Princeton vs Penn — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Princeton is the more selective of the two (4.6% vs 5.4% acceptance). Princeton ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#7 vs #14). Median earnings 10 years after enrollment are effectively tied ($110K vs $111K). Princeton has lower sticker-price tuition ($62,688 vs $68,686 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, a higher graduation rate.
Choose Penn for: 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 5.4% acceptance).
Penn graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($111K vs $110K); Princeton has a higher 6-year graduation rate (97.6% vs 96.5%).
Princeton has lower sticker-price tuition ($62,688 vs $68,686); Princeton offers a larger average aid package ($80,837 vs $70,971).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Princeton | Penn |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #7 | #14 |
| Rank · THE | #4 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 4.6% | 5.4% |
| Yield rate | 75.4% | 68% |
| Median SAT | 1553 | 1553 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.00 | 3.90 |
| Number of applications | 42,303 | 65,236 |
| International students | 23% | 24% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $110K | $111K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $116K | $132K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $197K | $183K |
| Graduation rate | 97.6% | 96.5% |
| Retention rate | 99% | 98.8% |
| Median debt | $10,320 | $15,715 |
| Tuition · year | $62,688 | $68,686 |
| Avg. aid package | $80,837 | $70,971 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $21,251 | $32,558 |
| Application fee | $75 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 9,281 | 24,023 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Princeton or Penn?
It's harder to get into Princeton. Princeton accepts 4.6% of applicants, while Penn accepts 5.4%.
Do Princeton or Penn graduates earn more?
Earnings are practically equal — 10 years after enrollment, the median is $110K at Princeton and $111K at Penn.
How much is tuition at Princeton vs Penn?
Sticker-price tuition is $62,688 per year at Princeton and $68,686 per year at Penn.
What SAT score do you need for Princeton or Penn?
The median admitted SAT score is 1553 at Princeton and 1553 at Penn; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Princeton or Penn?
Princeton ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #7 for Princeton vs #14 for Penn.
Which university offers more financial aid — Princeton or Penn?
The average aid package is $80,837 at Princeton and $70,971 at Penn.
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