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College Comparison

Northwestern University vs Princeton University

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

Northwestern University
#20
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL
Private
Princeton University
#4
Princeton University
Princeton, NJ
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Evanston, IL

Princeton, NJ

Total Enrollment

23,856

9,137

Undergrad Enrollment

9,399

5,813

Student-Faculty Ratio

6:1

5:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

7.7%

4.6%

Average GPA

4.00

4.00

SAT Range

1510–1570

1510–1580

ACT Range

33–35

34–35

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$75

$70

Total Applicants

49,474

40,468


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$83,517

$77,660

Avg Net Price

$27,143

$10,555

Tuition (In-State)

$62,391

$57,410

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$62,391

$57,410

Room & Board

$21,126

$20,250

% Receiving Aid

53.0%

67.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$64,429

$68,727


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

96.0%

98.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

87.0%

90.0%

Retention Rate

98.0%

98.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$89,363

$110,066

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Northwestern is in Evanston, IL

Princeton is in Princeton, NJ

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Frequently Asked Questions

Northwestern University has an acceptance rate of 8%, while Princeton University has an acceptance rate of 5%. This means Princeton University is more selective than Northwestern University.

The average net price at Northwestern University is $27,143 per year, compared to $10,555 at Princeton University. Princeton University is $16,588 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Northwestern University typically score between 1510-1570 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.

Northwestern University has a graduation rate of 96%, while Princeton University has a graduation rate of 98%. Princeton University has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.

Northwestern University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 6:1, 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 Northwestern University, 53% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $64,429. At Princeton University, 67% of students receive aid with an average grant of $68,727.

The median earnings for Northwestern University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $89,363, 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.

Northwestern University is located in Evanston, IL in a city: small setting. Princeton University is located in Princeton, NJ in a city: small setting.