Duke vs Princeton — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Princeton is the more selective of the two (4.6% vs 5.7% acceptance). Princeton ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#39 vs #7). Princeton graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($110K vs $98K). Princeton has lower sticker-price tuition ($62,688 vs $68,758 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 5.7% acceptance); Princeton has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1548).
Princeton graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($110K vs $98K); Princeton has a higher 6-year graduation rate (97.6% vs 96.8%).
Princeton has lower sticker-price tuition ($62,688 vs $68,758); Princeton offers a larger average aid package ($80,837 vs $72,437).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Duke | Princeton |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #39 | #7 |
| Rank · THE | #27 | #4 |
| Acceptance rate | 5.7% | 4.6% |
| Yield rate | 58.8% | 75.4% |
| Median SAT | 1548 | 1553 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 4.00 |
| Number of applications | 51,795 | 42,303 |
| International students | 22% | 23% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $98K | $110K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $115K | $116K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $172K | $197K |
| Graduation rate | 96.8% | 97.6% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 99% |
| Median debt | $13,000 | $10,320 |
| Tuition · year | $68,758 | $62,688 |
| Avg. aid package | $72,437 | $80,837 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $27,515 | $21,251 |
| Application fee | — | $75 |
| Enrollment | 17,499 | 9,281 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Duke or Princeton?
It's harder to get into Princeton. Duke accepts 5.7% of applicants, while Princeton accepts 4.6%.
Do Duke or Princeton graduates earn more?
Princeton graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $110K vs $98K.
How much is tuition at Duke vs Princeton?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,758 per year at Duke and $62,688 per year at Princeton.
What SAT score do you need for Duke or Princeton?
The median admitted SAT score is 1548 at Duke and 1553 at Princeton; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Duke or Princeton?
Princeton ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #39 for Duke vs #7 for Princeton.
Which university offers more financial aid — Duke or Princeton?
The average aid package is $72,437 at Duke and $80,837 at Princeton.
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