Rural Students at Yale

Students from rural areas and small towns often have unique perspectives and lived experiences that can make special contributions to the Yale community. As an inaugural member of the STARS College Network (Small Town and Rural Students), Yale is a leading member of a nationwide effort to empower students from small-town and rural America to enroll and successfully graduate from the college of their choice.

The Small Town and Rural Scholars Network

A context-based review

Coming from a rural area or small town, you may have concerns about how your application will be reviewed by our selection process. Yale does not track demonstrated interest, and if you are not able to visit campus, it will not affect your chances of admission. We have no specific prerequisite courses for admission, and our team is familiar with various types of advanced coursework (e.g., AP, IB, Dual Enrollment). Applicants are always evaluated within their own context, and you will never be disadvantaged for not taking advantage of courses or resources you did not have access to.

Need-blind admission, need-based aid

Yale operates a need-blind admissions policy for all applicants, regardless of citizenship or immigration status. We admit undergraduate students without regard to their ability to pay and meet 100% of demonstrated need without the use of loans.

Learn more about Yale's need-based financial aid.

On-campus support

Yale supports students during throughout their college career. Many resources are available through a student’s residential college, including college deans, first-year counselors (frocos), and academic advisors.

Rural Students Alliance at Yale

The Rural Students Alliance at Yale (RSAY) builds a supportive, tight-knit community. Students and staff affiliated with the group host events and lead programs for prospective students.

Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning

Yale’s Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning houses the Office of Educational Opportunity, which runs a popular first-generation and low-income (FGLI) peer mentorship program and a STEM Navigators program. The FGLI Community Initiative offers additional financial, social, and academic support.