Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)
Estimated sticker price before financial aid.
Princeton
$316,360
4-year total (private)
VS
Vanderbilt
$327,464
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Princeton = $77,520 | Vanderbilt = $138,664. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.
Princeton Top Majors
Computer ScienceEconomicsPublic PolicyEngineeringHistoryVanderbilt Top Majors
EconomicsEngineeringMedicine/HealthComputer ScienceEducation
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Princeton or Vanderbilt harder to get into?+
Princeton is more selective with an acceptance rate of 3.5% compared to 5.6%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Princeton or Vanderbilt?+
At sticker price, Princeton costs less over 4 years ($316,360 vs $327,464). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Princeton offers an average of $59,710/year in aid while Vanderbilt offers $47,200/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Princeton and Vanderbilt?+
The average SAT score at Princeton is 1546 and at Vanderbilt it is 1520. 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 Vanderbilt graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Princeton have a higher average starting salary ($90,100 vs $76,800). 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 Vanderbilt has 7:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Princeton and Vanderbilt compare for campus life?+
Princeton is located in Princeton, New Jersey (suburban setting) with a 600-acre campus. Vanderbilt is in Nashville, Tennessee (urban setting) with 330 acres. Princeton competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Vanderbilt in NCAA D1.