Princeton University and MIT are both elite institutions offering exceptional academic and research opportunities. MIT distinguishes itself with a slightly lower student-faculty ratio and a stronger emphasis on science and technology, while Princeton is known for its strong liberal arts programs and residential college system. Both offer guaranteed housing and meet 100% of demonstrated financial need, making them accessible to students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. The choice between the two depends on the student's specific academic interests and preferred campus environment.
| Attribute | Princeton University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 4%. For the Class of 2028, the acceptance rate was 4.62%. | Approximately 4.5% overall for the Class of 2029; around 6% for early action. |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 5:1. A 3:1 ratio is also mentioned. | 3:1 |
| Average SAT/ACT Scores | SAT: 1500-1580 (average 1518, another source mentions 1470-1560). ACT: 34-35. | SAT: 1510-1580, ACT: 34-36 |
| Tuition and Fees | Tuition for undergraduates was $57,410 in the 2022-23 academic year. The estimated cost of attendance for the 2024-2025 academic year is approximately $86,700. The estimated cost of attendance for 2025-2026 is $90,718. | Approximately $82,730 for the 2023-2024 academic year; Tuition alone is $59,750. |
| Financial Aid Availability | Meets 100% of demonstrated need with grant aid, and no loans are required. Approximately 62% of undergraduates receive financial aid. The average grant for the Class of 2025 was $62,200. | Meets 100% of demonstrated financial need; $0 parent contribution for families with incomes below $100,000 (and typical assets). |
| Research Opportunities | Numerous research centers, institutes, and labs. A variety of internships and summer programs are available to Princeton students through multiple University offices and affiliated programs. Examples include COLDEX REU, Princeton Neuroscience Institute Summer Internship Program, and PCCM. | Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP); approximately 95% of graduating seniors participate in research. |
| Internship Programs | Various internship programs, including the Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment (ACEE) Summer Internships, the International Internship Program (IIP), and the eLab Summer Accelerator. Interns have held positions in government, media, education, public health and nongovernmental organizations, as well as financial and research institutions. | Entrepreneurship Internship with the Martin Trust Center, Materials Science and Engineering Industrial Internship Program, Leaders for Global Operations Internship Program, and international internship opportunities through MISTI. |
| Campus Housing Quality | Princeton's residential colleges house nearly all students for all four years. | Guaranteed housing for all four years; all first-year students required to live in on-campus residence halls; 10 undergraduate dormitories with different cultures and traditions. |
| Career Services Effectiveness | Resources are available for career development and job placement through the Center for Career Development. | Career Advising and Professional Development (CAPD) office offers career advising, fellowships advising, and professional development support. |
| Alumni Network Strength | Alumni actively support current students. | Strong and active alumni network. |
| Graduate Program Rankings | Ranked as #1 in National Universities by U.S. News and World Report for 13 consecutive years as of 2025. | Consistently ranks high in graduate programs across various disciplines. |
| Undergraduate Program Variety | Offers undergraduate programs in humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering across 36 academic departments. | Offers a wide variety of undergraduate programs with 56 undergraduate programs. |