Harvard University vs Yale University: which has better ROI?
Harvard University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $76,264 in 1.4 years versus 1.8 years at Yale University, on median earnings of $101,817 vs $100,533 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Harvard University | Yale University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $19,066 | $23,777 |
| Total net cost | $76,264 | $95,108 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $101,817 | $100,533 |
| Median debt | $14,000 | $12,975 |
| Payback | 1.4 yrs | 1.8 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $992,876 | $948,352 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Harvard University or Yale University?
Harvard University, at $19,066 a year after aid versus $23,777 — a gap of $4,711 a year, or $18,844 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Harvard University or Yale University graduates earn more?
Harvard University graduates report a median $101,817 ten years after entry, $1,284 more than the $100,533 at Yale University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Harvard University or Yale University?
Yale University: its completers carry a median $12,975 in federal loans versus $14,000 at Harvard University, a difference of $1,025. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
98% of students finish at Harvard University, against 96% at Yale University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.