College Comparison
Princeton University vs Columbia 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
Columbia University
New York, NY
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Princeton | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 4.5% | 4.2%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1500–1580wins | 1490–1570 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 34–35 | 34–35 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $59,710wins | $69,045 |
| Avg Net Price | $10,555wins | $20,148 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $110,066wins | $102,491 |
| Graduation Rate | 97.1%wins | 95.0% |
| Retention Rate | 97.3%wins | 97.2% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 5:1wins | 6:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 5,579 | 8,899wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Princeton edges out Columbia 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
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1500–1580
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $59,710
- ✓Avg Net Price: $10,555
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $110,066
Columbia Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 4.2%
- ✓Total Enrollment: 8,899
Want a deeper comparison?
Our interactive compare tool lets you add more schools, filter by major, and see financial aid breakdowns by income level.