Colleges: Princeton University vs. Stanford University
Quick Verdict
Princeton and Stanford are both elite universities with comparable selectivity, financial resources, and commitment to financial aid, but differ in campus size and location.
- Both universities have highly selective admissions with a 4% acceptance rate.
- Both institutions boast substantial endowments, exceeding $37 billion.
- Both universities offer generous financial aid, meeting full demonstrated need.
Key features – Side-by-Side
| Attribute | Princeton University | Stanford University |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 4% | 4% |
| Tuition and Fees | $62,688 (2025 undergraduate tuition and fees) | $62,484 (2023-2024) |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 5:1 | Around 5:1 or 6:1 |
| Graduation Rate | 98% overall, 90% within four years | 96% (6-year graduation rate is 94%) |
| Endowment Size | $37.7 billion | $37.6 billion |
| Campus Size | 600 acres | 8,180 acres |
| Diversity of Student Body | 55% minorities or people of color, 13% international students | Nearly balanced by gender; Ethnically diverse with a significant Asian population. 14% international students |
Overall Comparison
Acceptance: 4% (tie); Endowment: ~$37B (tie); Student-Faculty: ~5:1 (tie); Campus Size: Stanford larger
Pros and Cons
Princeton University
Pros:
- Low student-to-faculty ratio (5:1)
- High graduation rate (98%)
- Large endowment ($37.7 billion)
- Leading research university
- Diverse student body (55% minorities or people of color)
- Generous financial aid
- Strong engineering and humanities programs
- Good career placement rate
- Ample opportunities to work closely with professors
- Various summer research programs and internships for undergraduates
- On-campus housing for all four years
- Many opportunities for students to become involved in campus life
Cons:
- No major disadvantages reported.
Stanford University
Pros:
- High graduation rate
- Significant endowment size
- Very high research activity
- Diverse student body
- Generous financial aid
- Strong engineering and humanities programs
- Close student and faculty interaction
- Wide range of internship and research opportunities
- Extracurricular activities are very important
Cons:
- Very low acceptance rate
- Data on average debt upon graduation is not specified
- Information on specific security measures was not found
User Experiences and Feedback
Princeton University
What Users Love
- Tight-knit, hardworking, cooperative, and supportive academic culture
- Ample opportunities to work closely with professors
- Offers various summer research programs and internships for undergraduates
- Prepares students for the job world by having a variety of international internships hosted during the summer
- Ensures students' ability to have on-campus housing for all four years
- Offers around 300-500 student organizations, 18 clubs relating to sports, and 15 chaplaincies
Common Complaints
- No major complaints reported.
Value Perception
- No value feedback reported.
Stanford University
What Users Love
- Optimistic students
- Fun students
- Intellectual students
- Bright students
- Creative students
- Career-oriented students
- Friendly students
- Socially liberal students
- Relaxed students
Common Complaints
- No major complaints reported.
Value Perception
- No value feedback reported.