Princeton University vs Harvard University: Which One Should You Choose

Updated on 20 September, 2024

Sachin Pundir

Sachin Pundir

University Admission Expert

Princeton University vs Harvard University: Which One Should You Choose

Choosing the right university can be hard, especially when comparing two Ivy League members i.e., Princeton University and Harvard University. Both universities offer world-class faculty, exceptional resources, and academic programs, making the choice even more difficult. 

The cost is also almost similar, with Princeton at $59,710 and Harvard at $59,076 per year in terms of tuition. However, there are some differences in their academics and campus life.

This article will look at the key differences to help you pick the right university for abroad education.

Highlights: Princeton vs Harvard

Factors Princeton University  Harvard University
No of Students 7,753 20,050
Year of Establishment 1746  1636
Type of Institution Private Private
Academic Affiliations
  • AAU
  • COFHE
  • NAICU
  • URA
  • Space-grant
  • AAU
  • AICUM  
  • COFHE
  • NAICU
  • UArctic
  • URA
  • Space-grant
Popular Degrees Offered Psychology, Economics, Government, and Sociology, Computer Science, Mathematics, and Molecular and Cellular Biology  Law, Economics, Aerospace Engineering, Chemical and Biological Engineering, Computer Science, Public Policy

Princeton University vs Harvard University: QS Rankings 2024

The QS World rankings of Princeton University vs Harvard University for the year 2024 are stated below: 

University Name QS World Rankings-2024
Princeton University 17th 
Harvard University   4th

Princeton University vs Harvard University Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate of Princeton University is 6%, whereas at Harvard University, it is 3%.

Princeton University vs Harvard University: Eligibility Criteria 

The requirements to get into each university depend on the student's program. Here are the eligibility criteria for international students: 

Princeton University vs Harvard University for International Students

The eligibility criteria for studying at Princeton University are as follows:

  • To be e­ligible, students need a 4-ye­ar degree from an approve­d university, earned be­fore joining Princeton. Some international de­grees may take diffe­rent lengths but usually at least four ye­ars. Shorter programs of under three­ years won't work. All degree­s must be from accredited place­s of learning.
  • Submit a graded English paper(O- or A-level coursework), pre­ferably from English or history class, to showcase strong writing skills.
  • If English is not your first language and main instruction language in secondary school, submit TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Acade­mic scores. Exempt if English is your native language­ or you studied for 3+ years where­ English was the main instruction language.
  • Prince­ton has a test-optional policy for the next three­ admission cycles (2023-2025)- If you choose to submit scores, use the SAT or ACT. No minimum score­ is required, writing section is optional.

The eligibility criteria for studying at Harvard University are as follows:

  • Complete either the Common Application or Coalition Application by Scoir.
  • Answer five short-answer questions specific to Harvard College.
  • Submit a $85 application fee or request a fee waiver.
  • Provide SAT or ACT scores; alternatively, submit AP, IB, GCSE/A-Level, or National Leaving Exam results.
  • Optionally, submit AP or other examination results.
  • Include School Report with counselor letter and high school transcript.
  • Provide two teacher recommendations.
  • Submit the midyear school report after the first semester of grades.
  • For admitted students, submit the final school report.

Princeton vs Harvard: Admission Requirements

The admission requirements for studying at Princeton University are as follows:

  • Submit an official transcript sent directly by your school counselor or school official.
  • Complete and submit the School Report (SR) form, which should be filled out by your school counselor or another school official.
  • Provide a separate Counselor Recommendation in addition to the School Report.
  • Request two teacher recommendations from teachers who have taught you in higher-level courses, such as AP, IB, or A-Levels, in different academic areas.
  • If you choose to submit test scores, take the SAT or ACT by the October test date for early action or the December test date for regular decision.
  • Princeton does not require SAT Subject Tests, but you can submit them if you have taken them.
  • If English is not your native language and your school's primary language of instruction is not English, you must submit TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic scores. Princeton's TOEFL code is 2672.

The admission requirements for studying at Harvard University are as follows:

  • Submit an official high school transcript.
  • Provide a Secondary School Report, including a school profile (if available) and a letter of recommendation from your school counselor or another school leader.
  • If applying during your senior year, submit a Midyear School Report with your latest grades as soon as they become available.
  • For admitted students, a Final School Report and transcript must be submitted by July 1.

Princeton University vs Harvard University: Courses and Fees

The fees of Princeton University vs Harvard University for the 2024-25 session are as follows:

Course Princeton University Harvard University
Undergraduate Tuition Fees $56,010 $51,143 

Princeton University vs Harvard University: Scholarships Offered

Scholarships that international students can apply at Princeton University are listed below:

Scholarship Name Description Benefits
Centennial Fellowship in the Humanities and Social Sciences Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence and promise in research to be selected for Centennial Fellowships. Provides full tuition and a stipend above the standard rate.
Centennial Fellowship in the Natural Sciences and Engineering The scholarship is awarded on the basis of academic excellence and potential for future research. Supplements full tuition and stipend support in the first year.
Charles N. Hanna and Margaret T. Hanna Fund Fellowship Awardees of these fellowships are students who have actively promoted access, diversity, and inclusion at Princeton.  Provides partial fellowships, with priority for students in the humanities and social sciences in Dissertation Completion Enrollment (DCE) who have exhibited academic merit and made contributions to the university's diversity, access, and inclusion efforts.

Scholarships that international students can apply at Harvard University are listed below:

Scholarship Name Description Benefits
Aga Khan Scholarship The Aga Khan Foundation provides scholarships for postgraduate studies to exceptional international students who lack other means of financing their education. The scholarship covers 50% grant and 50% loan basis for selected students, enabling them to pursue their academic goals.
a/e ProNet David W. Lakamp AIA Scholarship A $5,000 scholarship will be awarded to two architecture students who demonstrate an interest in risk management. The selected recipients receive a monetary award of $5,000 each.
Arab Student Aid International ASAI provides interest-free, repayable student loans for graduate and postgraduate levels without discrimination based on religion, gender, or ethnicity. Eligible students receive financial aid in the form of interest-free loans to support their education.

Princeton vs Harvard: Which Gives Better ROI

Princeton University, located in New Jersey, has a very good ROI. This considers the average salary of Princeton graduates compared to the cost of attending the university. Princeton graduates earn an average starting salary of $89,144, often going into business and finance.

On the other hand, Harvard University in Massachusetts has an even better ROI. As the oldest university in the US, Harvard is highly selective, with only a 3% acceptance rate. Its graduates command a high average starting salary of $91,700, commonly finding jobs in finance, consulting, and technology.

Studying in USA

Here is the breakdown of cost of living, study, life and culture for studying in USA.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in USA is as follows:

Utilities Living Cost(Monthly)
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage)  $206.31
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre $1,772.04
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre $1,456.88
Sports And Leisure $48.22

Source: numbeo.com

Cost of Study

The average cost of study in the USA for international students is between $26,290 to $35,800. The cost depends on the type of school (public or private), scholarships and aid offered to international students, and housing and food costs.

Life and Culture

American universities have a great worldwide reputation for diverse cultures and vibrant student life. The country is home to many different ethnic groups, such as African Americans, Asian Americans, Indigenous Americans, and Latin Americans. 
Since the U.S. practices multiculturalism, students can explore different cultures and religions during their studies. Students also get access to top-quality education and research facilities.

Visa and Immigration Requirements

In the US, International stude­nts require these three visas to study in the USA, an F-1 Student Visa, a J Exchange Visa, and an M Student Visa.

Post-Study Work Visa

International students leverage Optional Practical Training (OPT) tied to their F-1 visa. OPT is a work authorization that allows you to gain practical experience related to your field of study after graduation. 

Standard OPT is valid for up to 12 months after graduation, while STEM OPT is for students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math fields. It can extend the standard OPT by an additional 24 months, for a total of 36 months.

Princeton University vs Harvard University: Summary

Princeton University and Harvard University are both elite Ivy League institutions, but they differ in some key ways. Princeton has a smaller student body of around 7,753, while Harvard is larger with 20,050 students. 

Academically, Princeton is known for its strengths in fields like engineering and economics, while Harvard excels in professional programs like law and business.

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FAQs

Which university is harder to get into: Princeton University vs Harvard University?

The acceptance rate of Princeton University is 6%, and Harvard University is 3%, so it is clear that securing admission at Harvard University is difficult.

Is Princeton University more expensive than Harvard University?

There is a slight difference in annual fees between both universities; the annual fee of Harvard University is $59,076, whereas the annual fee of Princeton University is $59,710

Do Princeton University vs Harvard University offer online or distance learning courses?

Yes, both Princeton University vs Harvard University offer online and distance learning.

What are the most popular UG and PG courses at Princeton University vs Harvard University?

At Princeton University, popular undergraduate courses include social sciences, engineering, and biological sciences, while postgraduate programs often focus on humanities, physical sciences, and public administration.

At Harvard University, undergraduate courses in social sciences, engineering, and computer sciences are popular, while postgraduate programs attract students to fields like biological sciences, humanities, and physical sciences.

How does the grading system work at Princeton University vs Harvard University?

Harvard uses le­tter grades ranging A to F. Each lette­r holds points. The scale includes A (4.0), A- (3.7), B+ (3.3), B (3.0), B- (2.7), C+ (2.3), C (2.0), C- (1.7), D+ (1.3), D (1.0), and F (0.0).  

Meanwhile, Princeton Unive­rsity uses a letter grading syste­m with plus and minus grades for A-C levels, giving e­leven possible grade­s. The university also offers a pass/fail grading option calle­d P/D/F, introduced in 1966.

Which University is more prestigious: Princeton University vs Harvard University?

Harvard University se­cured 4th position in the QS World Rankings for 2024. Howeve­r, Princeton University ranked lowe­r at 17th. Hence, these­ rankings suggest Harvard holds greater pre­stige than Princeton.

Did you find this article helpful?

Sachin Pundir

University Admission Expert

With over10 years of experience in the ed-tech sector, Sachin holds expertise in operations management, ensuring the smooth functioning of study abroad programs. He has deep understanding of the global university systems, acceptance rates, and selection process.

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