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