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Princeton University

Princeton, New Jersey 08544-0070

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Data last updated: May 29, 2026

Campus Vibe

Urban

Among the most selective in the Northeast — top graduate earnings

Princeton University is a private institution in Princeton with particular strength in engineering and computer science. With an average SAT of 1535, the school attracts a competitive applicant pool.

A mid-sized campus of 5.6K undergraduates with a 5:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.

97% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $110,066 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $10,555.

Established
1746
Motto
Dei Sub Numine Viget
Mascot
The Tiger
Type
Private research university
Conference
Eastern Association of Rowing Colleges
Division
Division I

Plan Your Visit

5%Acceptance
1535SAT Avg
5,579Students
5:1Student:Faculty
97%Grad Rate
$110,066Earnings 10yr
$10,555Net Price

Admissions

Acceptance Rate4.5%

SAT Score Ranges

Average: 1535

Reading & WritingMid: 745
740780
MathMid: 770
760800

ACT Score Range

CompositeMid: 34
3435

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.

Cost & Financial Aid

Sticker Price

Tuition$59,710
Room & Board$19,380
Books & Supplies$1,050
Total Cost of Attendance$80,440
Average Net Price$10,555
Median Debt at Graduation$10,320
Monthly Payment (10yr)$109

Net Price by Family Income

$0–30K$2,518
$30–48K$4,682
$48–75K$7,652
$75–110K$13,849
$110K+$39,943

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.

Debt & Aid Detail

Net Price Trend

Tuition Trend

Graduate w/ Zero Debt

97.0%

Avg Tuition Increase

5.1%/yr

Median Debt at Grad

$10,000

Campus Safety

Total Incidents (2024)

41

Peer Average

37

3-Year Trend

Emergency System

Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones

Incident Breakdown (2024)

11

Burglary

2

Aggravated Assault

1

Robbery

4

Motor Vehicle Theft

4

Sex Offenses

0

Arson

11

Drug Arrests

8

Liquor Arrests

Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).

Programs (115)

Student Life

Student Satisfaction

Retention Rate

97%

Very Positive

Student Body

Undergrads
5,579
Gender Split
51% / 49%
Women / Men
First Generation
28%
Pell Grant Recipients
19%

Race & Ethnicity

White 36%
Black 9%
Hispanic 10%
Asian 24%
Two+ 7%
Int'l 12%

Outcomes

4-Year Graduation Rate97.1%
Freshman Retention97.3%

Median Earnings After Graduation

6 Years$87,815
10 Years$110,066

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.

Rankings

U.S. News
#1
vs 2024
Forbes
#1
vs 2024
Washington Monthly
#5
vs 2024

More About This School

Varsity Sports — Tigers

VolleyballBasketball programSoccerSoccer championshipNationalLacrosse programSoccer nationalLacrosse championship

History & Fun Facts

  • In 1741, New Light Presbyterians were expelled from the Synod of Philadelphia in defense of how the Log College ordained ministers.
  • That same year, Princeton's first charter came under dispute by Anglicans, but on September 14, 1748, the recently appointed governor Jonathan Belcher granted a second charter.
  • Following the untimely death of Burr and the college's next three presidents, John Witherspoon became president in 1768 and remained in that post until his death in 1794.
  • In 1777, the college became the site for the Battle of Princeton.

Source: Wikipedia

Location & Lifestyle

Cost of Living

133Very High

Estimated from NJ state average + city premium

Climate (School Year)

Snowfall: 30"Sunny days: 200Rainy days: 125

Nearest Cities

Philadelphiapop. 1.6M
38 mi(66 min)
New Yorkpop. 8.3M
43 mi(75 min)
Bostonpop. 675K
233 mi(404 min)

Getting There

Nearest Airports

TTN Trenton-Mercer10 mi
EWR Newark Liberty35 mi
PHL Philadelphia PHL45 mi

Distance to Cities

Boston, MA233 mi · ~6h 44m drive
New York, NY43 mi · ~1h 15m drive
Hartford, CT142 mi · ~4h 6m drive
Providence, RI197 mi · ~5h 41m drive
Albany, NY166 mi · ~4h 48m drive
Syracuse, NY202 mi · ~5h 50m drive
Rochester, NY246 mi · ~7h 6m drive
Buffalo, NY280 mi · ~8h 5m drive
Philadelphia, PA38 mi · ~1h 6m drive
Pittsburgh, PA281 mi · ~8h 7m drive
Harrisburg, PA117 mi · ~3h 23m drive
Newark, NJ37 mi · ~1h 4m drive
Trenton, NJ10 mi · ~17 min drive
Southern (moderate winters, warm summers)

Deadline Calendar

Princeton University Application Checklist

Decision Notifications