Harvard vs Princeton — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Harvard is the more selective of the two (3.6% vs 4.6% acceptance). Harvard ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#1 vs #7). Princeton graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($110K vs $102K). Harvard has lower sticker-price tuition ($61,676 vs $62,688 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 Harvard for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, lower tuition.
Choose Princeton for: higher graduate earnings, higher retention, a larger aid package.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Harvard is more selective (3.6% vs 4.6% acceptance).
Princeton graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($110K vs $102K).
Harvard has lower sticker-price tuition ($61,676 vs $62,688); Princeton offers a larger average aid package ($80,837 vs $74,387).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Harvard | Princeton |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #1 | #7 |
| Rank · THE | #3 | #4 |
| Acceptance rate | 3.6% | 4.6% |
| Yield rate | 83.6% | 75.4% |
| Median SAT | 1553 | 1553 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.20 | 4.00 |
| Number of applications | 54,008 | 42,303 |
| International students | 25% | 23% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $102K | $110K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $139K | $116K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $200K | $197K |
| Graduation rate | 97.6% | 97.6% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 99% |
| Median debt | $14,000 | $10,320 |
| Tuition · year | $61,676 | $62,688 |
| Avg. aid package | $74,387 | $80,837 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $22,262 | $21,251 |
| Application fee | $85 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 21,189 | 9,281 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Harvard or Princeton?
It's harder to get into Harvard. Harvard accepts 3.6% of applicants, while Princeton accepts 4.6%.
Do Harvard or Princeton graduates earn more?
Princeton graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $110K vs $102K.
How much is tuition at Harvard vs Princeton?
Sticker-price tuition is $61,676 per year at Harvard and $62,688 per year at Princeton.
What SAT score do you need for Harvard or Princeton?
The median admitted SAT score is 1553 at Harvard and 1553 at Princeton; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Harvard or Princeton?
Harvard ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #1 for Harvard vs #7 for Princeton.
Which university offers more financial aid — Harvard or Princeton?
The average aid package is $74,387 at Harvard and $80,837 at Princeton.
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