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Arizona State University vs Princeton University

A comprehensive side-by-side comparison of academics, cost, admissions, campus life and career outcomes to help you choose.

88.0% ASU acceptance
3.5% Princeton acceptance
$135,560 ASU cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

ASU
Tempe, Arizona
Public
Founded
1885
Enrollment
83,446
Setting
Urban
Princeton
Princeton, New Jersey
Private
Founded
1746
Enrollment
8,478
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition ASU saves $28,510
ASU
$31,200
Princeton
$59,710
Acceptance Rate Princeton more selective
ASU
88.0%
Princeton
3.5%
Graduation Rate Princeton higher
ASU
69%
Princeton
97%
Avg SAT Score Princeton higher
ASU
1230
Princeton
1546
Starting Salary Princeton higher
ASU
$60,100
Princeton
$90,100

Detailed Comparison

Metric ASU Princeton Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$31,200$59,710ASU
Tuition (In-State)$12,479$59,710ASU
Room & Board$14,000$19,380ASU
Acceptance Rate88.0%3.5%Princeton
Graduation Rate69%97%Princeton
Average SAT12301546Princeton
Student-Faculty Ratio18:14:1Princeton
Enrollment83,4468,478-
Avg Financial Aid$12,400$59,710Princeton
Starting Salary$60,100$90,100Princeton
Endowment$1.5B$35.8BPrinceton
Campus Size1,695 acres600 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

ASU
$180,800
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Princeton
$316,360
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: ASU = $131,200 | Princeton = $77,520. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

ASU Top Majors

BusinessEngineeringPsychologyBiologySupply Chain

Princeton Top Majors

Computer ScienceEconomicsPublic PolicyEngineeringHistory

Campus & Student Life

Setting
ASUUrban
PrincetonSuburban
Campus Size
ASU1,695 ac
Princeton600 ac
Athletics
ASUNCAA D1
PrincetonNCAA D1
Region
ASUWest
PrincetonNortheast
Founded
ASU1885
Princeton1746
Enrollment
ASU83,446
Princeton8,478

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is ASU or Princeton harder to get into?+
Princeton is more selective with an acceptance rate of 3.5% compared to 88.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, ASU or Princeton?+
At sticker price, ASU costs less over 4 years ($180,800 vs $316,360). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. ASU offers an average of $12,400/year in aid while Princeton offers $59,710/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for ASU and Princeton?+
The average SAT score at ASU is 1230 and at Princeton it is 1546. Keep in mind that admitted students often score across a range, and many schools practice holistic admissions where test scores are just one factor.
Do ASU or Princeton graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Princeton have a higher average starting salary ($90,100 vs $60,100). Salary outcomes vary significantly by major, industry, and location — so this is a general average across all graduates.
What is the student-to-faculty ratio at each school?+
ASU has a 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio while Princeton has 4:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do ASU and Princeton compare for campus life?+
ASU is located in Tempe, Arizona (urban setting) with a 1,695-acre campus. Princeton is in Princeton, New Jersey (suburban setting) with 600 acres. ASU competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Princeton in NCAA D1.