Princeton vs. Muhlenberg College

Comparable Facts

Compare Princeton University in Princeton, NJ with Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Princeton University is larger than Muhlenberg College based on total student enrollment (9,137 students vs. 1,788 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Princeton University is located in Princeton, NJ (Large Suburban setting); Muhlenberg College is in Allentown, PA (Midsize City setting).
• Princeton University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Muhlenberg College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Princeton University 5:1; Muhlenberg College 9:1.

Princeton vs. Muhlenberg College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Princeton or Muhlenberg College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Princeton University than Muhlenberg College ($15,313 vs. $34,739).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Muhlenberg College are 28.2% lower than at Princeton University ($14,548 vs. $20,250).
• Muhlenberg College is 0.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Princeton (about $117 more per year; $62,805.00 vs. $62,688.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.2% higher at Muhlenberg College than at Princeton University (about $117 more per year; $62,805.00 vs. $62,688.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Muhlenberg College than at Princeton University (99% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Princeton University students is 61.5% larger than aid received by Muhlenberg College students ($68,727 vs. $42,545).

Princeton vs. Muhlenberg College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Princeton or Muhlenberg College? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Muhlenberg College and Princeton.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Princeton University (1550) is 220 points higher than at Muhlenberg College (1330).
• Incoming Princeton students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 31 at Muhlenberg College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Princeton University 1510/1580; Muhlenberg College 1250/1410.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Princeton University 34/35; Muhlenberg College 29/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Princeton - Test optional; Muhlenberg College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Princeton Jan 1, 2027; Muhlenberg College Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Princeton students have a 0.49 point higher average high school GPA (3.93) than students at Muhlenberg College (3.44).
• Muhlenberg College has a higher acceptance rate (72%) than Princeton (4.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 75.5% at Princeton vs. 13% at Muhlenberg College.

Princeton vs. Muhlenberg College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Princeton and Muhlenberg College? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Princeton University's six-year graduation rate (96%) is higher than Muhlenberg College's (86%).
• Graduates from Princeton University earn a median of about $50,200 more per year than Muhlenberg College graduates about ten years after starting college ($113,900 vs. $63,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Princeton University graduates have a $18,990 lower median loan debt than Muhlenberg College graduates ($7,500 vs. $26,490).
• Among borrowers, Princeton graduates have an estimated $196 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Muhlenberg College graduates ($77 vs. $273).
• More Muhlenberg College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Princeton students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 83%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.