College comparison

Northwestern 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	Northwestern Evanston, IL	Princeton Princeton, NJ
Acceptance ratePrinceton University is more selective	8%	5%
SAT (25–75)	1510–1570	1510–1580
ACT (25–75)	—	—
Undergrad enrollment	9,201	5,709
Avg net price	$29,167	$6,128
Median earnings (10 yr)Princeton reports higher median earnings	$89,363	$110,066
Graduation rate	95%	98%
Median debt	$15,000	$10,320
Economic mobility	1.7%	1.3%
Test policy	—	—
Type	Private (nonprofit)	Private (nonprofit)

Quick answers

Is Northwestern University or Princeton University harder to get into?

Princeton University is more selective: Northwestern University's acceptance rate is approximately 8% and Princeton University's is approximately 5% (estimates from public and primary sources).

What SAT score do you need for Northwestern University vs Princeton University?

The middle-50% SAT range is 1510–1570 at Northwestern 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.