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College comparison
Harvard vs Princeton
A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.
| Metric |  Harvard Cambridge, MA |  Princeton Princeton, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateHarvard University is more selective | 4% | 5% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1510–1580 | 1510–1580 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 7,601 | 5,709 |
| Avg net price | $19,066 | $6,128 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Princeton reports higher median earnings | $101,817 | $110,066 |
| Graduation rate | 98% | 98% |
| Median debt | $14,000 | $10,320 |
| Economic mobility | 1.8% | 1.3% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Harvard vs Princeton: how they compare
Harvard and Princeton are both highly selective universities, but they offer distinct environments and value propositions.
By the numbers Princeton presents a stronger immediate financial value, with an average net price of $6k versus Harvard's $19k, creating an earnings-per-dollar value multiplier of 18.0x compared to 5.3x. Princeton graduates also report higher 10-year median earnings ($110k vs. $102k). Harvard, however, shows a stronger economic-mobility rate (176% vs. 135%) and a slightly higher DOE financial-health score (2.8/3 vs. 2.2/3). Selectivity is nearly identical, with Harvard at a 4% acceptance rate and Princeton at 5%, both with a 1510–1580 SAT range. For producing future science and engineering PhDs, Princeton's yield is 10.8 versus Harvard's 9.5. Both boast a 98% graduation rate.
Where they overlap Both are highly selective Ivy League institutions with strong academic preparation in their student bodies and high graduation rates. They are both situated in city settings with significant academic resources.
How they differ The cultures and environments differ. Harvard is located in the urban setting of Cambridge and Boston, with a large graduate student population. Princeton offers a more self-contained campus community with a predominant focus on undergraduates.
Who each suits Harvard suits students drawn to an urban setting and a wide range of academic and professional resources. Princeton is a match for students who prefer a campus-focused undergraduate community with an emphasis on academic engagement.
Quick answers
- Is Harvard University or Princeton University harder to get into?
- Harvard University is more selective: Harvard University's acceptance rate is approximately 4% and Princeton University's is approximately 5% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Harvard University vs Princeton University?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1510–1580 at Harvard University and 1510–1580 at Princeton University. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.
These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.