Choosing the right college can be a daunting task, and comparing different schools is an essential step in the decision-making process. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive comparison of two prestigious institutions: Princeton University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). We will cover various aspects of each school, including costs and tuition, admissions, academics, diversity, campus life, and outcomes.
Princeton University Overview
Princeton University, located in Princeton, New Jersey, is a private Ivy League research university established in 1746. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in a wide range of disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering. Known for its rigorous academic programs, extensive research opportunities, and strong commitment to undergraduate teaching, Princeton is consistently ranked among the top universities in the United States.
Princeton University Costs & Tuition
The cost of attendance at Princeton includes tuition, fees, room and board, books, and personal expenses. For the 2021-2022 academic year, undergraduate tuition and fees are $56,010, while room and board are estimated at $17,380. Princeton is committed to providing financial aid to students who need it, with approximately 60% of students receiving some form of financial assistance. It offers a generous financial aid program that meets 100% of demonstrated need through a combination of grants, scholarships, and work-study opportunities.
Princeton University Admissions
Admission to Princeton is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 5.6%. The middle 50% range of SAT scores for admitted students is between 1460 and 1570, while the middle 50% range for ACT scores is between 33 and 35. In addition to standardized test scores, the admissions committee considers factors such as academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, leadership qualities, and personal character.
Princeton University Degrees Offered
Princeton offers undergraduate degrees in about 50 different areas of study, organized into four main academic divisions: humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering. In addition, the university offers graduate degrees in various fields, including architecture, engineering, finance, public affairs, and social work. Some of the most popular majors at Princeton include economics, engineering, political science, computer science, and history.
Princeton University Academics
With a student-to-faculty ratio of 5:1, Princeton offers a highly personalized education with small classes and close interaction between students and professors. The university is known for its strong commitment to undergraduate teaching, with a focus on independent research and a senior thesis requirement for all undergraduate majors. Additionally, students have access to numerous research opportunities, both on-campus and at affiliated institutions.
Princeton University Diversity
Princeton is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. The university’s undergraduate student body is approximately 50% female and 50% male, with students representing all 50 states and over 90 countries. Approximately 45% of undergraduates identify as students of color, and 22% are international students.
Princeton University Students
Princeton’s undergraduate enrollment is around 5,500 students, with approximately 2,900 graduate students. The relatively small size of the student body creates an intimate and close-knit community where students can engage with one another and form lasting relationships. There are more than 300 student clubs and organizations on campus, offering opportunities for involvement in various areas of interest, including academic, cultural, athletic, and social pursuits.
Princeton University Campus
The Princeton campus is characterized by its beautiful Gothic architecture and sprawling green spaces. Covering 500 acres, the campus includes academic, residential, and recreational facilities, as well as museums, libraries, and performing arts venues. The town of Princeton offers students access to shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, while the proximity to major cities like New York City and Philadelphia provides additional opportunities for exploration and entertainment.
Princeton University Alumni
Princeton has a distinguished and active alumni network, with notable graduates including U.S. Presidents James Madison and Woodrow Wilson, Supreme Court Justices Elena Kagan and Sonia Sotomayor, and prominent business leaders such as Jeff Bezos and Eric Schmidt.
Princeton University Rankings
Princeton consistently ranks among the top universities in the United States. In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Princeton is ranked #1 in National Universities, #1 in Best Value Schools, and #5 in Best Undergraduate Teaching.
Princeton University Outcomes
The career outcomes for Princeton graduates are impressive. According to the university’s 2020 career outcomes report, 92% of the Class of 2020 were employed, pursuing further education, or engaged in other meaningful activities within six months of graduation. The median starting salary for the Class of 2020 was $75,000, with top employers including Google, Microsoft, and Goldman Sachs.
MIT Overview
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is a private research university founded in 1861. MIT is known for its cutting-edge research and strong emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. The university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in a variety of disciplines, including architecture, humanities, social sciences, and management, in addition to its renowned engineering and science programs.
MIT Costs & Tuition
The cost of attendance at MIT includes tuition, fees, room and board, books, and personal expenses. For the 2021-2022 academic year, undergraduate tuition and fees are $55,510, while room and board are estimated at $17,800. MIT is committed to providing financial aid to students who need it, with approximately 59% of students receiving some form of financial assistance. Like Princeton, MIT offers a generous financial aid program that meets 100% of demonstrated need through a combination of grants, scholarships, and work-study opportunities.
MIT Admissions
Admission to MIT is also highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 6.7%. The middle 50% range of SAT scores for admitted students is between 1500 and 1570, while the middle 50% range for ACT scores is between 34 and 36. Similar to Princeton, the admissions committee considers factors such as academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, leadership qualities, and personal character.
MIT Degrees Offered
MIT offers undergraduate degrees in over 50 different areas of study, organized into five main academic divisions: architecture and planning, engineering, humanities, arts, and social sciences, management, and science. In addition, the university offers graduate degrees in various fields, including business, engineering, media arts and sciences, and urban studies and planning. Some of the most popular majors at MIT include computer science, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, mathematics, and physics.
MIT Academics
With a student-to-faculty ratio of 3:1, MIT offers a highly personalized education with small classes and close interaction between students and professors. The university is known for its hands-on, problem-solving approach to education, which encourages students to apply their knowledge to real-world situations. Additionally, students have access to numerous research opportunities, both on-campus and at affiliated institutions.
MIT Diversity
MIT is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. The university’s undergraduate student body is approximately 54% male and 46% female, with students representing all 50 states and over 120 countries. Approximately 49% of undergraduates identify as students of color, and 23% are international students.
MIT Students
MIT’s undergraduate enrollment is around 4,600 students, with approximately 7,000 graduate students. The relatively small size of the student body creates an intimate and close-knit community where students can engage with one another and form lasting relationships. There are more than 500 student clubs and organizations on campus, offering opportunities for involvement in various areas of interest, including academic, cultural, athletic, and social pursuits.
MIT Campus
The MIT campus is characterized by its modern architecture and urban setting, covering 166 acres in Cambridge. The campus includes academic, residential, and recreational facilities, as well as museums, libraries, and performing arts venues. The city of Cambridge offers students access to shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, while the proximity to Boston provides additional opportunities for exploration and entertainment.
MIT Alumni
MIT has a distinguished and active alumni network, with notable graduates including astronauts Buzz Aldrin and Sally Ride, Nobel Prize winners Richard Feynman and Paul Krugman, and prominent business leaders such as Elon Musk and Charles Koch.
MIT Rankings
MIT consistently ranks among the top universities in the United States. In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, MIT is ranked #4 in National Universities, #3 in Best Value Schools, and #1 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs.
MIT Outcomes
The career outcomes for MIT graduates are also impressive. According to the university’s 2020 career outcomes report, 92% of the Class of 2020 were employed, pursuing further education, or engaged in other meaningful activities within six months of graduation. The median starting salary for the Class of 2020 was $87,000, with top employers including Amazon, Apple, and Google.
Princeton University vs MIT Cost Comparison
Both Princeton University and MIT are relatively similar in terms of costs and tuition. For the 2021-2022 academic year, undergraduate tuition and fees at Princeton are $56,010, while at MIT, they are $55,510. Room and board costs are also comparable, with Princeton at $17,380 and MIT at $17,800.
Both universities are committed to providing financial aid to students who need it, with approximately 60% of students at both schools receiving some form.
