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Yale University

New Haven, CT

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

Lux et veritas|italics=yes("Light and truth")

Wikipedia
1701
Founded
Private research university
Type
15,490
Total Students
6,740
Undergrad
8,750
Graduate
$44.1B
Endowment
(2025)
Doctoral Universities
Classification
President: Maurie McInnis

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Yale University

Yale University: A historic Ivy League powerhouse, fostering leaders and groundbreaking research.

Yale University, a distinguished Ivy League institution nestled in New Haven, Connecticut, stands as a testament to enduring academic excellence and leadership. Since its founding, it has been synonymous with rigorous intellectual inquiry, fostering generations of influential figures across various fields. Prospective students are drawn to its vibrant campus and its reputation for challenging minds and inspiring innovation.

Established in 1701 as the Collegiate School, Yale holds the unique distinction of being the third-oldest institution of higher education in the United States. Initially focused on theology, its curriculum broadened significantly, evolving into a comprehensive university that awarded the nation's first PhD in 1861. This rich history reflects a continuous commitment to adapting and expanding the frontiers of knowledge, culminating in its formal organization as Yale University in 1887.

Yale offers an unparalleled academic experience, encompassing a robust undergraduate college, a thriving Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and highly esteemed professional schools like the Yale Law School and Yale School of Medicine. The university's innovative approach to education, exemplified by the "Yale System" in medicine with its emphasis on fewer lectures and exams, cultivates deep learning and critical thinking. Its substantial endowment, among the largest globally, fuels cutting-edge research across humanities, sciences, and professional disciplines, including a dedicated West Campus for life sciences.

Life at Yale is a dynamic blend of academic intensity and vibrant community engagement. Students benefit from the vast resources of the Yale University Library, one of the largest academic libraries in the US. Beyond academics, the Yale Bulldogs compete fiercely in NCAA Division I Ivy League sports, fostering a strong sense of tradition and camaraderie. With a powerful alumni network that includes U.S. Presidents, Nobel laureates, and countless global leaders, Yale truly prepares its students to make a significant impact on the world.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1701, it is the third-oldest institution of higher education in the United States.
  • Boasts an endowment of $44.1 billion, making it the third-largest among all educational institutions and second-largest among private universities.
  • Alumni include 5 U.S. Presidents, 72 Nobel laureates, 19 U.S. Supreme Court justices, and 263 Rhodes Scholars.
  • Awarded the first PhD in the United States in 1861, demonstrating its pioneering role in graduate education.
  • The Yale University Library houses over 15 million volumes, ranking as the third-largest academic library in the nation.
  • Home to the Yale Bulldogs, who compete in NCAA Division I Ivy League athletics.
  • Motto: "Lux et veritas" ("Light and truth"), reflecting its core values.

Timeline

1701
Founded as the Collegiate School in Connecticut Colony.
1703
The Collegiate School moves to Saybrook.
1716
The Collegiate School relocates permanently to New Haven.
1718
Renamed Yale College, honoring benefactor Elihu Yale.
1861
Awarded the first PhD in the United States.
1887
Organized as Yale University.
1920
Milton Winternitz begins implementing the "Yale System" in the School of Medicine.
2007
Yale acquires the West Campus for life sciences research.
2013
Yale-NUS College opens in Singapore as a joint venture.
2017
Calhoun College is renamed Hopper College.
2024
Students protest the Gaza war, advocating for divestment.
🏛️
325 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

4 notable schools within Yale University

🎭

Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

The primary school for postgraduate academic degrees in the arts and sciences.

⚖️

Yale Law School

One of the world's most prestigious law schools, known for its small class sizes and public service focus.

💉

Yale School of Nursing

A graduate-level school dedicated to advancing health through research, practice, and leadership in nursing.

🏥

Yale School of Medicine

A leading medical school known for its innovative 'Yale System' of teaching and significant contributions to medical research.

Leadership

via Wikipedia

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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