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Princeton University vs Texas A&M University

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

3.5% Princeton acceptance
63.0% Texas A&M acceptance
$104,260 Texas A&M cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

Princeton
Princeton, New Jersey
Private
Founded
1746
Enrollment
8,478
Setting
Suburban
Texas A&M
College Station, Texas
Public
Founded
1876
Enrollment
74,829
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition Texas A&M saves $19,623
Princeton
$59,710
Texas A&M
$40,087
Acceptance Rate Princeton more selective
Princeton
3.5%
Texas A&M
63.0%
Graduation Rate Princeton higher
Princeton
97%
Texas A&M
83%
Avg SAT Score Princeton higher
Princeton
1546
Texas A&M
1290
Starting Salary Princeton higher
Princeton
$90,100
Texas A&M
$66,300

Detailed Comparison

Metric Princeton Texas A&M Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$59,710$40,087Texas A&M
Tuition (In-State)$59,710$12,413Texas A&M
Room & Board$19,380$12,938Texas A&M
Acceptance Rate3.5%63.0%Princeton
Graduation Rate97%83%Princeton
Average SAT15461290Princeton
Student-Faculty Ratio4:119:1Princeton
Enrollment8,47874,829-
Avg Financial Aid$59,710$13,700Princeton
Starting Salary$90,100$66,300Princeton
Endowment$35.8B$17.1BPrinceton
Campus Size600 acres5,200 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Princeton
$316,360
4-year total (private)
VS
Texas A&M
$212,100
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Princeton = $77,520 | Texas A&M = $157,300. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Princeton Top Majors

Computer ScienceEconomicsPublic PolicyEngineeringHistory

Texas A&M Top Majors

EngineeringBusinessBiologyAgricultureBiomedical Science

Campus & Student Life

Setting
PrincetonSuburban
Texas A&MSuburban
Campus Size
Princeton600 ac
Texas A&M5,200 ac
Athletics
PrincetonNCAA D1
Texas A&MNCAA D1
Region
PrincetonNortheast
Texas A&MSouth
Founded
Princeton1746
Texas A&M1876
Enrollment
Princeton8,478
Texas A&M74,829

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Princeton or Texas A&M harder to get into?+
Princeton is more selective with an acceptance rate of 3.5% compared to 63.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Princeton or Texas A&M?+
At sticker price, Texas A&M costs less over 4 years ($212,100 vs $316,360). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Princeton offers an average of $59,710/year in aid while Texas A&M offers $13,700/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Princeton and Texas A&M?+
The average SAT score at Princeton is 1546 and at Texas A&M it is 1290. 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 Princeton or Texas A&M graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Princeton have a higher average starting salary ($90,100 vs $66,300). 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?+
Princeton has a 4:1 student-to-faculty ratio while Texas A&M has 19:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Princeton and Texas A&M compare for campus life?+
Princeton is located in Princeton, New Jersey (suburban setting) with a 600-acre campus. Texas A&M is in College Station, Texas (suburban setting) with 5,200 acres. Princeton competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Texas A&M in NCAA D1.