Is Emory or Princeton better for undergraduate research opportunities?

Princeton has the edge for undergraduate research opportunities. Research is built deeply into the undergraduate experience there through junior independent work and the senior thesis, so students are not just allowed to do research, they are expected to engage with it in many departments. That structure creates a culture where faculty mentorship and student research are central rather than optional.

One concrete difference is how strongly Princeton’s curriculum pushes students into original scholarship early and consistently. In many fields, undergraduates work closely with professors on independent projects as part of their degree requirements. That kind of built-in expectation can make research feel more accessible because there is a clear path into it.

Another differentiator is Princeton’s undergraduate focus. Unlike universities with large professional schools and medical systems competing for faculty attention, Princeton is more centered on undergraduates and doctoral research, which often means faculty time and institutional resources are directed more squarely at college students. For someone who wants close mentorship and a campus culture where undergrad research is a major priority, that matters.

Emory is still very strong, especially for students interested in biomedical, public health, neuroscience, or hospital-connected research. Its ties to Emory School of Medicine, healthcare system, and Atlanta-based research institutions can create excellent opportunities, particularly in lab and clinical-adjacent settings.