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