time) | $62,900 |
| Law School (JD/LLM/MSL) | $76,636 |
| School of Management (MBA) | $87,800 |
| School of Medicine (Full Time) | $74,460 |
| School of Music (Full Time) | $40,685 |
| School of Nursing (MSN 1st Year, Full Time) | $51,748 |
| School of Public Health (MPH – 2 years, per year) | $55,890 |
Yale’s cost structure includes program/departmental fees, living costs, and insurance. Most master’s programs are two years, some professional degrees (e.g., MFA, MBA) last 1–2 years. Check Yale’s official sites for precise durations.
Yale Cost of Attendance: What’s Included?
- Tuition and mandatory fees (per program, per year)
- Room and board (on-campus housing, food plans)
- Yale Health Insurance (can be waived if you have comparable coverage)
- Personal expenses (books, materials, travel, and more – approx. $3,500–$5,000/year)
Indirect costs may add about $5,000–$7,000 (₹4–6 lakhs) to your annual budget. These are required for the student visa and F-1 financial proof as well.
Eligibility, Entrance Exams & Admissions Criteria (Indian Students)
| Degree | Eligibility | Accepted Exams |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (UG) | Class 12 (CBSE/ICSE/State Board), high GPA, strong academics & extracurriculars | SAT/ACT (optional for 2025), IELTS/TOEFL/Duolingo English Test |
| Postgraduate (PG) | Bachelor’s degree (min. 4 years preferred), high GPA, LORs, SOP, resume | GRE/GMAT (depending on program), IELTS/TOEFL (min. 7.0 / 100+ recommended) |
- IELTS/TOEFL/DET is mandatory for all Indian applicants, unless you did your entire education in English
- Yale has test-optional admissions for most UG applicants in 2025, but strong scores help
A compelling Statement of Purpose (SOP) and Letters of Recommendation (LOR) strongly impact your Yale application outcomes.
Scholarships, Financial Aid & Fee Waivers for Indian Students (2025)
- Need-based Yale scholarships: Open to all admitted students, up to full tuition/COA
- Merit-based external scholarships: Tata, INLAKS, JN Tata Endowment, Narotam Sekhsaria
- Yale application fee waivers: Available for low-income families (apply when submitting application)
- Pell Grant equivalents for US-citizens, but some extend to permanent residents/eligible non-citizens
- Loan & assistantship options for select PG programs
| Type | Typical Amount (USD) | Eligibility/Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Yale Need-Based International Aid | Up to full cost ($94,000+) | Demonstrated family income & assets; application required annually |
| MBA Scholarships (e.g. Silver Scholars, Forté, Reaching Out) | $5,000–$30,000/year | Program/merit-based, essay/interview |
| External Indian Scholarships | ₹1 Lakh–₹30 Lakhs | Indian nationals, mostly need or merit-based |
For further options, visit our study abroad scholarships resource page. Always check specific deadlines and additional eligibility criteria for 2025.
Yale Student Visa, Proof of Funds & Part-Time Work (2025)
- F-1 Visa applicants must show funds covering 1 full year’s cost of attendance
- Proof accepted: Bank statements, loan sanction letters, scholarship award letters
- On-campus part-time work: Up to 20 hours/week allowed during term; full-time in breaks
- Post-study OPT: Up to 12–36 months, STEM programs eligible for extension
- Health insurance is mandatory as part of visa conditions
For latest guidance, see our US student visa tips or USA university list for more application support.
Jobs, ROI & Salary Prospects after Yale
- Median starting salary for Yale graduates: $80,000–$160,000 (varies by field)
- Top employers: Google, McKinsey, Goldman Sachs, Microsoft, UN
- 95%+ placement rate for MBAs within 3 months
- Strong global alumni network, powerful for internships & jobs in the USA & worldwide
A Yale degree unlocks premium global careers in finance, consulting, tech, law, arts and more. For high-paying job trends after graduation, see highest paying jobs after graduation.
Quick Comparison: Yale University vs. Harvard University (2025 Fees)
| Parameter | Yale University (USD) | Harvard University (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| UG Tuition 2025–26 | $69,900 | $82,866 |
| MBA Tuition 2025–26 | $87,800 | $73,440 |
| Living Expenses (Est.) | $20,650 | $23,200 |
Both Yale and Harvard are prestigious but have different costs by program. For full details on Harvard, see our Harvard University Fees guide.
Choosing Yale University is a major investment with high ROI, especially for Indian students seeking global exposure, top-tier teaching, and world-class research opportunities. Always start scholarship, loan, and visa planning early to maximize your funding and make your US dream a reality in 2025.
FAQs on Yale University Tuition and Fees: What to Expect for 2025-26
1. How much does Yale cost for 4 years?
The total cost of attending Yale University for 4 years (2024-2025) as an undergraduate is approximately $340,000–$360,000 (USD), which includes tuition, fees, room and board, books, personal expenses, and travel. Costs may vary each year due to annual tuition increases and personal expenses.
2. Is Yale very expensive?
Yes, Yale University is considered very expensive among U.S. universities, with tuition and total yearly costs among the highest in the country. However, Yale also offers substantial financial aid so that many students pay significantly less than the published price.
3. Is Yale affordable for everyone?
While Yale's sticker price is high, the university’s need-based financial aid program makes it affordable for many families. Yale meets 100% of demonstrated financial need, and most students from families earning less than $75,000 per year pay nothing for tuition, room, or board.
4. What's more expensive, Harvard or Yale?
The costs of attending Harvard and Yale are very similar. For 2024-25, both universities list tuition and fees close to $65,000 per year. Small differences may exist in room, board, and fees, but overall, neither is significantly more expensive.
5. What are Yale University fees per year for undergraduate students?
For the 2024-2025 academic year, Yale undergraduate tuition is $64,700, with room and board at $19,180 and other fees totaling approximately $3,900. The estimated total annual cost is about $87,780.
6. What is Yale University tuition for international students?
International students at Yale pay the same tuition and fees as U.S. students — $64,700 for tuition (2024–25), with the total annual cost including room, board, and fees estimated at approximately $87,780. Financial aid is available to international students on a need basis.
7. How much is Yale University tuition per semester?
Yale’s tuition is billed per term. For 2024–25, undergraduate tuition per semester is about $32,350, with half of the room and board also billed each term.
8. What is the cost of a Master's degree at Yale University?
Master's degree tuition at Yale varies by program. Most graduate programs charge tuition between $47,000 and $50,500 per year (2024–25), not including living expenses. Specialized programs like law or business may have higher fees.
9. What are Yale University MBA fees?
For 2024-2025, the Yale School of Management MBA tuition is $82,400 per year. The total cost of attendance, including fees, books, and living expenses, is estimated at approximately $110,000 per academic year.
10. What are Yale University fees for Indian students in Indian rupees?
For the 2024–25 year, Yale’s total undergraduate cost for Indian students is about ₹73 lakh per year (calculated using 1 USD ≈ ₹83). This includes tuition, room, board, fees, and estimated expenses. Exchange rates may vary. Yale offers financial aid to international and Indian students based on demonstrated need.
11. How does Yale's fee waiver policy work?
Yale offers application fee waivers to students with financial need. Applicants can request a waiver through the Common Application, Coalition Application, or by contacting the Yale Admissions Office. Yale commits to making application accessible regardless of a student's financial situation.
12. What is included in Yale University's cost of attendance?
The Yale cost of attendance comprises tuition, mandatory fees, room, board, personal expenses, books, and estimated travel costs. These factors help calculate financial aid offers and give students a clear picture of annual expenses.
