Princeton University vs Stevens Institute of Technology: 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 2.7 years at Stevens Institute of Technology, on median earnings of $110,066 vs $108,772 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Princeton University | Stevens Institute of Technology |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $6,128 | $41,346 |
| Total net cost | $24,512 | $165,384 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $110,066 | $108,772 |
| Median debt | $10,320 | $27,000 |
| Payback | 0.4 yrs | 2.7 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $1,209,608 | $1,042,856 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Princeton University or Stevens Institute of Technology?
Princeton University, at $6,128 a year after aid versus $41,346 — a gap of $35,218 a year, or $140,872 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 Stevens Institute of Technology graduates earn more?
Princeton University graduates report a median $110,066 ten years after entry, $1,294 more than the $108,772 at Stevens Institute of Technology. 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 Stevens Institute of Technology?
Princeton University: its completers carry a median $10,320 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Stevens Institute of Technology, a difference of $16,680. 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 87% at Stevens Institute of Technology. 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.