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Princeton University vs Rutgers University-New Brunswick

Princeton University is a private university in Princeton, NJ. Rutgers University-New Brunswick is a public university in New Brunswick, NJ. Princeton University admits about 5% of applicants and Rutgers University-New Brunswick about 58%, making Princeton University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $6,128 a year at Princeton University after aid, and about $24,406 at Rutgers University-New Brunswick. About 97% of students graduate at Princeton University, compared with 84% at Rutgers University-New Brunswick. Ten years after enrolling, Princeton University alumni earn a median of about $110,066, against $74,479 for Rutgers University-New Brunswick.

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Princeton University

Princeton, NJ · Private

Rutgers University-New Brunswick

New Brunswick, NJ · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Princeton, NJ
New Brunswick, NJ
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
5,709
37,751
Acceptance rate
5%
58%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.6–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1510–1580
1310–1500
ACT (middle 50%)
34–35
28–33
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$6,128
$24,406
Full cost / yr
$84,040
$36,993
In-state tuition
$62,688
$17,929
Out-of-state tuition
$62,688
$37,441
Application fee
$70
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$41
$16,343
$30k - $48k
$352
$16,210
$48k - $75k
$1,217
$18,282
$75k - $110k
$4,478
$25,106
Over $110k
$36,094
$35,016
Outcomes
Graduation rate
97%
84%
Freshman retention
98%
93%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$87,815
$61,263
Median earnings (10 yr)
$110,066
$74,479
Median debt at graduation
$10,320
$21,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
19%
28%
First-generation students
28%
35%
International students
13%
7%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 1
Dec 1

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Princeton University or Rutgers University-New Brunswick harder to get into?
Princeton University is harder to get into. It admits about 5% of applicants, compared with 58% at Rutgers University-New Brunswick. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Princeton University or Rutgers University-New Brunswick?
Princeton University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $6,128 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $24,406 at Rutgers University-New Brunswick. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Princeton University and Rutgers University-New Brunswick?
Before aid, Rutgers University-New Brunswick costs about $36,993 a year and Princeton University about $84,040. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Princeton University or Rutgers University-New Brunswick?
Princeton University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $41 there, against about $16,343 at Rutgers University-New Brunswick. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Princeton University or Rutgers University-New Brunswick?
Rutgers University-New Brunswick is the larger of the two, with about 37,751 undergraduates against 5,709 at Princeton University.
Does Princeton University or Rutgers University-New Brunswick have a better graduation rate?
Princeton University has the higher graduation rate, at about 97% against 84% at Rutgers University-New Brunswick.
Do graduates of Princeton University or Rutgers University-New Brunswick earn more?
Princeton University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $110,066 ten years after enrolling, against about $74,479 for Rutgers University-New Brunswick. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Princeton University and Rutgers University-New Brunswick require SAT or ACT scores?
Princeton University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Rutgers University-New Brunswick is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Princeton University and Rutgers University-New Brunswick look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1510–1580 at Princeton University and 1310–1500 at Rutgers University-New Brunswick. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school