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Colleges: Princeton University vs. Harvard University

Quick Verdict

Both Princeton and Harvard are elite institutions offering exceptional academic and research opportunities. Harvard boasts a larger endowment and slightly lower acceptance rate, while Princeton offers a more intimate learning environment with a lower student-faculty ratio. The choice between them depends on individual preferences regarding campus environment, program focus, and desired learning style.

Key features – Side-by-Side

AttributePrinceton UniversityHarvard University
Acceptance RateAround 4-5%Around 3-4%. For the Class of 2028, it was 3.59%.
Tuition and FeesTuition is $62,400 (2024-2025). Estimated cost of attendance is $90,718.Undergraduate tuition for full-time students in Harvard College is around $54,032 per year. Total cost of attendance for 2023-2024 is estimated at $86,794 per year. For 2025-2026, tuition is projected to be $57,328. Graduate program costs vary, ranging from $30,000 to $56,000 for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Student-Faculty Ratio5:17:1
Graduation Rate97%Typically around 97-98%. A 6-year graduation rate is also around 98%.
Endowment Size$34.1 billion (2024)$53.2 billion as of June 30, 2024.
Research OutputR1: Doctoral Universities ```json.js {

Overall Comparison

Harvard University has a larger endowment at $53.2 billion compared to Princeton University's $34.1 billion. Harvard's acceptance rate is slightly lower at around 3-4% versus Princeton's 4-5%. Princeton has a lower student-faculty ratio of 5:1 compared to Harvard's 7:1.

Pros and Cons

Princeton University

Pros:
  • Small class sizes
  • Strong academic relationships with professors
  • Vibrant campus life
  • Tight-knit community
  • Residential College system
  • Numerous student organizations
  • Guaranteed housing for all four years
  • Undergraduate research opportunities
  • Access to New York City and Philadelphia
Cons:
  • No major disadvantages reported.

Harvard University

Pros:
  • Strong focus on interdisciplinary learning and research
  • Personalized learning and mentorship due to 7:1 student-faculty ratio
  • Vibrant campus life with over 400 student organizations
  • Diverse student body with students from various ethnic, geographic, and socioeconomic backgrounds
  • Generous financial aid packages
  • Access to shops, restaurants, cultural attractions, and other activities in Cambridge/Boston
  • High starting salary for alumni
  • 97% of undergraduates live on campus
  • Historic architecture and green spaces
Cons:
  • Academic rigor

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