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Princeton University vs Rutgers University-Newark

Princeton University is a private university in Princeton, NJ, and Rutgers University-Newark is a public university in Newark, NJ. Princeton University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 5% of applicants against 71% at Rutgers University-Newark. Princeton University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $6,128 a year against $19,703 at Rutgers University-Newark. About 97% of students graduate at Princeton University, compared with 66% at Rutgers University-Newark. Ten years after enrolling, Princeton University alumni earn a median of about $110,066, against $74,479 for Rutgers University-Newark.

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Princeton University

Princeton, NJ · Private

Rutgers University-Newark

Newark, NJ · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Princeton, NJ
Newark, NJ
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
5,709
7,709
Acceptance rate
5%
71%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.42–3.92
SAT (middle 50%)
1510–1580
1030–1270
ACT (middle 50%)
34–35
21–28
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$6,128
$19,703
Full cost / yr
$84,040
$35,654
In-state tuition
$62,688
$17,250
Out-of-state tuition
$62,688
$36,762
Application fee
$70
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$41
$16,420
$30k - $48k
$352
$16,338
$48k - $75k
$1,217
$17,806
$75k - $110k
$4,478
$22,867
Over $110k
$36,094
$33,018
Outcomes
Graduation rate
97%
66%
Freshman retention
98%
84%
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%
59%
First-generation students
28%
35%
International students
13%
2%
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-Newark harder to get into?
Princeton University is harder to get into. It admits about 5% of applicants, compared with 71% at Rutgers University-Newark. 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-Newark?
Princeton University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $6,128 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $19,703 at Rutgers University-Newark. 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-Newark?
Before aid, Rutgers University-Newark costs about $35,654 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-Newark?
Princeton University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $41 there, against about $16,420 at Rutgers University-Newark. 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-Newark?
Rutgers University-Newark is the larger of the two, with about 7,709 undergraduates against 5,709 at Princeton University.
Does Princeton University or Rutgers University-Newark have a better graduation rate?
Princeton University has the higher graduation rate, at about 97% against 66% at Rutgers University-Newark.
Do graduates of Princeton University or Rutgers University-Newark 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-Newark. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Princeton University and Rutgers University-Newark require SAT or ACT scores?
Princeton University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Rutgers University-Newark is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Princeton University and Rutgers University-Newark look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1510–1580 at Princeton University and 1030–1270 at Rutgers University-Newark. 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