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College Comparison

Princeton University vs The University of Tennessee-Knoxville: 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

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Knoxville, TN

Head-to-Head Stats

MetricPrincetonTennessee
Acceptance Rate4.5%wins46.0%
SAT Range (25th–75th)1500–1580wins1190–1340
ACT Range (25th–75th)34–35wins25–31
Tuition (Out-of-State)$59,710$31,974wins
Avg Net Price$10,555wins$18,109
Median Earnings (10 yr)$110,066wins$60,249
Graduation Rate97.1%wins73.5%
Retention Rate97.3%wins91.1%
Student–Faculty Ratio5:1wins18:1
Total Enrollment5,57928,763wins

Verdict

Based on the data above, Princeton edges out Tennessee on 8 of 10 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
  • ACT Range (25th–75th): 34–35
  • Avg Net Price: $10,555

Tennessee Strengths

  • Tuition (Out-of-State): $31,974
  • Total Enrollment: 28,763

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