Verified data from IPEDS & College Scorecard

Princeton University vs Rutgers University-New Brunswick

Princeton, NJ · New Brunswick, NJ · Source: IPEDS federal database

Princeton UniversityRutgers University-New Brunswick
Acceptance Rate4.5%65.3%
In-State Tuition$59,710$17,239
Out-of-State Tuition$59,710$36,001
Average Net Price$0$19,052
Graduation Rate97.0%85.0%

GradFax Analysis

Princeton University accepts 4.5% of applicants. Rutgers University-New Brunswick accepts 65.3%. Princeton University's tuition is $59,710. Rutgers University-New Brunswick's is $17,239. That's a $42,471 difference per year. Princeton University graduates 97% of students in 6 years. Rutgers University-New Brunswick graduates 85%.

Bottom Line

Rutgers University-New Brunswick is public; Princeton University is private. If you're an in-state student, Rutgers University-New Brunswick will cost significantly less. Check the net price numbers above before deciding.

Source: IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System

Full interactive comparison →Princeton University profileRutgers University-New Brunswick profile

Common Questions

Which is harder to get into, Princeton University or Rutgers University-New Brunswick?

Princeton University. It accepts 4.5% of applicants, per IPEDS data.

Source: IPEDS

Is Princeton University or Rutgers University-New Brunswick more affordable?

Rutgers University-New Brunswick has lower published tuition: $17,239 versus $59,710. Financial aid can flip this, so compare your actual award letters.

Source: IPEDS

Which has a better graduation rate?

Princeton University: 97% of students finish in 6 years. Rutgers University-New Brunswick is at 85%.

Source: IPEDS

Data from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), a federal database maintained by the U.S. Department of Education. Figures represent the most recent available academic year.

Princeton University vs Rutgers University-New Brunswick: Acceptance Rate, Tuition & Outcomes (2026) | GradFax