Cornell University vs Princeton University
Princeton University is extremely selective with a 4.5% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Cornell University (8.2%). Graduates of Princeton University earn $6,023 more per year at the 10-year mark ($110,066 vs $104,043). For families earning $48k–$75k, Princeton University is more affordable at $1,217 net price vs $6,796. Students at Princeton University graduate with less debt ($10,320 vs $14,000).
Admissions & Outcomes
Princeton University has a higher yield rate (76.7%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. Both schools have similar median SAT scores around 1520, so standardized test scores alone won't differentiate applicants.
Ithaca, NY
Princeton, NJ
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), Princeton University is more affordable at $41 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $49,992 vs $36,094.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. Princeton University enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (19%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Cornell University
- 1 Computer Science$122,485
- 2 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering$92,277
- 3 Mathematics$91,211
- 4 Operations Research$85,538
- 5 Chemical Engineering$83,351
Princeton University
- 1 Economics$103,078
- 2 Computer Engineering$103,078
- 3 Public Policy Analysis$62,012
- 4 Political Science and Government$47,260
- 5 English Language and Literature, General$47,260
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Cornell University
- 1 Computer Science
- 2 Hospitality Administration/Management
- 3 Human Resources Management and Services
- 4 Agricultural Business and Management
- 5 Biology, General
Princeton University
- 1 Computer Science
- 2 Economics
- 3 Public Policy Analysis
- 4 Operations Research
- 5 History
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Cornell University
- International students26%
- Tuition (international)$58,586
- Est. total cost/year$75,038
- School typePublic
Princeton University
- International students24%
- Tuition (international)$48,502
- Est. total cost/year$63,844
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
- With 26% international enrollment, Cornell University likely has a well-established international student community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Cornell University or Princeton University?
Princeton University is more selective with a 4.5% acceptance rate, compared to 8.2%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Cornell University or Princeton University?
Princeton University graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $110,066 compared to $104,043. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Cornell University or Princeton University?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Princeton University has a lower net price at $1,217 per year vs $6,796. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Cornell University vs Princeton University?
Princeton University has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 97.4%, compared to 95.3%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Cornell University or Princeton University?
Cornell University has a larger international student population at 26% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Cornell University and Princeton University?
At Cornell University, Computer Science graduates earn a median of $122,485 within two years. At Princeton University, the top-earning major is Economics at $103,078. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.