• Policy in one line: Yale admits without regard to ability to pay and then covers the full demonstrated need.
• How Yale builds your offer: Yale calculates cost of attendance and subtracts gift aid (Yale Scholarship + outside awards) to determine your net cost.
• Student Share & outside awards: Outside/third-party scholarships first reduce the Student Share (standard $3,700/year). Only any remaining amount reduces the Yale Scholarship.
• Disbursement: Once your aid file is complete, awards typically disburse ~7 days before each term and appear as Anticipated Aid in your account until posted.
• Pre-read tools: Use Yale’s Quick Cost Estimators to preview your likely net price.

Admission deadlines:

• Single-Choice Early Action: November 1 (results mid-December).
• Regular Decision: January 2.

Financial-aid priority dates (for 2026–27 aid year):

• QuestBridge: November 1, 2025
• Early Action – U.S. citizens/PRs: November 1, 2025
• Early Action – International: December 1, 2025
• Regular Decision: February 15, 2026
• Transfer: April 1, 2026

• Admitted first-year or transfer student to Yale College.
• Demonstrated financial need per Yale’s analysis (family income, assets, family size, number in college, special circumstances).

A) Documents for Yale University Admission

Choose one application platform and complete Yale’s questions in that platform:

• Coalition Application (+ Yale-specific questions)
• Common Application (+ Yale-specific questions)
• QuestBridge Application (+ Yale’s QuestBridge Questionnaire)

Also submit (for all first-year applicants):

• Application fee $80 or an approved fee waiver
• Two teacher recommendations and one counselor recommendation
• School Report including the official transcript
• Standardized testing (ACT / SAT / AP / IB) — only if you choose to report; see the testing policy on your Yale portal for details
• Proof of English proficiency (required if you’re a non-native English speaker; see policy for accepted tests and waivers)
• Mid-Year Report during senior year and a Final Report after graduation (More details in the “Documents” link below)

B) Documents for Yale Scholarship / Need-Based Financial Aid

For U.S. citizens & permanent residents

Depending on your family’s circumstances, your aid checklist can include:

• CSS Profile (Yale code 3987)
• FAFSA (Yale code 001426)
• Parent and student U.S. tax returns (Form 1040)
  • If no federal return was filed: Parent/Student Non-Tax Filer’s Statement
• W-2 forms (parent(s) and/or student, if applicable)
• 1040 Schedules 1, 2, 3 (if filed)
• Schedules A, B, C, D, E, or F (as relevant)
• Business returns (1065, 1120-S, or 1120, if applicable)
• Schedule K-1 (if issued)
• Noncustodial parent materials (if required by Yale)

After you complete the CSS Profile, upload all supporting documents via IDOC (Yale’s preferred method).

For international applicants (including Canada)

Your checklist typically includes:

• CSS Profile (Yale code 3987)
• Income documentation for parent(s) and student
  • If a tax return exists: submit all relevant pages/schedules.
  • If no tax return exists: provide official income proof (e.g., an employer letter).
  • If documents aren’t in English: include an English translation; unofficial is acceptable.

After you complete the CSS Profile, submit documents through IDOC as shown on your Yale portal checklist.

All countries are eligible.

• Yale estimates your annual cost of attendance (tuition & fees, housing, meals, books/supplies, personal expenses, travel).
• Yale determines your family contribution (Parent Share + a small Student Share set by Yale each year).
• Your demonstrated need = cost of attendance – family contribution.
• Yale meets 100% of that need with the Yale Scholarship (and any other gift aid you receive).
• Work options: Student employment can help you cover the Student Share.

• Apply for admission (Single-Choice Early Action or Regular Decision).
• In the application, indicate you will apply for financial aid. This unlocks your personalized checklist in the Yale Admissions Status Portal.
• Complete CSS Profile (all applicants), FAFSA (U.S. citizens/Permanent Residents only), and upload income docs via IDOC.
• Monitor your portal for any added items (e.g., noncustodial info, clarifications).
• (Optional) Try the Quick Cost Estimator for an early affordability view.

• If you are a U.S. Citizen living abroad, you will be required to submit all available tax and income documentation from all applicable countries.
• U.S. students reapply annually; awards can change as family circumstances change.
• FERPA & access: Your aid records are protected; Yale generally needs your consent to discuss details with parents/others.
• Keep everything in one place: Use the Yale portal + IDOC; do not email sensitive docs.
• Transfers follow the same need-based policy and checklist logic, with their own dates.