Princeton vs Iowa state — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Princeton is the more selective of the two (4.6% vs 88.7% acceptance). Princeton ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#7 vs #501-600). Princeton graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($110K vs $63K). Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 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: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Iowa state for: lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Princeton is more selective (4.6% vs 88.7% acceptance); Princeton has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1204).
Princeton graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($110K vs $63K); Princeton has a higher 6-year graduation rate (97.6% vs 75.3%).
Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 vs $62,688); Princeton offers a larger average aid package ($80,837 vs $15,665).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Princeton | Iowa state |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #7 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | #4 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 4.6% | 88.7% |
| Yield rate | 75.4% | 28.8% |
| Median SAT | 1553 | 1204 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.00 | 3.80 |
| Number of applications | 42,303 | 23,095 |
| International students | 23% | 8% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $110K | $63K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $116K | $56K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $197K | $90K |
| Graduation rate | 97.6% | 75.3% |
| Retention rate | 99% | 87.6% |
| Median debt | $10,320 | $22,869 |
| Tuition · year | $62,688 | $28,881 |
| Avg. aid package | $80,837 | $15,665 |
| % of need met | 100% | 78% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $21,251 | $29,475 |
| Application fee | $75 | $40 |
| Enrollment | 9,281 | 30,432 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Princeton or Iowa state?
It's harder to get into Princeton. Princeton accepts 4.6% of applicants, while Iowa state accepts 88.7%.
Do Princeton or Iowa state graduates earn more?
Princeton graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $110K vs $63K.
How much is tuition at Princeton vs Iowa state?
Sticker-price tuition is $62,688 per year at Princeton and $28,881 per year at Iowa state.
What SAT score do you need for Princeton or Iowa state?
The median admitted SAT score is 1553 at Princeton and 1204 at Iowa state; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Princeton or Iowa state?
Princeton ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #7 for Princeton vs #501-600 for Iowa state.
Which university offers more financial aid — Princeton or Iowa state?
The average aid package is $80,837 at Princeton and $15,665 at Iowa state.
Harvard
Stanford
Massachusetts institute of technology
Yale
Cornell
Penn
Johns hopkins
Washington university
Northwestern
North carolina