Princeton University is a private nonprofit 4-year college in Princeton, New Jersey with 5,709 undergraduates. It admits 4.6% of applicants, costs an average of $7,815 a year after grants and graduates 97% of its students.
Figures from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, released October 15, 2026. What each number covers.
Princeton University acceptance rate and admissions
Princeton University admitted 4.6% of applicants for fall 2024, about 1 in 22. The median acceptance rate at 4-year colleges is 77%.
Test scores: Considered but not required (as reported for fall 2024 admission). That means you can apply without SAT or ACT scores. Check the admissions office for the current policy.
SAT total
1510 to 1580
4001600
ACT composite
34 to 35
136
The colored band is the middle 50% of enrolled students in fall 2024 (reading and writing 740 to 780, math 770 to 800). The tick marks the typical 4-year college. Check how your scores fit.
Princeton University application deadlines 2026-27
Round
Deadline
Restrictive early action
Nov 1, 2026 (passed)
Regular decision
Jan 1, 2027
Next deadline: Regular decision, Jan 1, 2027. Application fee through the Common App: $85 for U.S. applicants. Confirm dates on Princeton University’s admissions page; see every college on the deadline calendar.
Source: Common App 2026-27 first-year deadlines, fees and requirements grid, updated Sep 25, 2026.
Princeton University tuition, cost and net price
Tuition and fees (2025-26)
$65,510
On-campus housing and food (2025-26)
$21,170
Total cost of attendance (2024-25)
$87,888
Average net price after grants (2024-25)
$7,815
Students who get federal aid pay an average of $7,815 a year after grants and scholarships, $80,073 less than the full cost of attendance.
What families pay, by income
Average yearly cost after grants for aided first-time students, by family income (2024-25):
Princeton University graduation rate, earnings and debt
97%finished within 6 years98%came back for year two24%get a Pell Grant
97% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years (students who started in 2019).
Former students earned a median of $133,523 a year, 10 years after they started (students who received federal aid and were working).
Students who completed left with a median of $12,400 in federal student loans.
Earnings compared
Princeton University$133,523
New Jersey median, private nonprofit 4-year$62,652
U.S. median, private nonprofit 4-year$59,582
Debt compared
Princeton University$12,400
New Jersey median$21,585
U.S. median$23,250
Median debt is 9.3% of median earnings 10 years after entry. Many advisers suggest keeping total student debt below one year of expected pay. See the monthly payment.
Princeton University majors and what graduates earn
Princeton University awarded bachelor's degrees in 35 fields recently. The best-paid graduates four years out came from computer science ($217,973).
Four-year earnings: graduates of 2017-18 and 2018-19, measured in 2022 and 2023, in 2024 dollars. Fields with few graduates have no published earnings.
Graduate programs at Princeton University
76 graduate programs awarded degrees recently. Largest first.
What is the acceptance rate at Princeton University?
Princeton University admitted 4.6% of applicants for fall 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
How much does Princeton University cost?
Tuition and fees for 2025-26 are $65,510. After grants and scholarships, aided students paid an average net price of $7,815 a year in 2024-25.
What SAT score do you need for Princeton University?
The middle 50% of enrolled students scored 740 to 780 in reading and writing and 770 to 800 in math, and 34 to 35 on the ACT. Scores inside these ranges are typical for admitted students.
Is Princeton University test-optional?
For fall 2024 admission, Princeton University reported that test scores were: considered but not required. Policies change, so confirm with the admissions office.
What is the graduation rate at Princeton University?
97% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years.
How much do Princeton University graduates make?
Former students who received federal aid earned a median of $133,523 a year 10 years after they started, in 2024 dollars.
Similar colleges
Matched on location, type, selectivity, size, net price and graduation rate.