College Comparison
Princeton University vs Brown University: 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
Brown University
Providence, RI
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Princeton | Brown |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 4.5%wins | 5.2% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1500–1580 | 1500–1570 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 34–35 | 34–35 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $59,710wins | $68,230 |
| Avg Net Price | $10,555wins | $26,572 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $110,066wins | $93,487 |
| Graduation Rate | 97.1%wins | 96.0% |
| Retention Rate | 97.3% | 98.7%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 5:1wins | 6:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 5,579 | 7,273wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Princeton edges out Brown on 6 of 8 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%
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $59,710
- ✓Avg Net Price: $10,555
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $110,066
Brown Strengths
- ✓Retention Rate: 98.7%
- ✓Total Enrollment: 7,273
Want a deeper comparison?
Our interactive compare tool lets you add more schools, filter by major, and see financial aid breakdowns by income level.