Northwestern vs Princeton — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Princeton is the more selective of the two (4.6% vs 7.7% acceptance). Princeton ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#33 vs #7). Princeton graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($110K vs $89K). Princeton has lower sticker-price tuition ($62,688 vs $68,322 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 7.7% acceptance); Princeton has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1533).
Princeton graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($110K vs $89K); Princeton has a higher 6-year graduation rate (97.6% vs 95.1%).
Princeton has lower sticker-price tuition ($62,688 vs $68,322); Princeton offers a larger average aid package ($80,837 vs $68,110).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Northwestern | Princeton |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #33 | #7 |
| Rank · THE | #31 | #4 |
| Acceptance rate | 7.7% | 4.6% |
| Yield rate | 55.3% | 75.4% |
| Median SAT | 1533 | 1553 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 4.00 |
| Number of applications | 49,474 | 42,303 |
| International students | 20% | 23% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $89K | $110K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $93K | $116K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $139K | $197K |
| Graduation rate | 95.1% | 97.6% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 99% |
| Median debt | $15,000 | $10,320 |
| Tuition · year | $68,322 | $62,688 |
| Avg. aid package | $68,110 | $80,837 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,540 | $21,251 |
| Application fee | $75 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 23,431 | 9,281 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Northwestern or Princeton?
It's harder to get into Princeton. Northwestern accepts 7.7% of applicants, while Princeton accepts 4.6%.
Do Northwestern or Princeton graduates earn more?
Princeton graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $110K vs $89K.
How much is tuition at Northwestern vs Princeton?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,322 per year at Northwestern and $62,688 per year at Princeton.
What SAT score do you need for Northwestern or Princeton?
The median admitted SAT score is 1533 at Northwestern and 1553 at Princeton; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Northwestern or Princeton?
Princeton ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #33 for Northwestern vs #7 for Princeton.
Which university offers more financial aid — Northwestern or Princeton?
The average aid package is $68,110 at Northwestern and $80,837 at Princeton.
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