Northeastern vs Princeton — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Princeton is the more selective of the two (4.6% vs 5.2% acceptance). Princeton ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#201-300 vs #7). Princeton graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($110K vs $93K). Princeton has lower sticker-price tuition ($62,688 vs $66,162 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 5.2% acceptance); Princeton has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1497).
Princeton graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($110K vs $93K); Princeton has a higher 6-year graduation rate (97.6% vs 90.5%).
Princeton has lower sticker-price tuition ($62,688 vs $66,162); Princeton offers a larger average aid package ($80,837 vs $46,555).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Northeastern | Princeton |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #201-300 | #7 |
| Rank · THE | — | #4 |
| Acceptance rate | 5.2% | 4.6% |
| Yield rate | 53.8% | 75.4% |
| Median SAT | 1497 | 1553 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 4.00 |
| Number of applications | 98,425 | 42,303 |
| International students | 37% | 23% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $93K | $110K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $74K | $116K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $135K | $197K |
| Graduation rate | 90.5% | 97.6% |
| Retention rate | 96.9% | 99% |
| Median debt | $24,250 | $10,320 |
| Tuition · year | $66,162 | $62,688 |
| Avg. aid package | $46,555 | $80,837 |
| % of need met | 86.7% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,461 | $21,251 |
| Application fee | $75 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 39,774 | 9,281 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Northeastern or Princeton?
It's harder to get into Princeton. Northeastern accepts 5.2% of applicants, while Princeton accepts 4.6%.
Do Northeastern or Princeton graduates earn more?
Princeton graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $110K vs $93K.
How much is tuition at Northeastern vs Princeton?
Sticker-price tuition is $66,162 per year at Northeastern and $62,688 per year at Princeton.
What SAT score do you need for Northeastern or Princeton?
The median admitted SAT score is 1497 at Northeastern and 1553 at Princeton; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Northeastern or Princeton?
Princeton ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #201-300 for Northeastern vs #7 for Princeton.
Which university offers more financial aid — Northeastern or Princeton?
The average aid package is $46,555 at Northeastern and $80,837 at Princeton.
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