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