Harvard vs. Yale – Which is better?

In a Harvard vs. Yale match up, who do you think comes out on top?

If you dream of an Ivy League education, it may be difficult to decide which university is best for you. The Ivy League consists of eight schools that are steeped in academic excellence, social elitism, and prestige. In order to help you decide, discussed below are some differences between Harvard and Yale University.

Harvard University vs. Yale University Rankings

If you look at the Harvard University vs. Yale University from a rankings perspective, then Harvard comes out ahead:

• Harvard University (Boston, MA) – Ranked #1
• Yale University (New Haven, CT) – Ranked #3

Harvard University typically ranks higher in the college ranking publications each year. This year, US News & World Report ranked the schools as listed above. To give you an idea of why the schools were ranked the way they were, US News looks at items like retention, financial resources, and graduation rate performance to determine this list.

Harvard University

Harvard vs. Yale – Looking Beyond the Rankings

Residential Colleges

Both Harvard and Yale have a similar internal system of residential colleges that is based on the way English Universities operate. Since residential colleges are separate societies within the university, students get a small college feel in a large university environment.

Yale University

The main difference is that Yale University institutes their system from the start prior to first year. This instills a sense of community right from the start. Students will typically live with those in their college for the entire four years. They will interact often because each college has its own library, gym, and dining hall. At Harvard, freshmen are not assigned to a house until spring of their first year.

Acceptance Rate

There is also a difference between the acceptance rates of the two schools. When comparing the recent class of 2014, Yale only accepted 1,940 out of over 25,000 applicants. This only constitutes a 7.5 percent acceptance rate. Harvard, on the other hand, has an even lower acceptance rate, accepting only 6.9 percent for their 2014 class.

Early Admissions

Yale continues to carry on their early admissions program. However, Harvard has cancelled theirs due to their belief that it was a disadvantage to low income and minority applicants. Although, Harvard’s preference to enroll children of alumni is consistently under scrutiny.

Harvard vs. Yale – The Final Tally

It is difficult to say which of the prestigious universities, Harvard or Yale, is the best. Academically, they are the best in the nation. You may find that you value other characteristics more. It is important to look at the colleges from your own perspective and based on those things you see as important, such as tuition costs, program offerings, location, and financial aid options. This will help you ensure which college is best for you.