The most important academic decision for students is to choose the right university. This decision can shape their educational and personal journey and provide the foundation for their future success. Are you thinking of studying at Ivy League Schools? If yes, choosing the right university between these Ivy League Schools is even more difficult as all eight institutes are prestigious and renowned. Do you need clarification about whether to study at Harvard or Princeton, you are in the right place! We will help you understand though both are top-tier institutes what factors distinguish them and what can be the right choice for you.
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Harvard vs Princeton: Overview
Let us look at both universities before moving to which university to choose.
Harvard University (est. 1636): Cambridge, Massachusetts
Harvard University is amongst the top universities not only in the United States but also in the world. Harvard is known for its world-class faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and high-quality research output. Over 20,000 degree candidates are enrolled in Harvard’s programs: undergraduate, graduate, and professional courses.
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4 |
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Student-to-Faculty Ratio |
7 to 1 |
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Acceptance Rate |
3.59% |
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Top Courses |
Biology, Economics, English, History, Political Science, Psychology, Social Sciences |
Suggested: How to get into Harvard University?
Princeton University (est. 1746): Princeton, New Jersey
Princeton University is one of the oldest Ivy League Universities in the USA. It is well known worldwide for its academic resources like libraries, state-of-the-art laboratories, and an on-campus art museum. Although Princeton offers courses in many areas, it does not have schools of medicine, law, education, and business.
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17 |
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Student-to-Faculty Ratio |
5 to 1 |
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Acceptance Rate |
7% |
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Top Courses |
Economics, English, History, Molecular Biology, Political Science, Psychology, and Public Policy. |
Suggested: How to get into Princeton University?
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Harvard vs Princeton: Factors to Consider
Deciding between Harvard and Princeton, two prestigious Ivy League universities, involves considering several key factors. Here’s a breakdown to help you determine which institution better aligns with your goals and aspirations.
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Factors |
Harvard |
Princeton |
|---|---|---|
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Rankings |
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Subject Strength |
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Programs |
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Acceptance Rate |
3.59% |
6% |
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Exam Score |
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Location |
Harvard is in Cambridge, Massachusetts, across the Charles River from Boston. The campus is just a short walk from the Boston subway, known as the T, giving students easy access to explore both Boston and Cambridge. Harvard's location also places it near several other prestigious academic institutions, including MIT, Wellesley College, Boston College, Boston University, and Northeastern University. |
Princeton University is located in a quieter, more suburban setting within the town of Princeton, New Jersey. The university integrates seamlessly with the local community, making it an excellent choice for students who prefer a suburban campus atmosphere. However, those interested in city life can still consider Princeton, as it's only about an hour from New York City. This proximity allows students to visit the city for weekend trips or professional opportunities. |
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Weather |
Both Princeton and Harvard are situated in the Northeast region of the United States, experiencing similar weather patterns. Students will encounter all four seasons, so those from warmer areas should prepare for cold weather and occasional snowstorms. Being slightly further north, Harvard tends to have cooler temperatures than Princeton, but both campuses typically endure several months of chilly weather. |
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Admission Requirements |
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Tuition Fees |
Average Tuition Fees USD 60,000 (INR 49,97,580) |
Average Tuition Fees USD 49,070 (INR 40,91,210) |
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Top Recruiters |
Adobe, eBay, Facebook, Google, IBM, Morgan Stanley, Deloitte, Johnson & Johnson, BCG, etc. |
JPMorgan Chase & Co., Scotiabank, Morgan Stanley, Citi, Mastercard, Blackstone, etc. |
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Median Salary |
USD 1,75,000 or INR 1,45,90,620 |
USD 1,04,000 or INR 86,71,000 |
Also watch: The Secret to Getting Into an Ivy League School
Choosing Between Harvard vs Princeton: How to Decide?
To help you decide between Princeton and Harvard, consider the below criteria:
- Academic Excellence
- Campus Culture and Student Life
- Location and Environment
- Financial Considerations
- Reputation and Prestige
- Networking and Alumni Connections
- Career Opportunities
- Research and Academic Resources
Why Would Someone Choose Harvard Over Princeton?
Students might opt for Harvard for its urban setting within Boston, providing a vibrant city experience. Harvard offers smaller class sizes, catering to students who prefer more personalized, small-group learning environments. Moreover, Harvard's extensive extracurricular offerings, including over 450 student organizations such as publications, orchestras, community service programs, athletic teams, and political and social groups, provide abundant opportunities for students to engage outside academics.
Why Would Someone Choose Princeton Over Harvard?
Students might choose Princeton for its expansive suburban campus. While Princeton has larger average class sizes, it also boasts a lower student-to-faculty ratio, making it appealing for outgoing students who thrive in larger lecture settings. Additionally, those interested in joining Princeton’s unique eating clubs, which have strong alumni connections, might find the social atmosphere here more to their liking.
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From the Desk of Yocket
Choosing between Princeton and Harvard depends on your individual preferences and priorities. Both universities provide a world-class education and numerous opportunities. Consider factors such as academic programs, campus culture, location, and financial aid options while you decide.
Are you looking at which affordable universities in the USA best suit your academic requirements? Well, reach out to our Yocket professionals and resolve all your queries, alongside receiving a thorough profile evaluation and end-to-end assistance on everything studying abroad. Book A 15-minute Consultation Call Today!
