College Comparison
Princeton University vs Stanford 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
Stanford University
Stanford, CA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Princeton | Stanford |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 4.5% | 3.9%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1500–1580 | 1510–1580wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 34–35 | 34–35 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $59,710wins | $62,484 |
| Avg Net Price | $10,555wins | $12,136 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $110,066 | $124,080wins |
| Graduation Rate | 97.1%wins | 92.8% |
| Retention Rate | 97.3% | 97.8%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 5:1wins | 6:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 5,579 | 7,841wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Stanford edges out Princeton 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
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $59,710
- ✓Avg Net Price: $10,555
- ✓Graduation Rate: 97.1%
- ✓Student–Faculty Ratio: 5:1
Stanford Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 3.9%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1510–1580
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $124,080
- ✓Retention Rate: 97.8%
Want a deeper comparison?
Our interactive compare tool lets you add more schools, filter by major, and see financial aid breakdowns by income level.