College Comparison
Princeton University vs UC San Diego: 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
UC San Diego
La Jolla, CA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Princeton | UC San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 4.5%wins | 24.5% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1500–1580wins | N/A |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 34–35 | N/A |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $59,710 | $46,042wins |
| Avg Net Price | $10,555wins | $11,750 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $110,066wins | $84,943 |
| Graduation Rate | 97.1%wins | 87.6% |
| Retention Rate | 97.3%wins | 93.9% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 5:1wins | 19:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 5,579 | 33,787wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Princeton edges out UC San Diego 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
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 4.5%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1500–1580
- ✓Avg Net Price: $10,555
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $110,066
UC San Diego Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $46,042
- ✓Total Enrollment: 33,787
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