Princton vs Stanford

Princeton University and Stanford University, two of the most prestigious institutions of higher learning in the world, offer students a transformative educational experience. While they share a commitment to academic excellence and innovation, these universities have distinct characteristics that set them apart. Princeton, located in New Jersey, is known for its rigorous liberal arts curriculum, small class sizes, and strong emphasis on undergraduate research. Stanford, situated in California, is renowned for its entrepreneurial spirit, interdisciplinary approach, and world-class research facilities. With acceptance rates of 5.8% and 4.7%, respectively, both universities are highly selective, attracting top students from around the globe. Explore the detailed comparison table below to delve into the differences in popular majors, student body demographics, graduation rates, and more, to determine which university best aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Princeton University	Stanford University
Overview
Location	Princeton, New Jersey	Stanford, California
Campus setting	City: Small	Suburb: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	Quarter
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	96.0%	98.0%
Common app member	Yes	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	4.4%	3.9%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $70 Graduate: $75	Undergraduate: $90 Graduate: $125
SAT range	1460 - 1570	1470 - 1570
ACT range	33 - 35	34 - 35
Students submitting SAT score	56.0%	15.0%
Students submitting ACT score	35.0%	11.0%
Total number of applicants	37,601	55,471
Total number of admissions given out	1,647	2,190
Admitted students who chose to enroll	1,290	1,757
Yield rate	78.3%	80.2%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Not required	Not required
Recommendation letters	Required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Not required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$78,490	$78,898
Average net price	$20,908	$14,402
Tuition	$56,010	$55,473
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $10,690 Meal plan: $7,490	Room/dormitory: $11,166 Meal plan: $6,694
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	65.0% Average amount $47,136	61.0% Average amount $56,211
Students receiving federal student loan	2.0% Average amount $5,278	5.0% Average amount $5,151
Students taking out private loans	2.0% Average amount $8,938	1.0% Average amount $17,186

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	5,321 Men 50.3% Women 49.7%	7,645 Men 49.4% Women 50.6%
Graduate students	3,157 Men 58.3% Women 41.7%	10,035 Men 56.5% Women 43.5%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Moderate
Out-of-state students	82.6%	58.5%
International students	22.8%	24.4%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity	5,151	14,621
First year students are required to live on campus?	Yes	Yes
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	New Jersey California New York Pennsylvania Texas	California Texas Washington New York Illinois

Academics
Popular study areas	Social Sciences Engineering Public Administration and Social Service Physical Science Biological and Biomedical Sciences	Engineering Computer and Information Science Business Biological and Biomedical Sciences Physical Science
Students to faculty ratio	5:1	5:1
Institutional accreditation	Middle States Commission on Higher Education	Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	97.6%	95.5%
Dropout rate	1.9%	1.7%
Transferred out	N/A	0.6%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $122,809 Year 2: $103,078 Year 3: $181,687 Public Policy Analysis (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $75,130 Year 2: $75,518 Year 3: $85,666 Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $37,831 Year 2: $47,260 Year 3: $66,134 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $65,473 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $60,463 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A English Language and Literature, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $24,879 Year 2: $47,260 Year 3: N/A Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $37,568 Year 3: N/A Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $38,447 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A Chemistry (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $76,460 Year 3: N/A Research and Experimental Psychology (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $45,198 Year 2: $33,993 Year 3: N/A	Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $151,574 Year 2: $170,457 Year 3: $210,837 Computer Science (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $159,729 Year 2: $168,942 Year 3: $203,193 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $164,734 Year 2: $163,337 Year 3: $187,054 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $137,457 Year 2: $150,874 Year 3: $173,548 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $136,126 Year 2: $136,499 Year 3: $165,375 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $128,556 Year 2: $135,709 Year 3: $157,500 Engineering-Related Fields (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $123,354 Year 2: $106,421 Year 3: $139,234 Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $105,326 Year 2: $111,435 Year 3: $126,185 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $108,457 Year 2: $90,856 Year 3: $107,477 Economics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $60,475 Year 2: $85,391 Year 3: $104,592

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Princeton and Stanford?

Princeton, located in New Jersey, is known for its strong focus on undergraduate education, a tight-knit residential college system, and a more traditional Ivy League experience. Stanford, situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, emphasizes innovation, entrepreneurship, and a strong connection to the tech industry. Princeton excels in fields like public policy, history, and theoretical sciences, while Stanford is renowned for its engineering, computer science, and business programs. The campus cultures also differ; Princeton has a more historic and collegiate feel, while Stanford boasts a modern, sprawling campus with a more laid-back atmosphere.
Which university is better for STEM fields?

While both universities offer excellent STEM programs, Stanford is generally considered to have a stronger reputation and more extensive resources in fields like engineering, computer science, and related technologies. Its proximity to Silicon Valley provides unparalleled opportunities for internships, research collaborations, and career prospects in the tech industry. Princeton, however, has outstanding programs in mathematics, physics, and other theoretical sciences, and its engineering school is highly regarded, particularly for its focus on fundamental research.
How do the campus cultures compare?

Princeton's campus culture is often described as more traditional and academically focused, with a strong emphasis on its residential college system, fostering a close-knit community. Stanford's culture is more entrepreneurial, innovative, and relaxed, reflecting its Silicon Valley location. Stanford students often pursue diverse interests, including technology startups, and the campus has a more informal and collaborative atmosphere. Princeton's social life revolves more around campus events and traditions, while Stanford students have access to a wider range of activities both on and off campus.
Which university is stronger in the humanities and social sciences?

Princeton is widely recognized for its exceptional humanities and social sciences programs. It has a long-standing tradition of excellence in fields like history, English, political science, and public policy. Stanford also offers strong programs in these areas, but Princeton's humanities departments are often considered to be among the best in the world. Both universities provide ample opportunities for research and engagement in these fields.
What are the differences in location and surrounding environment?

Princeton is located in a small, historic town in New Jersey, offering a classic college town experience. It's relatively close to both New York City and Philadelphia, providing access to cultural and professional opportunities. Stanford is situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, California, a hub of technological innovation and entrepreneurship. The surrounding area offers a vibrant and diverse environment with access to outdoor activities, a thriving tech industry, and a more temperate climate.
How do the admissions processes compare?

Both Princeton and Stanford have highly selective admissions processes. They both look for students with exceptional academic records, strong extracurricular involvement, compelling essays, and outstanding letters of recommendation. The specific criteria and emphasis may vary slightly, but both universities seek well-rounded individuals with a passion for learning and a demonstrated ability to contribute to their respective communities. Expect a rigorous and competitive application process for both institutions.
What are the financial aid policies like at Princeton and Stanford?

Both Princeton and Stanford have generous financial aid policies that aim to make education accessible to students from all socioeconomic backgrounds. They both offer need-based financial aid packages that can cover tuition, room and board, and other expenses. Both universities are committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need, and they do not require students to take out loans as part of their financial aid packages. It's best to consult their respective financial aid websites for the most up-to-date information and specific eligibility requirements.
Which university is better for networking opportunities?

Both universities offer excellent networking opportunities, but the nature of those opportunities differs. Stanford's proximity to Silicon Valley provides unparalleled access to the tech industry, venture capital firms, and innovative startups. Princeton's strong alumni network spans a wide range of fields, including government, finance, academia, and the arts. The best choice depends on your career aspirations and the types of connections you seek to build.
How do the residential experiences differ?

Princeton's residential college system is a defining feature of the undergraduate experience. Students are assigned to one of six residential colleges (soon to be seven), which serve as their home base for four years, fostering a strong sense of community. Stanford also has a residential system, but it's less structured and students have more flexibility in choosing their housing options. Stanford's housing options are more varied, ranging from traditional dorms to themed houses and apartments.
What are the key similarities between Princeton and Stanford?

Despite their differences, Princeton and Stanford share several key similarities. Both are world-renowned universities with exceptional academic reputations, attracting top students and faculty from around the globe. They both offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing research and innovation. Both universities are committed to providing a transformative educational experience and preparing students for leadership roles in their respective fields. They also both have strong alumni networks and a commitment to serving the greater good.

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