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College comparison
Princeton vs Yale
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 |  Princeton Princeton, NJ |  Yale New Haven, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateYale University is more selective | 5% | 4% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1510–1580 | 1470–1570 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 5,709 | 6,758 |
| Avg net price | $6,128 | $23,777 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Princeton reports higher median earnings | $110,066 | $100,533 |
| Graduation rate | 98% | 96% |
| Median debt | $10,320 | $12,975 |
| Economic mobility | 1.3% | 2.1% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Princeton vs Yale: how they compare
Princeton and Yale are both highly selective universities, but they offer distinct value propositions and campus cultures for a data-driven family to weigh.
By the numbers Princeton demonstrates superior financial value and early-career earnings. Its average net price is $6,000 versus Yale's $24,000, and its 10-year median graduate earnings are $110,000 versus $101,000. This results in a significantly higher value score (18.0× vs. 4.2× earnings per dollar of net price). Princeton also shows slightly higher graduation rates (98% vs. 96%) and a stronger yield of future science & engineering PhDs (10.8 vs. 8.4). Yale, however, excels in economic mobility (208% vs. 135%) and has a perfect DOE financial-health score (3.0/3 vs. 2.2/3). Selectivity is comparable, with Yale's acceptance rate slightly lower (4% vs. 5%) and Princeton's SAT 25-75th percentile range slightly higher (1510–1580 vs. 1470–1570). Yale's admit-rate volatility is notably higher (52% vs. 30%).
Where they overlap Both are elite Ivy League institutions located in city settings, offering world-class resources and research-driven academics. Their prestige affords graduates exceptional career and graduate school opportunities.
How they differ Culturally, they diverge. Princeton's campus is described as historic and peaceful, fostering an academically intense but supportive community, with noted strength in math and sciences. Yale's culture is frequently characterized as creatively vibrant, with a strong emphasis on the liberal arts and a larger graduate school presence.
Who each suits Princeton suits a student seeking a highly residential campus in a quieter college-town atmosphere, who values strong financial ROI and STEM pathways. Yale is the fit for a student drawn to an artistically charged campus culture within a livelier small city, who prioritizes a liberal arts experience within a larger university ecosystem.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
Quick answers
- Is Princeton University or Yale University harder to get into?
- Yale University is more selective: Princeton University's acceptance rate is approximately 5% and Yale University's is approximately 4% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Princeton University vs Yale University?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1510–1580 at Princeton University and 1470–1570 at Yale 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.