Harvard University vs Princeton University: which has better ROI?
Princeton University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $24,512 in 0.4 years versus 1.4 years at Harvard University, on median earnings of $110,066 vs $101,817 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Harvard University | Princeton University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $19,066 | $6,128 |
| Total net cost | $76,264 | $24,512 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $101,817 | $110,066 |
| Median debt | $14,000 | $10,320 |
| Payback | 1.4 yrs | 0.4 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $992,876 | $1,209,608 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Harvard University or Princeton University?
Princeton University, at $6,128 a year after aid versus $19,066 — a gap of $12,938 a year, or $51,752 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Harvard University or Princeton University graduates earn more?
Princeton University graduates report a median $110,066 ten years after entry, $8,249 more than the $101,817 at Harvard University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Harvard University or Princeton University?
Princeton University: its completers carry a median $10,320 in federal loans versus $14,000 at Harvard University, a difference of $3,680. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
98% of students finish at Princeton University, against 98% at Harvard University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.