Pursuing higher education in the U.S. can be highly competitive, especially when aiming for top-tier or Ivy League institutions. A recent ranking by 24/7 Wall St., based on data from the National Center for Education Statistics, highlights the most selective colleges and universities in the country.
The list, which considered factors such as admission rates and SAT scores, revealed that only one New Jersey institution made the cut—Princeton University. Located in Mercer County, Princeton ranked No. 10 among the Top 10 Hardest Colleges to Get Into.
Here’s a snapshot of Princeton’s key statistics:
Acceptance rate: 5.7%
Median SAT scores: 760 (Reading & Writing), 780 (Math)
Undergraduate enrollment: 5,236 students
Financial aid recipients: 61%
Average annual cost of attendance: $11,080
Graduation rate: 98%
Median earnings 10 years after entry: $110,433
Despite a strong academic record, gaining admission to these elite institutions remains a daunting challenge for most students.
Top 10 Most Selective U.S. Colleges (Based on Admission Rate and SAT Scores):
1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) – 4% acceptance, 800 Math
2. Harvard University – 3.2%, 790 Math
3. Stanford University – 3.7%, 790 Math
4. Yale University – 4.6%, 780 Math
5. Brown University – 5.1%, 780 Math
6. Columbia University – 3.9%, 780 Math
7. Duke University – 6.3%, 790 Math
8. Dartmouth College – 6.4%, 790 Math
9. University of Chicago – 5.4%, 780 Math
10. Princeton University – 5.7%, 780 Math
These statistics underscore the intense competition and academic excellence required for admission to the nation’s most prestigious institutions.
This story originally appeared on Asbury Park Press.
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