Princeton vs Boston University - US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
The verdict, from the data
The lower acceptance rate belongs to Princeton: 4.4% against 12.8% (Boston University).
The larger international cohort belongs to Boston University: 20.1% of students against 13.1% (Princeton).
For an applicant from outside the US the difference is financial: Princeton awards international students $86,736 on average, Boston University awards $56,639.
The order of prices reverses once aid is counted: Princeton starts at $95,624 against $94,427 and ends at $16,304 against $25,031 (Boston University).
The indicators describe a university as a whole, and your own course can sit a long way from that average.
Every sentence above comes from a field we hold in canonical. Where the data is missing, or the gap is small enough to be noise, the sentence simply does not appear.
EXPERT TAKE
Princeton is the more selective of the two (4.42% vs 12.83% acceptance). Princeton ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#7 vs #101-150). Princeton graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($110K vs $83K). Princeton has lower sticker-price tuition ($68,454 vs $71,372 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 (4.42% vs 12.83% acceptance); Princeton has a higher median SAT (1530 vs 1470).
Princeton graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($110K vs $83K); Princeton has a higher 6-year graduation rate (97.6% vs 88.7%).
Princeton has lower sticker-price tuition ($68,454 vs $71,372); Princeton offers a larger average aid package ($79,320 vs $69,396).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Princeton | Boston University |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #7 | #101-150 |
| Rank · THE | #4 | #75 |
| Acceptance rate | 4.42% | 12.83% |
| Yield rate | 75.4% | 35% |
| Median SAT | 1530 | 1470 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.96 | 3.86 |
| Number of applications | 42,303 | 76,776 |
| International students | 13.1% | 20.1% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $110K | $83K |
| Bottom 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $68K | $57K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $197K | $122K |
| Graduation rate | 97.6% | 88.7% |
| Retention rate | 99% | 94.2% |
| Median debt | $10,320 | $23,250 |
| Tuition · year | $68,454 | $71,372 |
| Avg. aid package | $79,320 | $69,396 |
| % of need met | 100% | 92% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $21,251 | $36,774 |
| Application fee | $75 | $80 |
| Enrollment | 9,281 | 36,977 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Princeton or Boston University?
It's harder to get into Princeton. Princeton accepts 4.42% of applicants, while Boston University accepts 12.83%.
Do Princeton or Boston University graduates earn more?
Princeton graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $110K vs $83K.
How much is tuition at Princeton vs Boston University?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,454 per year at Princeton and $71,372 per year at Boston University.
What SAT score do you need for Princeton or Boston University?
The median admitted SAT score is 1530 at Princeton and 1470 at Boston University; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher - Princeton or Boston University?
Princeton ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #7 for Princeton vs #101-150 for Boston University.
Which university offers more financial aid - Princeton or Boston University?
The average aid package is $79,320 at Princeton and $69,396 at Boston University.
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