College Comparison
Princeton University vs UC Berkeley: 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
UC Berkeley
Berkeley, CA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Princeton | UC Berkeley |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 4.5%wins | 11.7% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1500–1580wins | N/A |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 34–35 | N/A |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $59,710 | $45,627wins |
| Avg Net Price | $10,555wins | $14,979 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $110,066wins | $92,446 |
| Graduation Rate | 97.1%wins | 92.9% |
| Retention Rate | 97.3%wins | 96.8% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 5:1wins | 18:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 5,579 | 33,073wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Princeton edges out UC Berkeley on 7 of 9 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
- ✓Avg Net Price: $10,555
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $110,066
UC Berkeley Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $45,627
- ✓Total Enrollment: 33,073
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