HEAD TO HEAD · LIVE FROM IPEDS

Yale University vs Princeton University

Side-by-side comparison with data from federal sources. Every metric traceable to IPEDS or College Scorecard.

SCHOOL A · PRIVATE

Yale University

New Haven, CT

DECISION SCORE

METRICS

SCHOOL B · PRIVATE

Princeton University

Princeton, NJ

DECISION SCORE

Metric-by-metric

winner highlighted

Metric	Yale University	Princeton University	Edge
Acceptance Rate	4.5%	4.5%	Tie
Average SAT	1540	1540	Tie
Enrollment	16,416	8,946	Yale University larger
Median Earnings (10yr)	$100,533	$110,066	Princeton University
Median Debt	$12,975	$10,320	Princeton University lower
Pell Grant Rate	19.0%	19.0%	Higher = more low-income students

Decision scores

Yale University

Princeton University

Top majors

Yale University

Social Sciences 22.3%

Biological Sciences 10.9%

Computer Science 10.3%

Multidisciplinary 7.6%

Mathematics/Statistics 7.4%

Princeton University

Social Sciences 19.7%

Engineering 16.4%

Computer Science 15.7%

Biological Sciences 9.0%

Public Administration 8.9%

Which Should You Choose?

Both Yale University and Princeton University are outstanding institutions. The right choice depends on your priorities:

If location matters: Yale University is in New Haven, CT while Princeton University is in Princeton, NJ
If cost is a factor: Compare net prices for your family income bracket above
If career outcomes are the priority: Look at the salary data by major for each school
If getting in is the concern: Check which school's acceptance rate and profile better match yours

Yale University vs Princeton University FAQs

Which is harder to get into, Yale University or Princeton University?

Yale University is harder to get into, with a 4.5% acceptance rate vs Princeton University's 4.5%. Lower acceptance rate means more competitive admission, but admission profile (GPA, SAT, course rigor) matters more than the rate alone.

Which is more expensive, Yale University or Princeton University?

Yale University has a higher sticker cost of attendance ($88,300/yr) vs Princeton University ($84,040/yr) — a difference of $4,260/yr at sticker price. But after financial aid, the average family pays $21,942/yr at Yale University vs $8,436/yr at Princeton University.

Which has higher graduate earnings, Yale University or Princeton University?

Princeton University graduates earn more — a median of $110,066 10 years post-grad, vs $100,533 at Yale University. Note this is school-wide median; major choice impacts earnings far more than school choice.

Which should I choose, Yale University or Princeton University?

It depends on your priorities. Yale University is in New Haven, CT; Princeton University is in Princeton, NJ. Weigh acceptance odds against your profile, net cost for your family income, salary outcomes for your intended major, and campus fit (location, size, urban vs rural).

Which has better programs, Yale University or Princeton University?

Both Yale University and Princeton University have multiple top-ranked programs. The right answer depends on your major. Compare the salary-by-major tables on each school's salary page — Yale University's salary page and Princeton University's salary page — to see which school's grads in your target major earn more.

Explore each school

YALE UNIVERSITY

Acceptance Rate Tuition & Cost Salary & ROI

PRINCETON UNIVERSITY

Acceptance Rate Tuition & Cost Salary & ROI

Data source: College Scorecard, IPEDS.