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Princeton University vs University of Georgia

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

3.5% Princeton acceptance
39.0% UGA acceptance
$143,520 UGA 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
UGA
Athens, Georgia
Public
Founded
1785
Enrollment
41,652
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition UGA saves $28,590
Princeton
$59,710
UGA
$31,120
Acceptance Rate Princeton more selective
Princeton
3.5%
UGA
39.0%
Graduation Rate Princeton higher
Princeton
97%
UGA
88%
Avg SAT Score Princeton higher
Princeton
1546
UGA
1340
Starting Salary Princeton higher
Princeton
$90,100
UGA
$58,700

Detailed Comparison

Metric Princeton UGA Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$59,710$31,120UGA
Tuition (In-State)$59,710$12,080UGA
Room & Board$19,380$12,090UGA
Acceptance Rate3.5%39.0%Princeton
Graduation Rate97%88%Princeton
Average SAT15461340Princeton
Student-Faculty Ratio4:117:1Princeton
Enrollment8,47841,652-
Avg Financial Aid$59,710$12,980Princeton
Starting Salary$90,100$58,700Princeton
Endowment$35.8B$2.0BPrinceton
Campus Size600 acres762 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Princeton
$316,360
4-year total (private)
VS
UGA
$172,840
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Princeton = $77,520 | UGA = $120,920. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Princeton Top Majors

Computer ScienceEconomicsPublic PolicyEngineeringHistory

UGA Top Majors

BusinessBiologyPsychologyFinanceRisk Management

Campus & Student Life

Setting
PrincetonSuburban
UGASuburban
Campus Size
Princeton600 ac
UGA762 ac
Athletics
PrincetonNCAA D1
UGANCAA D1
Region
PrincetonNortheast
UGASouth
Founded
Princeton1746
UGA1785
Enrollment
Princeton8,478
UGA41,652

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Princeton or UGA harder to get into?+
Princeton is more selective with an acceptance rate of 3.5% compared to 39.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Princeton or UGA?+
At sticker price, UGA costs less over 4 years ($172,840 vs $316,360). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Princeton offers an average of $59,710/year in aid while UGA offers $12,980/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Princeton and UGA?+
The average SAT score at Princeton is 1546 and at UGA it is 1340. 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 UGA graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Princeton have a higher average starting salary ($90,100 vs $58,700). 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 UGA has 17:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Princeton and UGA compare for campus life?+
Princeton is located in Princeton, New Jersey (suburban setting) with a 600-acre campus. UGA is in Athens, Georgia (suburban setting) with 762 acres. Princeton competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UGA in NCAA D1.