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Princeton University vs University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

46 data points compared. Stronger value in each row highlighted. Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS.

26
Princeton Wins
13
Tied / N/A
7
University Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Public
Urban
Setting
Urban
Mid-Atlantic
Region
Great Lakes
5,709
Enrollment
34,177
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

5%
Acceptance Rate
16%
1553
SAT Average
1465
34
ACT Midpoint
N/A
1510-1580
SAT Range
1360-1530

Cost & Financial Aid

$62,688
In-State Tuition
$17,736
$62,688
Out-of-State Tuition
$60,946
$6,128
Average Net Price
$13,138
$41
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$1,043
$352
Net Price ($30-48K)
$1,878
$1,217
Net Price ($48-75K)
$4,895
$36,094
Net Price ($110K+)
$26,517
19%
Pell Grant Rate
18%
2%
Federal Loan Rate
24%

Academics

97%
Graduation Rate
93%
98%
Retention Rate
97%
87%
Full-Time Faculty
82%
$25,354
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$13,384
28%
First-Gen Students
21%

Student Body

51%
Female
53%
34%
White
47%
10%
Hispanic
12%
9%
Black
5%
23%
Asian
18%
0.79
Diversity Index
0.72

Outcomes

$87,815
Earnings (6yr)
$73,762
$112,152
Earnings (8yr)
$78,273
$110,066
Earnings (10yr)
$83,648
$10,320
Median Debt
$19,500
0.09x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.23x
83%
Earning Above HS
80%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

134.58%
Mobility Rate
N/A
6586.5%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
N/A
204.3%
From Bottom 20%
N/A
$218,100
Parent Median Income
N/A

Social Capital

1.88
Economic Connectedness
1.61
-0.00
Friending Bias
0.08
10.8%
Volunteering Rate
8.9%

Research (Times HE)

#5
World Rank
N/A
90.9
Teaching Score
N/A
95.4
Research Score
N/A
99.9
Citations Score
N/A

The Overviews

Princeton University

Princeton, NJ · Private nonprofit

5% accept 97% grad $110,066 earnings $6,128 net

With an acceptance rate of just 5%, Princeton University is not for everyone, but for those who make the cut, it’s a place where ambition meets opportunity. The school attracts bright minds, particularly in fields like Social Sciences, Engineering, Computer Science, and Biology. Students here are often deeply engaged in their studies, working alongside faculty who are leaders in their fields. This kind of environment fosters not just learning but also a strong sense of community among peers.

After graduation, the benefits of attending Princeton are clear. Alumni can expect an impressive average earning of $110,066 within a decade of finishing their degrees. This speaks volumes about the value of a Princeton education, especially when considering the high graduation rate of 97%. The school’s focus on producing skilled graduates who excel in their careers contributes significantly to their long-term success.

When it comes to finances, the net price after aid is manageable at $6,128, and the median debt stands at $10,320. This means many graduates leave with a realistic financial outlook, allowing them to focus on their careers rather than being weighed down by overwhelming debt. Students who thrive here often come from diverse backgrounds, bringing a variety of perspectives that enhance classroom discussions and campus life.

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI · Public

16% accept 93% grad $83,648 earnings $13,138 net

With an enrollment of nearly 34,200 students, the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor is a vibrant and competitive environment suited for those who thrive in large, diverse settings. The acceptance rate of just 16% means that the university attracts a motivated student body. Here, students dive into popular programs like Computer Science & IT, Engineering, and Business & Marketing, allowing them to engage deeply with their fields while also enjoying the resources of a large public university.

Looking at life after graduation, graduates from Michigan can expect to earn about $83,648 within ten years of completing their degrees. This level of earnings reflects the strong career support and alumni network that helps many students advance in their careers. The university’s high graduation rate of 93% speaks to the commitment of faculty and students alike, ensuring that most make it through to graduation, which is a key factor in securing better job opportunities.

When considering the financial aspect, the net price for students after financial aid is around $13,138, making it a reasonably affordable choice given the quality of education received. With a median debt of $19,500, most graduates leave with manageable loans, especially in light of their earning potential. Students who excel here often share a drive to succeed and a passion for their chosen fields, making Michigan a great fit for those eager to make an impact in their careers.

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