Princeton vs West virginia — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Princeton is the more selective of the two (4.6% vs 89% acceptance). Princeton ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#7 vs #501-600). Princeton graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($110K vs $56K). West virginia has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,608 vs $62,688 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.
Choose West virginia for: lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Princeton is more selective (4.6% vs 89% acceptance); Princeton has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1122).
Princeton graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($110K vs $56K); Princeton has a higher 6-year graduation rate (97.6% vs 64.7%).
West virginia has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,608 vs $62,688); Princeton offers a larger average aid package ($80,837 vs $16,730).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Princeton | West virginia |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #7 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | #4 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 4.6% | 89% |
| Yield rate | 75.4% | 26.5% |
| Median SAT | 1553 | 1122 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.00 | 3.70 |
| Number of applications | 42,303 | 20,150 |
| International students | 23% | 5% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $110K | $56K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $116K | $53K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $197K | $84K |
| Graduation rate | 97.6% | 64.7% |
| Retention rate | 99% | 83.4% |
| Median debt | $10,320 | $22,500 |
| Tuition · year | $62,688 | $28,608 |
| Avg. aid package | $80,837 | $16,730 |
| % of need met | 100% | 63% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $21,251 | $36,010 |
| Application fee | $75 | $65 |
| Enrollment | 9,281 | 23,643 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Princeton or West virginia?
It's harder to get into Princeton. Princeton accepts 4.6% of applicants, while West virginia accepts 89%.
Do Princeton or West virginia graduates earn more?
Princeton graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $110K vs $56K.
How much is tuition at Princeton vs West virginia?
Sticker-price tuition is $62,688 per year at Princeton and $28,608 per year at West virginia.
What SAT score do you need for Princeton or West virginia?
The median admitted SAT score is 1553 at Princeton and 1122 at West virginia; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Princeton or West virginia?
Princeton ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #7 for Princeton vs #501-600 for West virginia.
Which university offers more financial aid — Princeton or West virginia?
The average aid package is $80,837 at Princeton and $16,730 at West virginia.
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