Cornell vs Princeton — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Princeton is the more selective of the two (4.6% vs 8.8% acceptance). Princeton ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#12 vs #7). Princeton graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($110K vs $104K). Princeton has lower sticker-price tuition ($62,688 vs $69,314 per year).
Both universities have complete, comparable data in canonical — the choice should come down to fit (campus culture, major, aid package) alongside the differences visible in the numbers below.
Choose Princeton for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Princeton is more selective (4.6% vs 8.8% acceptance); Princeton has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1535).
Princeton graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($110K vs $104K); Princeton has a higher 6-year graduation rate (97.6% vs 95.4%).
Princeton has lower sticker-price tuition ($62,688 vs $69,314); Princeton offers a larger average aid package ($80,837 vs $62,257).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Cornell | Princeton |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #12 | #7 |
| Rank · THE | #20 | #4 |
| Acceptance rate | 8.8% | 4.6% |
| Yield rate | 66% | 75.4% |
| Median SAT | 1535 | 1553 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 4.00 |
| Number of applications | 67,846 | 42,303 |
| International students | 26% | 23% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $104K | $110K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $101K | $116K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $166K | $197K |
| Graduation rate | 95.4% | 97.6% |
| Retention rate | 97.8% | 99% |
| Median debt | $14,000 | $10,320 |
| Tuition · year | $69,314 | $62,688 |
| Avg. aid package | $62,257 | $80,837 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $27,244 | $21,251 |
| Application fee | — | $75 |
| Enrollment | 19,027 | 9,281 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Cornell or Princeton?
It's harder to get into Princeton. Cornell accepts 8.8% of applicants, while Princeton accepts 4.6%.
Do Cornell or Princeton graduates earn more?
Princeton graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $110K vs $104K.
How much is tuition at Cornell vs Princeton?
Sticker-price tuition is $69,314 per year at Cornell and $62,688 per year at Princeton.
What SAT score do you need for Cornell or Princeton?
The median admitted SAT score is 1535 at Cornell and 1553 at Princeton; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Cornell or Princeton?
Princeton ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #12 for Cornell vs #7 for Princeton.
Which university offers more financial aid — Cornell or Princeton?
The average aid package is $62,257 at Cornell and $80,837 at Princeton.
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