College Comparison
Princeton University vs MIT: 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
MIT
Cambridge, MA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Princeton | MIT |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 4.5%wins | 4.7% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1500–1580 | 1510–1580wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 34–35 | 34–36 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $59,710wins | $60,156 |
| Avg Net Price | $10,555wins | $19,813 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $110,066 | $143,372wins |
| Graduation Rate | 97.1%wins | 96.1% |
| Retention Rate | 97.3% | 99.0%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 5:1 | 3:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 5,579wins | 4,571 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Princeton edges out MIT on 5 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%
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $59,710
- ✓Avg Net Price: $10,555
- ✓Graduation Rate: 97.1%
MIT Strengths
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1510–1580
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $143,372
- ✓Retention Rate: 99.0%
- ✓Student–Faculty Ratio: 3:1
Want a deeper comparison?
Our interactive compare tool lets you add more schools, filter by major, and see financial aid breakdowns by income level.