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