UPenn vs Princeton University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for University of Pennsylvania and Princeton University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
UPenn vs Princeton University at a glance
UPenn admits 5.4% of applicants and Princeton University 4.6% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $29,577 at UPenn and $7,815 at Princeton University. Six-year graduation rates are 96.9% and 97.4%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- UPenn admits 5.4% of applicants and Princeton University 4.6%, so both are about equally selective.
- The average net price after grants is $29,577 a year at UPenn and $7,815 at Princeton University; Princeton University costs $21,762 less a year.
- 96.9% of students graduate within six years at UPenn, against 97.4% at Princeton University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $121,687 for UPenn and $133,523 for Princeton University; Princeton University is $11,836 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $15,000 at UPenn and $12,400 at Princeton University.
- UPenn enrolls 10,650 students (large city) and Princeton University 5,709 (small city).
Side by side
UPenn and Princeton 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 | UPenn | Princeton University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 5.4% | 4.6% |
| Applicants | 56,332 | 37,601 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1510–1570 | 1510–1580 |
| ACT middle 50% | 34–36 | 34–35 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $29,577 | $7,815 |
| Tuition, in state | $71,236 | $65,510 |
| Tuition, out of state | $71,236 | $65,510 |
| Cost of attendance | $92,288 | $87,888 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| $30,001–$48,000 | $234 | $795 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $12,421 | $1,346 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $25,263 | $4,761 |
| Over $110,000 | $61,455 | $38,927 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 96.9% | 97.4% |
| First-year retention | 98.9% | 98.4% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $121,687 | $133,523 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $15,000 | $12,400 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $170 | $141 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 10,650 | 5,709 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Large | City: Small |
| Location | Philadelphia, PA | Princeton, NJ |
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
UPenn reports 77 bachelor's programs and Princeton University 36; 30 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about UPenn vs Princeton University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into UPenn or Princeton University?
Princeton University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: UPenn admits 5.4% of applicants and Princeton University admits 4.6%. Middle 50% SAT scores: UPenn 1510–1570; Princeton University 1510–1580.
Which is cheaper, UPenn or Princeton University?
Princeton University has the lower average net price after grants: $29,577 a year at UPenn against $7,815 at Princeton University. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do UPenn or Princeton University graduates earn more?
Princeton University graduates earn more at the median: $121,687 ten years after entry for UPenn and $133,523 for Princeton University. Median federal debt at graduation is $15,000 and $12,400.
Which has a higher graduation rate, UPenn or Princeton University?
Princeton University does: 96.9% of UPenn students graduate within six years, against 97.4% at Princeton University.
How big are UPenn and Princeton University?
UPenn has 10,650 students in Philadelphia, PA and Princeton University has 5,709 students in Princeton, NJ.