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Harvard University vs Princeton University

Odds, test scores, cost, aid and graduation rates, side by side from each school's own Common Data Set. Add more schools

Getting in

Acceptance rate4.2%4.4%
Early decision rateNo EDNo ED
SAT middle 50%~1450–15601490–1560
ACT middle 50%33–3534–35
Applicant reports on our site1,2651,089

Cost and aid

Tuition——
Average need-based grant$72,749$79,320
Average % of need met100%100%

Outcomes

First-year retention98%99%
6-year graduation rate97.1%97%
Undergraduates6,7385,916

Best value in each row is highlighted. Sticker price uses out-of-state tuition for public universities and leaves out books, travel and aid. "—" means the school left the item blank in its Common Data Set.

Harvard University or Princeton University?

Is Harvard University harder to get into than Princeton University?

They are about equally selective: Harvard University admitted 4.2% of first-year applicants (2025-26) and Princeton University admitted 4.4% (2025-26).

What SAT scores do Harvard University and Princeton University students have?

The middle 50% of enrolled first-years scored about 1450–1560 at Harvard University and 1490–1560 at Princeton University.

Does Harvard University or Princeton University have a higher graduation rate?

97.1% of Harvard University students graduate within six years, compared with 97% at Princeton University.

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