Princeton vs Yale — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Yale is the more selective of the two (3.9% vs 4.6% acceptance). Princeton ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#7 vs #11). Princeton graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($110K vs $101K). Princeton has lower sticker-price tuition ($62,688 vs $67,250 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 graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate.
Choose Yale for: higher selectivity, higher retention.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Yale is more selective (3.9% vs 4.6% acceptance); Princeton has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1534).
Princeton graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($110K vs $101K); Princeton has a higher 6-year graduation rate (97.6% vs 95.7%).
Princeton has lower sticker-price tuition ($62,688 vs $67,250); Princeton offers a larger average aid package ($80,837 vs $76,770).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Princeton | Yale |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #7 | #11 |
| Rank · THE | #4 | #10 |
| Acceptance rate | 4.6% | 3.9% |
| Yield rate | 75.4% | 68.4% |
| Median SAT | 1553 | 1534 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.00 | — |
| Number of applications | 42,303 | 50,264 |
| International students | 23% | 22% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $110K | $101K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $116K | $124K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $197K | $194K |
| Graduation rate | 97.6% | 95.7% |
| Retention rate | 99% | 99.4% |
| Median debt | $10,320 | $12,975 |
| Tuition · year | $62,688 | $67,250 |
| Avg. aid package | $80,837 | $76,770 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $21,251 | $22,185 |
| Application fee | $75 | $80 |
| Enrollment | 9,281 | 15,657 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Princeton or Yale?
It's harder to get into Yale. Princeton accepts 4.6% of applicants, while Yale accepts 3.9%.
Do Princeton or Yale graduates earn more?
Princeton graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $110K vs $101K.
How much is tuition at Princeton vs Yale?
Sticker-price tuition is $62,688 per year at Princeton and $67,250 per year at Yale.
What SAT score do you need for Princeton or Yale?
The median admitted SAT score is 1553 at Princeton and 1534 at Yale; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Princeton or Yale?
Princeton ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #7 for Princeton vs #11 for Yale.
Which university offers more financial aid — Princeton or Yale?
The average aid package is $80,837 at Princeton and $76,770 at Yale.
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