Princeton University
About Princeton University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Princeton is a private Ivy League research university in Princeton, New Jersey. It offers a liberal arts education with strong programs in humanities, social sciences, and engineering. The university is known for its undergraduate focus, small class sizes, and generous financial aid that meets 100% of demonstrated need without loans.
Founded
1746
Location
Princeton, New Jersey
Students
9,033
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
4.6%
Highly selective
Graduation Rate
97.6%
Above national average
Tuition
$62,688
Per year
Avg Net Price
$6,128
After financial aid
SAT Average
1553
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$110,066
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Most Selective
Only 4.6 out of 100 applicants are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$70
Early
Nov 1
Regular
Jan 1
With a 4.6% acceptance rate and an average SAT of 1553, Princeton University is among the most selective schools in the country. Every part of your application needs to stand out.
SAT Scores
1553/ 1600
ACT Scores
34/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Excellent
97.6% complete their degree within six years
Retention
98.4%
4-Year Grad
90%
6-Year Grad
98%
Teaching Quality
5:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
86.7%
$/Student
$73.2K
Class Size
Small
90% of students graduate on time, and with a 5:1 student-to-faculty ratio, it's clear students get the personal attention they need to succeed.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$62,688
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$20,250
Books & Supplies
$1,050
Total Cost of Attendance
$84,040
After Financial Aid
$6,128
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$41
Receive Grants
19.2%
Take Loans
2%
Don't let the $62,688 sticker price scare you. Most students pay around $6,128 after financial aid, a 90% discount. Families earning under $30K pay closer to $41.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Princeton University fund their education.
While in School
19.2%
Get Grants
Free money
2%
Take Loans
Must repay
$37,036
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$10,320
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$109/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The median debt is just $10,320, and less than 0% of graduates default on their loans. Students here leave with very manageable financial obligations.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Princeton University.
Gender
50.4%
Female
50%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
5,709
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
3,324
Graduates
27.7%
First-Gen
19 yrs
Avg Age
1.5%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (50% women, 50% men). 27.7% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience. 12.6% international students bring global perspectives to campus life.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Princeton's 600-acre campus is one of the most beautiful in America, featuring Gothic architecture, manicured gardens, and tree-lined walkways. The residential college system keeps students close to campus, creating a tight-knit community feel.
Campus Setting
City: Small
Campus Quick Facts
5,709
Students
private
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
R1 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
No
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
What Students Say
Pros
- +Stunning Gothic architecture and landscaped grounds
- +Residential college system builds strong community
- +Compact and walkable — everything is close
- +Quiet, safe small-town setting ideal for studying
Cons
- -Small-town Princeton can feel isolated
- -Limited nightlife and off-campus options
- -Eating clubs dominate social life — not for everyone
- -New York and Philly are each about an hour away
Princeton feels like stepping into an English university — the Gothic spires, the eating clubs, the orange-and-black traditions. It's a campus where you can lose yourself in the beauty, but the small-town setting means you really need to love the college bubble.
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Princeton University fields 19 varsity teams with 1,189 student athletes, about 21% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FCS
Conference
Ivy League
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
19
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
1,189
21% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
58% / 42%
686
Men
503
Women
16
Men's Teams
16
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Princeton Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$110,066
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Computer Science
$147K
201 grads
1yr Earnings
Economics
$103K
132 grads
1yr Earnings
Public Policy Analysis
$74K
114 grads
1yr Earnings
Operations Research
$100K
77 grads
1yr Earnings
History
$45K
72 grads
1yr Earnings
Political Science and Government
$63K
57 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates start at $88K six years out, climb to $92K by year eight, and reach $110K by year ten. That upward trajectory shows the degree keeps paying off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Princeton University
What is the acceptance rate at Princeton University?▾
How much does Princeton University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Princeton University?▾
How much do Princeton University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.