Princeton University vs Columbia University

Princeton University and Columbia University

Subject Strength & World Rankings (2025/2026)

Both Columbia and Princeton are Ivy League universities that rank among the world's finest institutions despite Princeton's overall higher level of academic prestige. Princeton places around 25th in QS World University Rankings 2026, while Columbia places about 38th. Princeton places 6th, and Columbia places 18th according to Times Higher Education, Columbia's ranking mirroring Princeton's higher global academic reputation.

In subject-based rankings, Princeton stands out in Engineering, Mathematics, and Natural Sciences, highly ranked in the global top 10. Columbia stands out in Law, Medicine, Social Sciences, and Journalism, having several programs ranked in the global top 5–10. Columbia's location in a city and professional schools make it strong in applied fields, while Princeton's priority still lies in basic research and undergraduate strength.

General Information

Princeton University is a 500-acre campus and has about a student population of 8,842, a vast majority of which study at the undergrad level. Princeton University was founded in 1746 whereas Columbia University was started in 1754 and is in midtown New York City. It boasts a massive student population of over 33,000, a vast majority of which is made up of graduate students.

Princeton is connected to a residential campus community that is close-knit, has a small student-faculty ratio, and a residential college system. Columbia is connected to a rich urban life that includes living near international institutions, media centers, and financial centers.

Acceptance Rate & Admission

They are both extremely competitive. Princeton emphasises undergraduate liberal arts and STEM education, while Columbia has a broader selection of graduate and professional schools, like its highly ranked Business School, Law School, and School of International and Public Affairs. Princeton's acceptance rate is approximately 4.6%, and Columbia's is slightly lower at 3.9%.

Both colleges demand superb academic excellence, with above-average SAT scores above 1500 and ACT scores between 34–35.

Research Impact & Facilities

Princeton's area of research strength is in theoretical sciences, engineering, and public policy, with the aid of Firestone Library, Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment, and Princeton Plasma Physics Lab. Columbia's research strength accesses 23 libraries, cutting-edge medical research centers, and global networks and partners and excels in urban studies, medicine, and international affairs.

Being in NYC fortifies Columbia's research partnership and ability to connect to real-world data, while Princeton's campus supports intense scholarship in a quieter environment.

Cost & Financial Aid

They both are expensive and private schools; Columbia's cost is around $65,340 annually, while Princeton's is around $59,710. But Princeton has a very generous need-based aid policy that will usually cover full tuition plus living costs for students who come from middle-and low-income families.

Columbia has plentiful aid available, particularly to overseas students, but higher urban living expenses. Princeton's reduced net price and diminished unbudgeted expenses make it slightly less expensive across the board.

Graduate Studies & Research

Purdue University both universities alumni enjoy fantastic career prospects. Princeton's alumni range from American Presidents to Nobel winners to technology moguls such as Jeff Bezos. Columbia's location offers internships and career opportunities, while Princeton's small alumni network provides mentoring and lifetime career opportunities. Columbia's large and powerful alumni base is particularly strong in media, law, business, and public policy, and famous alumni include Barack Obama, Alexander Hamilton, and Alicia Keys. Median salaries a decade after graduation range between $113,900 to Columbia's $107,600.