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College comparison
MIT 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 |  MIT Cambridge, MA |  Princeton Princeton, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateMassachusetts Institute of Technology is more selective | 5% | 5% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1520–1580 | 1510–1580 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 4,535 | 5,709 |
| Avg net price | $20,111 | $6,128 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)MIT reports higher median earnings | $143,372 | $110,066 |
| Graduation rate | 96% | 98% |
| Median debt | $14,768 | $10,320 |
| Economic mobility | 3.4% | 1.3% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
MIT vs Princeton: how they compare
Two premier institutions offering distinct environments for top students, with key trade-offs in value, outcomes, and culture.
By the numbers The quantitative profiles reveal a clear contrast in value proposition and outcomes. On value, Princeton’s average net price of $6k yields a remarkable 18.0× earnings multiple per dollar, far exceeding MIT’s 7.1× on its $20k net price. For outcomes, MIT’s 10-year median earnings of $143k significantly outpace Princeton’s $110k, and MIT’s future-scholar yield in science/engineering PhDs is 17.8 versus Princeton’s 10.8. Selectivity is similarly extreme, with both at a 5% acceptance rate and nearly identical SAT 25–75 percentiles (MIT 1520–1580, Princeton 1510–1580). Mobility differs sharply: MIT’s economic-mobility rate is 340% compared to Princeton’s 135%. MIT shows higher admit-rate volatility (72% vs. 30%), while Princeton has a DOE financial-health score of 2.2/3. Graduation rates are both elite (96% MIT, 98% Princeton).
Where they overlap Both are highly selective, world-renowned universities set in city-influenced environments with exceptional graduation rates. They serve as strong launchpads for high-earning careers and advanced scholarly work, particularly in STEM fields.
How they differ Culturally, MIT is described as fast-paced, project-oriented, meritocratic, and intense, with a collaborative and down-to-earth student body in a vibrant urban setting. Its architecture is noted as more brutalist. Princeton offers a contrasting experience, often characterized as more traditional, with an extremely beautiful campus in a quieter, suburban setting and a strong focus on undergraduate life. Socially, Princeton’s environment is sometimes perceived as more formal compared to MIT’s informal, active, and adventurous culture.
Quick answers
- Is Massachusetts Institute of Technology or Princeton University harder to get into?
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology is more selective: Massachusetts Institute of Technology's acceptance rate is approximately 5% and Princeton University's is approximately 5% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Massachusetts Institute of Technology vs Princeton University?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1520–1580 at Massachusetts Institute of Technology 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.