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College Comparison

Harvard University vs Princeton University

Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.

Harvard University
#1
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA
Private
Princeton University
#4
Princeton University
Princeton, NJ
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Cambridge, MA

Princeton, NJ

Total Enrollment

30,259

9,137

Undergrad Enrollment

8,844

5,813

Student-Faculty Ratio

7:1

5:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

3.6%

4.6%

Average GPA

4.00

4.00

SAT Range

1510–1580

1510–1580

ACT Range

34–36

34–35

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$85

$70

Total Applicants

54,008

40,468


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$73,849

$77,660

Avg Net Price

$16,816

$10,555

Tuition (In-State)

$52,659

$57,410

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$52,659

$57,410

Room & Board

$21,190

$20,250

% Receiving Aid

56.0%

67.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$68,015

$68,727


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

97.0%

98.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

87.0%

90.0%

Retention Rate

98.0%

98.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$101,817

$110,066

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Harvard is in Cambridge, MA

Princeton is in Princeton, NJ

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Frequently Asked Questions

Harvard University has an acceptance rate of 4%, while Princeton University has an acceptance rate of 5%. This means Harvard University is more selective than Princeton University.

The average net price at Harvard University is $16,816 per year, compared to $10,555 at Princeton University. Princeton University is $6,261 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Harvard University typically score between 1510-1580 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Princeton University, the typical SAT range is 1510-1580. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.

Harvard University has a graduation rate of 97%, while Princeton University has a graduation rate of 98%. Princeton University has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.

Harvard University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 7:1, while Princeton University has a ratio of 5:1. Princeton University offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.

At Harvard University, 56% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $68,015. At Princeton University, 67% of students receive aid with an average grant of $68,727.

The median earnings for Harvard University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $101,817, compared to $110,066 for Princeton University graduates. Graduates from Princeton University tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.

Harvard University is located in Cambridge, MA in a city: midsize setting. Princeton University is located in Princeton, NJ in a city: small setting.