College Comparison
Princeton University vs WashU (St. Louis): 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
WashU (St. Louis)
St. Louis, MO
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Princeton | WashU |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 4.5%wins | 12.0% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1500–1580 | 1500–1570 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 34–35wins | 33–35 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $59,710wins | $62,982 |
| Avg Net Price | $10,555wins | $22,117 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $110,066wins | $86,182 |
| Graduation Rate | 97.1%wins | 94.5% |
| Retention Rate | 97.3%wins | 95.9% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 5:1wins | 7:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 5,579 | 7,897wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Princeton edges out WashU on 8 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%
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 34–35
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $59,710
- ✓Avg Net Price: $10,555
WashU Strengths
- ✓Total Enrollment: 7,897
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