Overview of Princeton University

Princeton University is an Ivy League research institution located in Princeton, New Jersey. The institution has a large selection of undergraduate and graduate degree programs for students to choose from. A robust student/faculty ratio supports students, and professors take a personalized approach to the teaching and learning process. Outside of the classroom, students will find plenty of opportunities to engage with the campus community via many clubs and organizations.

Enrollment

• Total Enrollment: 8,374 (5,428 undergraduates)
• Gender Breakdown: 51 percent male/49 percent female
• 98 percent full-time

Cost of Attendance Information

• Tuition and Fees: $51,870
• Books: $1,050
• Room and Board: $17,150
• Other Expenses: $3,150
• Total Cost: $73,220

Financial Aid Information

• Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 62 percent
• Percentage of New Students Receiving Types of Aid
  • Grants: 60 percent
  • Loans: 8 percent

• Average Amount of Aid
  • Grants: $50,655
  • Loans: $5,567

Academic Programs Offered

• Most Popular Majors: Social Sciences; Engineering; Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services; Biological and Biomedical Sciences; and Public Administration and Social Service Professions

Retention and Graduation

• First-Year Student Retention (full-time students): 98 percent
• 4-Year Graduation Rate: 87 percent
• 6-Year Graduation Rate: 96 percent

NCAA Athletic Programs

• Men’s Sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Crew-Rowing, Fencing, Football, Golf, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Swimming and Diving, Tennis, Track and Field, Squash, Water Polo, Wrestling
• Women’s Sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Crew-Rowing, Fencing, Field Hockey, Golf, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Swimming and Diving, Tennis, Track and Field, Water Polo, Squash
• The Princeton Tigers play at the NCAA Division I level.

Overview of Princeton University Admissions

Princeton University has a highly competitive admissions pool, but Students whose SAT/ACT scores and GPA are within the institution’s requirements have a good chance of being admitted. Applicants should complete an online application and send test scores from either the SAT or ACT and high school transcripts. Students with unique talents and accomplishments can still receive strong consideration even if their GPAs are outside of the mean range. After applying, students will receive a message from an admissions counselor about the application process’s next steps.

Admissions Data                        

During the 2018-19 admissions phase, Princeton University had an acceptance rate of 5%. For every 100 students who submitted applications, 5 students gained admission, making Princeton’s admissions process highly competitive.

SAT Requirements and Scores

During the 2018-19 admissions phase, 68% of students provided SAT scores. This admissions data reveals that most of Princeton’s students score within the top 7% nationally on the SAT. 50% of students admitted to Princeton scored between 710 and 770 on the evidence-based reading and writing section, while 25% scored under 710, and 25% scored over 770. 50% of students scored between 730 and 800 on the math section, while 25% scored under 730, and 25% scored a perfect 800. Applicants with a cumulative SAT score of 1570 or higher will have particularly competitive chances at Princeton.

ACT Requirements and Scores

During the 2018-19 admissions phase, 55% of students provided ACT scores. This admissions data reveals that most of Princeton’s students score within the top 3% nationally on the ACT. The median 50% of students admitted to Princeton received a cumulative ACT score between 32 and 35, while 25% scored over 35, and 25% scored under 32.

GPA

In 2019, the mean high school GPA for  Princeton University freshman was 3.90. All first-year students at Princeton had GPAs ranging from 3.0 to 4.0, and the majority of students had GPAs of 3.75 and over. Successful applicants have A and B grades primarily.

Safety Net Schools: Easy to Gain Admission

If past admission data predicts that you would be a competitive candidate for Princeton University, it should be easy to gain admissions to the schools below. If Princeton University is currently out of your reach, then you are sure to be a competitive candidate for the schools below.

Boston College, Boston University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, UMass, Rutgers University, University of Delaware

Same Tier: Just As Hard to Gain Admission

If you’re a competitive candidate for Princeton University, you should have an equal chance of gaining admissions at these schools.

University of Pennsylvania, Dartmouth College, Brown University, Tufts University, Northeastern University, New York University, University of Michigan

Reach Institutions: Gaining Admissions Will be More of a Challenge

These schools are more challenging to gain admission to Princeton University. If you improve your GPA and SAT/ACT scores, you’ll be a competitive candidate.

Yale University, Carnegie Mellon University, Columbia University, Harvard University, MIT, Vanderbilt University

Applying to Princeton University

Application Deadline: January 1

Undergraduate Admissions Website:

https://admission.princeton.edu/

Undergraduate Application Link(s):

https://admission.princeton.edu/how-apply/application-checklist

Graduate Admissions Website:

https://www.princeton.edu/admission-aid/graduate-admission

Graduate Application Link(s):

https://gradschool.princeton.edu/admission/applying-princeton