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Yale University

New Haven, CT

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

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

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

A venerable Ivy League institution forging leaders, known for its rich history and groundbreaking research.

Yale University stands as a beacon of academic excellence and historical significance, consistently shaping leaders and pioneering new frontiers in research. As the third-oldest institution of higher education in the United States, founded in 1701 as the Collegiate School, Yale's legacy is deeply intertwined with the nation's intellectual and cultural development. Its enduring motto, "Lux et Veritas" (Light and Truth), encapsulates its commitment to discovery and enlightenment, guiding its diverse community of 15,490 students.

Today, Yale is renowned for its diverse academic offerings, spanning fifteen constituent schools including the esteemed Yale College, the Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and the globally recognized Yale Law School. The university boasts one of the largest academic libraries in the United States, housing over 15 million volumes, and a vibrant research ecosystem, particularly at its West Campus dedicated to biotechnology and life sciences. The institution's faculty, including numerous members of national academies, drive forward discovery across disciplines.

Prospective students and families will find a stimulating environment on Yale's historic New Haven campus, complemented by extensive athletic facilities where the Yale Bulldogs compete in the Ivy League. The university prides itself on nurturing talent that goes on to achieve remarkable feats, with an alumni network that includes U.S. Presidents, Supreme Court justices, Nobel laureates, and countless leaders across every field. Yale offers an unparalleled opportunity for intellectual growth and personal development, preparing students to make a profound impact on the world.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1701, it is the third-oldest institution of higher education in the U.S.
  • Boasts a massive $44.1 billion endowment, the second-largest among private universities.
  • Awarded the first PhD in the United States in 1861.
  • Home to the third-largest academic library in the U.S., with over 15 million volumes.
  • Alumni include 5 U.S. Presidents, 19 U.S. Supreme Court justices, and 72 Nobel laureates.
  • Its motto, "Lux et Veritas," translates to "Light and Truth."
  • Educates 15,490 students, encompassing undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

Timeline

1701
Founded as the Collegiate School in the Connecticut Colony.
1718
Renamed Yale College, after Elihu Yale's donation.
1861
Awarded the first PhD in the United States.
1887
Organized and officially renamed Yale University.
1920
Milton Winternitz became Dean of the Yale School of Medicine, establishing the "Yale System" of teaching.
2007
Purchased the 137-acre West Campus for biotechnology and life sciences research.
2013
Yale-NUS College opened in Singapore, a joint liberal arts college effort.
2017
Calhoun College was renamed Hopper College.
🏛️
325 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

5 notable schools within Yale University

🏫

Yale College

The original undergraduate college of the university.

🎭

Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

Offers graduate instruction in various academic fields.

⚖️

Yale Law School

A globally recognized and highly prestigious law school.

🏥

Yale School of Medicine

Known for establishing the innovative "Yale System" of medical education.

💉

Yale School of Nursing

A graduate-level school for nursing education, established by Milton Winternitz.

Leadership

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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