Princeton vs Stanford — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Stanford is the more selective of the two (3.6% vs 4.6% acceptance). Stanford ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#7 vs #2). Stanford graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($124K vs $110K). Princeton has lower sticker-price tuition ($62,688 vs $65,910 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 graduation rate, higher retention, lower tuition.
Choose Stanford 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
Stanford is more selective (3.6% vs 4.6% acceptance).
Stanford graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($124K vs $110K); Princeton has a higher 6-year graduation rate (97.6% vs 91.9%).
Princeton has lower sticker-price tuition ($62,688 vs $65,910); Princeton offers a larger average aid package ($80,837 vs $75,816).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Princeton | Stanford |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #7 | #2 |
| Rank · THE | #4 | #6 |
| Acceptance rate | 4.6% | 3.6% |
| Yield rate | 75.4% | 79.9% |
| Median SAT | 1553 | 1553 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.00 | 3.90 |
| Number of applications | 42,303 | 60,646 |
| International students | 23% | 23% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $110K | $124K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $116K | $141K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $197K | $220K |
| Graduation rate | 97.6% | 91.9% |
| Retention rate | 99% | 97% |
| Median debt | $10,320 | $12,000 |
| Tuition · year | $62,688 | $65,910 |
| Avg. aid package | $80,837 | $75,816 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $21,251 | $28,507 |
| Application fee | $75 | $100 |
| Enrollment | 9,281 | 18,121 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Princeton or Stanford?
It's harder to get into Stanford. Princeton accepts 4.6% of applicants, while Stanford accepts 3.6%.
Do Princeton or Stanford graduates earn more?
Stanford graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $124K vs $110K.
How much is tuition at Princeton vs Stanford?
Sticker-price tuition is $62,688 per year at Princeton and $65,910 per year at Stanford.
What SAT score do you need for Princeton or Stanford?
The median admitted SAT score is 1553 at Princeton and 1553 at Stanford; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Princeton or Stanford?
Stanford ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #7 for Princeton vs #2 for Stanford.
Which university offers more financial aid — Princeton or Stanford?
The average aid package is $80,837 at Princeton and $75,816 at Stanford.
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