Princeton vs. Villanova

Comparable Facts

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

Villanova University is larger than Princeton based on total student enrollment (10,041 students vs. 9,137 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Princeton University is located in Princeton, NJ (Large Suburban setting); Villanova University is in Villanova, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Princeton University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Villanova University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Princeton University 5:1; Villanova University 10:1.

Princeton vs. Villanova Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Princeton or Villanova? 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 Villanova ($15,313 vs. $37,201).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Villanova University are 12.6% lower than at Princeton University ($17,694 vs. $20,250).
• Villanova University is 8.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Princeton (about $5,088 more per year; $67,776.00 vs. $62,688.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.1% higher at Villanova than at Princeton University (about $5,088 more per year; $67,776.00 vs. $62,688.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Princeton University than at Villanova University (67% vs. 48%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Princeton University students is 44.4% larger than aid received by Villanova University students ($68,727 vs. $47,609).

Princeton vs. Villanova Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Princeton or Villanova? 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 Villanova and Princeton.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Princeton University (1550) is 100 points higher than at Villanova (1450).
• Incoming Princeton students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 33 at Villanova).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Princeton University 1510/1580; Villanova University 1395/1510.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Princeton University 34/35; Villanova University 32/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Princeton - Test optional; Villanova - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Princeton Jan 1, 2027; Villanova Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Princeton students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.93) than students at Villanova (3.87).
• Villanova has a higher acceptance rate (27%) than Princeton (4.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 75.5% at Princeton vs. 27.7% at Villanova.

Princeton vs. Villanova Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Princeton and Villanova? 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 Villanova University's (90%).
• Graduates from Princeton University earn a median of about $28,800 more per year than Villanova graduates about ten years after starting college ($113,900 vs. $85,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Princeton University graduates have a $18,997 lower median loan debt than Villanova graduates ($7,500 vs. $26,497).
• Among borrowers, Princeton graduates have an estimated $196 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Villanova graduates ($77 vs. $273).
• More Villanova graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Princeton students, three years after graduation. (90% 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.