Rensselaer polytechnic institute vs Princeton — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Princeton is the more selective of the two (4.6% vs 63.5% acceptance). Princeton ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#501-600 vs #7). Princeton graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($110K vs $102K). Princeton has lower sticker-price tuition ($62,688 vs $64,081 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 63.5% acceptance); Princeton has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1456).
Princeton graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($110K vs $102K); Princeton has a higher 6-year graduation rate (97.6% vs 83.6%).
Princeton has lower sticker-price tuition ($62,688 vs $64,081); Princeton offers a larger average aid package ($80,837 vs $76,097).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Rensselaer polytechnic institute | Princeton |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #501-600 | #7 |
| Rank · THE | — | #4 |
| Acceptance rate | 63.5% | 4.6% |
| Yield rate | 39.7% | 75.4% |
| Median SAT | 1456 | 1553 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 4.00 |
| Number of applications | 15,819 | 42,303 |
| International students | 19% | 23% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $102K | $110K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $86K | $116K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $137K | $197K |
| Graduation rate | 83.6% | 97.6% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 99% |
| Median debt | $23,750 | $10,320 |
| Tuition · year | $64,081 | $62,688 |
| Avg. aid package | $76,097 | $80,837 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $29,149 | $21,251 |
| Application fee | $75 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 6,761 | 9,281 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Rensselaer polytechnic institute or Princeton?
It's harder to get into Princeton. Rensselaer polytechnic institute accepts 63.5% of applicants, while Princeton accepts 4.6%.
Do Rensselaer polytechnic institute or Princeton graduates earn more?
Princeton graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $110K vs $102K.
How much is tuition at Rensselaer polytechnic institute vs Princeton?
Sticker-price tuition is $64,081 per year at Rensselaer polytechnic institute and $62,688 per year at Princeton.
What SAT score do you need for Rensselaer polytechnic institute or Princeton?
The median admitted SAT score is 1456 at Rensselaer polytechnic institute and 1553 at Princeton; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Rensselaer polytechnic institute or Princeton?
Princeton ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #501-600 for Rensselaer polytechnic institute vs #7 for Princeton.
Which university offers more financial aid — Rensselaer polytechnic institute or Princeton?
The average aid package is $76,097 at Rensselaer polytechnic institute and $80,837 at Princeton.
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