Skip to content
CollegeRanker

Compare

Princeton University vs Washington University in St Louis

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

31
Princeton Wins
8
Tied / N/A
7
Washington Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Suburban
Mid-Atlantic
Region
Plains
5,709
Enrollment
7,857
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

5%
Acceptance Rate
12%
1553
SAT Average
1530
34
ACT Midpoint
34
1510-1580
SAT Range
1500-1570

Cost & Financial Aid

$62,688
In-State Tuition
$65,790
$62,688
Out-of-State Tuition
$65,790
$6,128
Average Net Price
$21,786
$41
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$1,716
$352
Net Price ($30-48K)
$1,928
$1,217
Net Price ($48-75K)
$5,578
$36,094
Net Price ($110K+)
$42,170
19%
Pell Grant Rate
18%
2%
Federal Loan Rate
12%

Academics

97%
Graduation Rate
94%
98%
Retention Rate
95%
87%
Full-Time Faculty
73%
$25,354
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$16,945
28%
First-Gen Students
11%

Student Body

51%
Female
53%
34%
White
40%
10%
Hispanic
13%
9%
Black
9%
23%
Asian
21%
0.79
Diversity Index
0.76

Outcomes

$87,815
Earnings (6yr)
$78,073
$112,152
Earnings (8yr)
$81,347
$110,066
Earnings (10yr)
$86,182
$10,320
Median Debt
$17,500
0.09x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.2x
83%
Earning Above HS
84%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

134.58%
Mobility Rate
103.72%
6586.5%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
5350.8%
204.3%
From Bottom 20%
193.8%
$218,100
Parent Median Income
$180,200

Social Capital

1.88
Economic Connectedness
1.83
-0.00
Friending Bias
0.00
10.8%
Volunteering Rate
11.1%

Research (Times HE)

#5
World Rank
#38
90.9
Teaching Score
58.9
95.4
Research Score
63
99.9
Citations Score
88.6

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.

Washington University in St Louis

St. Louis, MO · Private nonprofit

12% accept 94% grad $86,182 earnings $21,786 net

With an acceptance rate of just 12%, Washington University in St. Louis attracts driven students looking for a rigorous academic environment. It’s a great fit for those interested in fields like engineering, biology, social sciences, computer science, and business. The graduation rate of 94% reflects a supportive community that helps students succeed and achieve their goals.

Life after graduation looks promising, with alumni reporting an average earnings of $86,182 ten years out. This figure highlights the potential for financial stability in a variety of career paths. While nearly 18% of students receive Pell Grants, the school’s commitment to affordability helps ensure that students from different economic backgrounds can thrive.

On the financial side, the net price after aid stands at $21,786, and the median debt for graduates is $17,500. This manageable debt load suggests that students here often leave school with a solid foundation for their financial futures. Those who tend to thrive are often self-motivated and eager to engage deeply with their studies and the campus community.

Sponsored

Compare Accredited Programs Accepting Applicants

Matched to high-demand fields — request info, free.

Ad