Princeton vs Northwestern - US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
The verdict, from the data
Average aid for an international student is $86,736 (Princeton) and $74,103 (Northwestern).
The higher median salary ten years after enrolment belongs to Princeton: $110K against $89K.
At 4.4% and 7.7%, both admissions processes remain a lottery for any candidate; the difference between them is not an argument here.
The SAT profile is practically identical (1530 against 1540), so a test score will not tip the balance either way.
These numbers describe the cohorts already enrolled, not your chances; treat them as a starting point rather than a forecast.
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 7.69% acceptance). Princeton ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#7 vs #33). Princeton graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($110K vs $89K). Princeton has lower sticker-price tuition ($68,454 vs $70,589 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 7.69% acceptance); Northwestern has a higher median SAT (1540 vs 1530).
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 ($68,454 vs $70,589); Princeton offers a larger average aid package ($79,320 vs $68,110).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Princeton | Northwestern |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #7 | #33 |
| Rank · THE | #4 | #31 |
| Acceptance rate | 4.42% | 7.69% |
| Yield rate | 75.4% | 55.3% |
| Median SAT | 1530 | 1540 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.96 | - |
| Number of applications | 42,303 | 49,474 |
| International students | 13.1% | 11.8% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $110K | $89K |
| Bottom 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $68K | $61K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $197K | $139K |
| Graduation rate | 97.6% | 95.1% |
| Retention rate | 99% | 98% |
| Median debt | $10,320 | $15,000 |
| Tuition · year | $68,454 | $70,589 |
| Avg. aid package | $79,320 | $68,110 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $21,251 | $32,540 |
| Application fee | $75 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 9,281 | 23,431 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Princeton or Northwestern?
It's harder to get into Princeton. Princeton accepts 4.42% of applicants, while Northwestern accepts 7.69%.
Do Princeton or Northwestern graduates earn more?
Princeton graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $110K vs $89K.
How much is tuition at Princeton vs Northwestern?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,454 per year at Princeton and $70,589 per year at Northwestern.
What SAT score do you need for Princeton or Northwestern?
The median admitted SAT score is 1530 at Princeton and 1540 at Northwestern; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher - Princeton or Northwestern?
Princeton ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #7 for Princeton vs #33 for Northwestern.
Which university offers more financial aid - Princeton or Northwestern?
The average aid package is $79,320 at Princeton and $68,110 at Northwestern.
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