Yale SOM MBA: Acceptance Rate, Deadlines, Cost, Requirements, & Program Overview
Applying to the Yale SOM? Read this guide for the most practical strategies and tips curated by the best MBA admissions coaches in the world and Yale alumni to get you that much closer to your dream school.
Posted March 20, 2025
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Yale School of Management MBA Program Overview (2025)
Founded in 1976, the Yale School of Management (Yale SOM) is a prestigious business school located in New Haven, Connecticut, and is part of Yale University. The Yale SOM MBA program emphasizes leadership development, management skills, and a global perspective. Yale SOM is known for its integrated core curriculum, collaborative community, and commitment to educating leaders who contribute to society. Yale SOM MBA students gain access to Yale’s extensive global network and benefit from personalized career support, small class sizes, and opportunities to engage with advanced management member schools globally.
Yale MBA Acceptance Rate
The Yale School of Management (SOM) acceptance rate varies by class year. For the MBA Class of 2025, the acceptance rate was 33%, the highest in the school’s history. For the MBA Class of 2026, the acceptance rate decreased to 27.3%. This indicates that Yale SOM maintains a highly selective admissions process, seeking applicants who demonstrate strong leadership potential, global awareness, and alignment with the school’s mission. The application process involves several steps and considerations, including preparing for the GMAT or GRE, crafting a compelling personal statement, and gathering strong letters of recommendation.
| Class Stats | Class of 2025 | Class of 2024 | Class of 2023 | Class of 2022 | Class of 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applicants | 3076 | 3237 | 3877 | 3453 | 3194 |
| Admits | 1013 | 894 | 914 | 1027 | 806 |
| Enrolled | 339 | 347 | 349 | 350 | 345 |
| Acceptance rate | 33% | 28% | 24% | 30% | 25% |
| FT Student Enrollment | 717 | 738 | 699 | 695 | 702 |
| Average GMAT | 723 | 723 | 726 | 720 | 721 |
| Median GMAT | 720 | 725 | 730 | 720 | 720 |
| GMAT Range | 580-780 | 630-780 | 640-780 | 640-780 | 640-780 |
| GRE Average | 329 | 329 | 330 | 328 | 329 |
| Average GRE-Verbal | 164 | 164 | 165 | 164 | 165 |
| Median GRE-Verbal | 164 | 164 | 166 | 164 | 165 |
| GRE Verbal Range | 153-170 | 152-170 | 157-170 | 152-170 | 158-170 |
| Average GRE-Quant | 165 | 165 | 165 | 164 | 164 |
| Median GRE-Quant | 166 | 166 | 165 | 164 | 165 |
| GRE Quant Range | 152-170 | 154-170 | 155-170 | 153-170 | 155-170 |
| Percentage of students enrolled with GRE scores | 37% | 39% | 36% | 35% | 24% |
| Average GPA | 3.63 | 3.65 | 3.66 | 3.63 | 3.64 |
| Median GPA | 3.69 | 3.69 | 3.69 | 3.65 | 3.66 |
| GPA Range | 2.94-4.0 | 2.88-4.0 | 3.03-4.0 | 2.91-4.0 | 3.08-4.0 |
Yale SOM Class Profile
The Yale SOM MBA class profile reflects a diverse incoming class. Here is the profile for the Class of 2026:
- Class Size: 347 MBA students
- Median GMAT: 730
- GMAT Range (middle 80%): 700–760
- Median GRE Scores: 164 (Verbal), 166 (Quant)
- Median GPA: 3.68
- Average Work Experience: 4.9 years
- International Students: 48% (includes U.S. Permanent Residents and Dual Citizens)
- Women: 39%
- LGBTQ+: 12%
- First-generation College Graduates: 20%
- Joint-degree Students: 8%
U.S. Race/Ethnicity Breakdown:
- Students of Color: 56% (U.S. Students)
- Underrepresented Students of Color: 16% (U.S. Students)
| Federal Guidelines Reporting | Percentage |
|---|---|
| American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, Other Pacific Islander | <1% |
| Asian American | 38% |
| Black/African American | 5% |
| Hispanic/Latinx | 10% |
| White | 40% |
| Multi-Race | 3% |
| Did Not Report | 4% |
Pre-SOM Industry Backgrounds:
- Consulting
- Financial Services
- Nonprofit
- Technology
- Government
- Healthcare/Pharma
View the Full Yale SOM Class Profile
Yale SOM Tuition & Fees (2025–2026)
The cost of attending the Yale SOM MBA program covers tuition, program fees, and living expenses. Below is a detailed breakdown for one academic year for a single student, assuming a modest lifestyle and shared housing:
Tuition & Fees
- Tuition: $87,800
- Program Fee: $500
- Total Tuition and Fees: $88,300
Living Expenses and Additional Costs
- Housing, Food, and Utilities: $21,946
- Miscellaneous Personal Expenses: $4,972
- Transportation: $3,856
- Books and Course Materials: $1,440
- Health Insurance (Yale Health Plan): $3,422
Total Estimated Annual Cost: $123,936
Note: Yale University requires all students to have hospitalization insurance. Students with alternate hospitalization coverage may waive Yale Health Insurance.
Explore the Yale SOM Cost Information
Additional Information
- Yale SOM allows a one-time increase (up to $1,000) for the purchase of a computer, available only to domestic MBA students. An invoice or quote must be submitted to receive these funds.
- Costs listed assume a modest lifestyle and shared housing.
Payment Schedule & Options
| Term | Billing Date | Payment Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Term | Fees posted on July 1 | Due by August 1 |
| Spring Term | The first week of November | Due by December 1 |
Yale offers a five-month payment plan to assist students in managing tuition payments. More details are available on the Yale Student Accounts website.
Health Insurance Requirement
All students are automatically enrolled in the Yale Health Insurance Plan, but students who have comparable hospitalization insurance may waive Yale coverage.
Scholarships & Financial Aid at Yale SOM
Yale SOM provides significant financial aid to help students fund their MBA. Here are some key points regarding financial aid:
- 62% of MBA students receive scholarships from Yale SOM.
- 36 students in the MBA program receive full-tuition scholarships annually.
- Financial aid includes merit-based scholarships, need-based awards, and external funding sources.
- Both domestic and international students are eligible for Yale SOM scholarships.
Additional Funding Opportunities
Yale SOM students are encouraged to apply for external scholarships from a variety of organizations, including industry associations, nonprofits, foundations, fraternal groups, ethnic associations, and veteran support programs. Examples include:
- Forté Fellows: For women MBA students.
- Yale-Reaching OUT LGBT MBA Fellowship: For leaders in the LGBTQ+ community.
- Yale Africa Impact Scholarships: Merit-based scholarships for African students demonstrating leadership potential.
- Yale School of Management/FUNED Scholarship: For Mexican nationals.
- Bank of America Merrill Lynch MBA Diversity Fellowship: $40,000 toward tuition plus a summer internship for diverse MBA students.
- Fulbright Scholarships: For international educational exchange.
In total, 62% of Yale SOM MBA students receive scholarships, and 36 students in recent cohorts have received full-tuition awards.
For a full list of scholarships and external funding sources, visit Yale SOM's Funding Resources.
Yale SOM Employment Report
Yale SOM MBA graduates secure impactful roles across diverse industries. The Yale SOM Employment Report for the Class of 2024 highlights these strong outcomes:
Overall Employment Outcomes
- Received Job Offer (within 3 months post-graduation): 84.8%
- Median Base Salary: $160,000
- Median Signing Bonus: $30,000
- Median Guaranteed Year-End Bonus: $24,000
Salary Breakdown by Industry
Here are median base salaries and signing bonuses across the top industries employing Yale MBA graduates:
| Industry | Median Base Salary | Median Signing Bonus |
|---|---|---|
| Consulting Services | $190,000 | $30,000 |
| Investment Banking | $175,000 | $50,000 |
| Technology | $146,600 | $30,000 |
| Healthcare/Pharmaceuticals | $140,000 | Not disclosed |
| Investment Management | $150,000 | - |
| Consumer Packaged Goods | $123,500 | $20,000 |
| Finance (Overall) | $171,000 | $50,000 |
| Retail/E-commerce | $142,900 | $73,700 |
| Nonprofit | $105,000 | Not Disclosed |
| Government | $100,000 | Not Disclosed |
| Energy | $130,000 | $10,000 |
Note: (* indicates insufficient data to maintain privacy.)
Employment Rates
- 84.8% received a job offer within 3 months of graduation.
- 81.2% of students accepted offers within three months post-graduation.
View the full Yale SOM Employment Report 2024
Salary Overview
- Median Base Salary: $160,000
- Salary Range (25th to 75th Percentile): $130,000 – $185,000
- Median Signing Bonus: $30,000
- Median Year-End Bonus: $24,000
Employment by Function
Yale SOM graduates accepted roles across various job functions:
| Job Function | Percentage of Hires | Median Salary | Median Signing Bonus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consulting (External) | 31.7% | $190,000 | $30,000 |
| Consulting (Internal) | 13.7% | $130,000 | $30,000 |
| Finance/Accounting | 28.2% | $162,500 | $50,000 |
| General Management | 11.0% | $140,000 | $25,000 |
| Marketing/Sales | 8.8% | $136,250 | $20,000 |
| Technology | 9.6% | $146,600 | $30,000 |
| Healthcare/Pharmaceuticals | 6.1% | $140,000 | Not Disclosed |
| Consumer Packaged Goods | 4.8% | $123,500 | $20,000 |
Note: Percentages do not total 100%, as students may be represented in multiple categories.
Employment by Geographic Region
U.S. Regions
| Region | Percent of Hires | Median Base Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast | 48.0% | $175,000 |
| West | 22.7% | $156,625 |
| Mid-Atlantic | 12.1% | $145,000 |
| Midwest | 7.6% | $165,000 |
| Southwest | 5.6% | $189,000 |
| South | 4.0% | $117,500 |
Top Employers Hiring Yale SOM Graduates
In 2024, Yale SOM graduates were hired by 136 unique organizations, ranging from startups and boutique consultancies to leading global corporations. Key hiring companies included:
- Amazon
- Bain & Company
- Barclays
- Boston Consulting Group (BCG)
- Citi
- Deloitte Consulting
- Goldman Sachs
- IBM
- Mattel
- McKinsey & Company
- Microsoft Corporation
- Morgan Stanley
Internship Outcomes (Class of 2025)
Yale SOM’s internship outcomes reflect the diverse career interests of its MBA students:
- Internship Acceptance Rate: 100% of students seeking internships secured positions.
- Median Weekly Internship Salary: $2,200
- Top internship industries: Consulting (48.7%), Finance (31.1%), Marketing/Sales (8.7%), General Management (5.4%).
Career Support & Alumni Network
- Yale SOM offers personalized career coaching and support throughout the MBA experience.
- The school emphasizes a non-competitive culture, with strong support from the Career Development Office, student clubs, and second-year mentors.
- Students participate in over 100 company visits annually, and the school maintains active connections with more than 10,000 alumni globally.
Visit the Yale SOM Employment Report
Yale SOM Application Overview
The Yale School of Management offers several MBA and advanced management programs to meet diverse career goals, educational backgrounds, and professional experiences. Yale SOM's MBA program includes detailed admission requirements such as average GRE and GMAT scores, work experience expectations, and application deadlines. Yale SOM evaluates candidates holistically, looking at academic accomplishments, leadership potential, and how applicants align with Yale’s mission of educating leaders for business and society.
Yale SOM Programs & Degrees
Yale SOM provides a range of MBA and master's degree options:
- Traditional Full-Time MBA: A two-year MBA program designed for professionals seeking advanced business skills, leadership development, and career transitions.
- Yale Executive MBA (MBA for Executives): An executive MBA program tailored for experienced professionals and executives who continue working while attending school. Specializations are available in Asset Management, Healthcare, and Sustainability.
- Silver Scholars Program (Deferred MBA): A three-year deferred MBA specifically for exceptional recent college seniors who join immediately after graduation. Students spend their first and third years at Yale, with a professional internship in the second year.
- Master of Advanced Management (MAM): A one-year advanced management program exclusively for MBA graduates from top international business schools within Yale's global network of advanced management member schools.
- Master’s in Asset Management: A one-year specialized master's program designed for recent graduates and early-career professionals seeking careers in asset management, investment analysis, and portfolio management.
- Master of Management Studies in Systemic Risk: A specialized one-year master's degree designed for individuals who wish to address complex financial risks and systemic challenges in global markets.
- Master’s in Global Business and Society (GBS): A one-year master's program for graduates of master’s in management programs from Yale's network of advanced management member schools, providing a deeper understanding of global affairs and international business management.
- Joint Degree Programs: Yale SOM offers joint degrees in collaboration with other academic institutions within Yale University. Popular joint degree programs include:
- MBA/JD (with Yale Law School)
- MBA/MD (with Yale School of Medicine)
- MBA/MEM or MF (with Yale School of the Environment)
- MBA/MPH (with Yale School of Public Health)
- MBA/MPP (with Jackson School of Global Affairs)
- Additional joint degree programs in Architecture, Drama, Divinity, and more.
Note: Joint degrees allow students to integrate management skills with other specialized fields, enabling diverse career paths in public health, law, global policy, sustainability, medicine, and more.
Yale MBA Application Deadline
Yale SOM accepts applications in three rounds. Applicants should submit their complete application by the deadlines below to be considered:
| Application Round | Deadline | Decision Released |
|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | September 12, 2024 | December 5, 2024 |
| Round 2 | January 4, 2025 | March 26, 2025 |
| Round 3 | April 9, 2025 | May 16, 2025 |
View detailed Yale MBA application deadlines
Yale MBA Requirements
The Yale SOM application includes the following required elements. All candidates must complete these to be considered by the admissions committee:
Application Checklist
- Completed Yale SOM Online ApplicationThis includes personal details, educational background, professional history, and short-answer questions.
- Academic Transcripts
- Submit transcripts from every undergraduate and graduate institution attended.
- Transcripts must be in English or accompanied by a certified translation.
- Yale SOM reviews applicants with three-year undergraduate degrees on a case-by-case basis.
- Standardized Test Scores (GMAT or GRE)
- Yale SOM accepts either GMAT or GRE scores.
- Official scores must be valid at the time of submission.
- Yale SOM Codes: GMAT—3TJ-BX-45, GRE—3986.
- Professional Resume
- Submit a one-page resume detailing professional experience, leadership, extracurricular activities, and educational achievements.
- Letters of Recommendation (2 required)
- Yale SOM strongly prefers recommendations from your current supervisor or direct professional mentor who can speak to your leadership, teamwork, and impact.
- Recommendations must be submitted via the Yale SOM online recommendation system.
- Yale MBA Essays (2024-2025)
- One required essay:“Describe the biggest commitment you have ever made.” (500 words max)
- Essays should authentically reflect your character, personal values, and alignment with Yale SOM’s mission.
Learn more about Yale MBA Essays
- Yale SOM Behavioral Assessment
- Yale requires applicants to complete an online behavioral assessment, designed to evaluate interpersonal and management skills.
- Yale SOM Video Questions
- Applicants must complete short online video responses as part of their application.
- Video questions assess communication skills, clarity of thought, and potential fit with Yale’s community.
- Application Fee
- $250 non-refundable application fee.
- Waivers available for U.S. military applicants, Forté members, and eligible applicants demonstrating financial hardship.
More info on the Yale Application Process:
Learn more about Yale’s Integrated Curriculum Approach:
Yale SOM Interview
- Yale SOM interviews are by invitation only.
- Interview invitations are extended after initial application reviews.
- Interviews are conducted by trained Yale SOM alumni or admissions committee members.
- The interview assesses leadership abilities, career goals, teamwork, and community fit.
- Interviews are conversational, lasting approximately 30 minutes.
Learn more about Yale SOM Interviews
Yale SOM Curriculum & Class Structure
Yale SOM’s integrated core curriculum focuses on organizational perspectives, providing students with business skills to address managerial decisions across sectors.
Year 1 (Core Curriculum):
- Organizational Perspectives Courses (Competitor, Customer, Investor, Operations, Workforce, Innovator, State & Society)
- Global Macroeconomy
- Leadership Development (team taught)
- Integrated management courses focusing on managerial decisions and global affairs
Year 2 (Yale SOM Electives)
In the second year, students choose from diverse Yale SOM electives to specialize based on career interests. Popular electives include:
- Sustainable Finance
- Negotiations
- Behavioral Finance
- Entrepreneurship
- Asset Management & Systemic Risk
- International electives and study abroad opportunities with Yale’s global network of advanced management member schools
How to Get Into Yale SOM
1. Highlight Leadership and Impact
- Clearly demonstrate leadership experience through your professional history, extracurricular activities, or community involvement.
- Provide specific examples showing how you have positively impacted teams, organizations, or communities.
- Emphasize your ability to make effective managerial decisions, showing the potential Yale looks for in MBA students.
2. Align with Yale SOM’s Mission
- Yale SOM seeks individuals committed to its core mission: educating leaders for business and society.
- In your essays and interviews, highlight experiences and values that reflect a genuine commitment to making a broader societal impact.
- Illustrate how your future goals align with Yale’s focus on global affairs, social impact, and responsible leadership.
3. Excel in Video Questions and Interviews
- Yale SOM's unique video questions assess communication skills and your ability to think on your feet.
- Practice clear, concise responses and maintain a natural, authentic communication style.
- For the interview, be prepared to discuss your professional experiences, teamwork abilities, and how you will contribute to the Yale SOM community.
Yale SOM Notable Alumni & Faculty
Notable Alumni
Four Yale SOM alumnae were featured in Forbes' "50 Over 50" list in 2023 for significant achievements:
- Amena Ali ’90 – CEO of Optoro, honored in the Innovation category for using AI to optimize logistics and returns management for retailers.
- Gina Boswell ’89 – CEO of Bath & Body Works, recognized in the Lifestyle category for expanding the company's product offerings into new markets, including laundry detergents and men’s grooming products.
- Ranji Nagaswami ’86 – Chief Strategy Officer at Strategic Value Partners, featured in the Investment category for leadership in private equity, distressed debt, and her impactful nonprofit and corporate board roles.
- Nancy Pfund ’82 – Founder and Managing Partner at DBL Partners, highlighted in the Investment category for her pioneering approach to environmentally-conscious investing, with notable investments in climate-tech and sustainability startups.
Faculty
- Kerwin K. Charles – Indra K. Nooyi Dean, expert in economics, labor markets, and public policy.
- Jeffrey Sonnenfeld – Prominent voice on corporate governance, CEO leadership, and ethics.
- William N. Goetzmann – Authority on finance, asset management, and behavioral finance.
- Barry Nalebuff – Influential strategist specializing in negotiation, game theory, and entrepreneurship.
- Fiona Scott Morton – Renowned economist specializing in antitrust and competition policy.
Get Into Yale SOM with the Help of Experts
Boost your Yale MBA application with coaching from experts who know the admissions process and Yale SOM community. Get personalized support to strengthen your application, Yale MBA essays, video questions, and interview.
Here are three of the most popular MBA admissions consultants for Yale SOM:
- Aniket A.: Yale SOM alum ('22), specializes in strategic storytelling and essay refinement.
- Timothy F.: Former AdCom, Chicago Booth alumnus; extensive experience guiding applicants to Yale SOM and M7 schools.
- Pamela J.: Renowned MBA coach (Columbia MBA); consistently places candidates at Yale SOM and other top-tier programs.
Related Articles
- Yale MBA Essays Guide: Overview, Tips & Examples
- The Different Types of MBA Programs—and Which One is Right for You
- How to Ace Your MBA Interview: With Prep Questions & Answers
- A Coach’s Guide to MBA Letters of Recommendation
- MBA Essay Too Long? Here's How to Fix It
FAQs
Is Yale SOM hard to get into?
- Yale SOM has a selective admissions process, with acceptance rates typically around 20–25%. Applicants need strong leadership, academic achievements, and alignment with the school's mission.
How prestigious is Yale SOM?
- Yale SOM is highly prestigious, consistently ranked among the top business schools globally. It's recognized for its rigorous curriculum, influential faculty, and strong alumni network.
Is Yale SOM Ivy League?
- Yes, Yale SOM is part of Yale University, which is an Ivy League institution known worldwide for academic excellence.
Is Yale's accelerated management program worth it?
- Yale’s accelerated management programs, such as the Master's in Advanced Management (MAM), offer significant value for students seeking to deepen their expertise, build global networks, and accelerate their careers, especially if already holding an MBA or equivalent degree.
What is the hardest class at Yale?
- The hardest class at Yale varies by student, but courses like Advanced Econometrics, Competitive Strategy, and Financial Modeling are often considered particularly challenging.
How hard is it to get into Yale's Master's program?
- Admission to Yale’s master's programs is very competitive, typically requiring exceptional academic credentials, strong professional experience, and a clear alignment with the program's goals.
