Princeton University vs Brown University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Princeton University and Brown University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Princeton University vs Brown University at a glance
Princeton University admits 4.6% of applicants and Brown University 5.4% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $7,815 at Princeton University and $26,976 at Brown University. Six-year graduation rates are 97.4% and 95.6%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Princeton University admits 4.6% of applicants and Brown University 5.4%, so both are about equally selective.
- The average net price after grants is $7,815 a year at Princeton University and $26,976 at Brown University; Princeton University costs $19,161 less a year.
- 97.4% of students graduate within six years at Princeton University, against 95.6% at Brown University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $133,523 for Princeton University and $99,974 for Brown University; Princeton University is $33,549 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $12,400 at Princeton University and $14,567 at Brown University.
- Princeton University enrolls 5,709 students (small city) and Brown University 7,226 (midsize city).
Side by side
Princeton University and Brown University in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | Princeton University | Brown University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 4.6% | 5.4% |
| Applicants | 37,601 | 46,568 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1510–1580 | 1510–1580 |
| ACT middle 50% | 34–35 | 34–35 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $7,815 | $26,976 |
| Tuition, in state | $65,510 | $74,650 |
| Tuition, out of state | $65,510 | $74,650 |
| Cost of attendance | $87,888 | $91,676 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | Not reported | $39 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $795 | $228 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $1,346 | $10,079 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $4,761 | $24,827 |
| Over $110,000 | $38,927 | $48,459 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 97.4% | 95.6% |
| First-year retention | 98.4% | 98.8% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $133,523 | $99,974 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $12,400 | $14,567 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $141 | $166 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 5,709 | 7,226 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Small | City: Midsize |
| Location | Princeton, NJ | Providence, RI |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
Princeton University reports 36 bachelor's programs and Brown University 59; 29 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Princeton University vs Brown University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Princeton University or Brown University?
Princeton University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Princeton University admits 4.6% of applicants and Brown University admits 5.4%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Princeton University 1510–1580; Brown University 1510–1580.
Which is cheaper, Princeton University or Brown University?
Princeton University has the lower average net price after grants: $7,815 a year at Princeton University against $26,976 at Brown University. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Princeton University or Brown University graduates earn more?
Princeton University graduates earn more at the median: $133,523 ten years after entry for Princeton University and $99,974 for Brown University. Median federal debt at graduation is $12,400 and $14,567.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Princeton University or Brown University?
Princeton University does: 97.4% of Princeton University students graduate within six years, against 95.6% at Brown University.
How big are Princeton University and Brown University?
Princeton University has 5,709 students in Princeton, NJ and Brown University has 7,226 students in Providence, RI.