College Comparison
Princeton University vs Amherst College: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
Princeton University
Princeton, NJ
School
Amherst College
Amherst, MA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Princeton | Amherst |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 4.5%wins | 9.8% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1500–1580wins | 1360–1550 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 34–35wins | 31–35 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $59,710wins | $67,280 |
| Avg Net Price | $10,555wins | $18,246 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $110,066wins | $77,644 |
| Graduation Rate | 97.1%wins | 93.4% |
| Retention Rate | 97.3%wins | 96.8% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 5:1wins | 7:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 5,579wins | 1,907 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Princeton edges out Amherst on 10 of 10 measurable categories, including key factors like acceptance rate, earnings, and graduation rate. That said, the right choice depends heavily on your major, financial situation, and campus culture fit.
Princeton Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 4.5%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1500–1580
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 34–35
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $59,710
Amherst Strengths
- No clear advantages in available data
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