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Princeton University vs Chamberlain University-New Jersey: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Princeton NJ · vs · Private for-profit, North Brunswick NJ

The verdict

Princeton University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $24,512 in 0.4 years versus 3.4 years at Chamberlain University-New Jersey, on median earnings of $110,066 vs $92,405 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasurePrinceton UniversityChamberlain University-New Jersey
Net price / yr$6,128$37,984
Total net cost$24,512$151,936
Median earnings, 10 yrs$110,066$92,405
Median debt$10,320$20,919
Payback0.4 yrs3.4 yrs
20-year net return$1,209,608$728,964

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Princeton University or Chamberlain University-New Jersey?

Princeton University, at $6,128 a year after aid versus $37,984 — a gap of $31,856 a year, or $127,424 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Princeton University or Chamberlain University-New Jersey graduates earn more?

Princeton University graduates report a median $110,066 ten years after entry, $17,661 more than the $92,405 at Chamberlain University-New Jersey. 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, Princeton University or Chamberlain University-New Jersey?

Princeton University: its completers carry a median $10,320 in federal loans versus $20,919 at Chamberlain University-New Jersey, a difference of $10,599. 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 33% at Chamberlain University-New Jersey. 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.

Princeton University vs Chamberlain University-New Jersey: frequently asked questions

Is Princeton University or Chamberlain University-New Jersey a better value?
Princeton University. It clears its $24,512 net cost in about 0.4 years versus 3.4 years at Chamberlain University-New Jersey, on median earnings of $110,066 vs $92,405 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Princeton University or Chamberlain University-New Jersey?
Princeton University: $6,128/yr net price after aid versus $37,984/yr at Chamberlain University-New Jersey — a difference of $31,856 a year, or about $127,424 over four years.
Do Princeton University or Chamberlain University-New Jersey graduates earn more?
Princeton University graduates earn a median $110,066 ten years after entry, versus $92,405 at Chamberlain University-New Jersey — a $17,661 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.