Princeton vs Northwestern — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Princeton is the more selective of the two (4.6% vs 7.7% 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 ($62,688 vs $68,322 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 7.7% acceptance); Princeton has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1533).
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 ($62,688 vs $68,322); Princeton offers a larger average aid package ($80,837 vs $68,110).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Princeton | Northwestern |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #7 | #33 |
| Rank · THE | #4 | #31 |
| Acceptance rate | 4.6% | 7.7% |
| Yield rate | 75.4% | 55.3% |
| Median SAT | 1553 | 1533 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.00 | — |
| Number of applications | 42,303 | 49,474 |
| International students | 23% | 20% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $110K | $89K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $116K | $93K |
| 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 | $62,688 | $68,322 |
| Avg. aid package | $80,837 | $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 4.6% of applicants, while Northwestern accepts 7.7%.
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 $62,688 per year at Princeton and $68,322 per year at Northwestern.
What SAT score do you need for Princeton or Northwestern?
The median admitted SAT score is 1553 at Princeton and 1533 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 $80,837 at Princeton and $68,110 at Northwestern.
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