Princeton University
Princeton University has an acceptance rate of 4.6%, average net price of $6,128, and a national rank of #3 (Grade A+), with a 97.6% six-year graduation rate, and median earnings of $87,815 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Princeton University is a private nonprofit university in Princeton, NJ. Students most often pursue Computer Engineering and Computer Science.
Day to day, students benefit from a 5:1 student-faculty ratio. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 321.5%, roughly 271.6 points higher than typical outcomes. It's well-suited to ambitious students who thrive in an elite, research-powered setting and career-focused learners aiming for high-impact outcomes.
Who is Princeton University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Princeton University graduates 97.6% of students within six years and does not report first-year retention. Affordability earns a B+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Princeton University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | Not reported |
| Books and Supplies | Not reported |
| On-Campus Room and Board | Not reported |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | Not reported |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $84,040 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: Only 0.0% of Princeton University students receive Pell Grants — far below the national average, underscoring equity challenges.
ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $87,815
- 10-Year Median Earnings $87,815
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $10,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 86.4%
- Employment Rate 77.8%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Princeton University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Princeton University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Princeton University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Princeton University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: With a 321.5% return on investment, Princeton University delivers exceptional value. Graduates earn $87,815 median—+101% above the national average—making this a strong investment for career-focused students.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 740-780
- SAT Math 770-800
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 34-35
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 0
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate Not reported
- Graduation Rate 97.6%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 5:1
How to Get Into Princeton University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Princeton University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 4.6%, Princeton University is extremely selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 4.6% acceptance rate, Princeton University is extremely selective. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their class. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1510 and 1580 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Princeton University undergraduates. Computer Science, Economics, and Public Policy Analysis draw the most students.
- Computer Science 12.5%
- Economics 9.9%
- Public Policy Analysis 8.5%
- History 5.8%
- Political Science and Government 5.5%
- Operations Research 5.4%
See more majors
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology 4.4%
- Mechanical Engineering 4.1%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer Engineering $243,825
- 2. Computer Science $146,624
- 3. Economics $103,041
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Operations Research $100,354
- 5. Public Policy Analysis $98,995
- 6. Political Science and Government $94,020
- 7. Mechanical Engineering $85,328
- 8. Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology $53,038
- 9. Research and Experimental Psychology $47,050
- 10. History $45,363
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Public Policy Analysis (Master's Degree) $112,516
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer Engineering grads earn $243,825—437% more than History ($45,363). Graduate: Public Policy Analysis programs lead with $112,516 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Princeton University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Computer Science (Bachelor's Degree, 158 graduates)
- Economics (Bachelor's Degree, 126 graduates)
- Public Policy Analysis (Bachelor's Degree, 108 graduates)
- Public Policy Analysis (Master's Degree, 96 graduates)
- History (Bachelor's Degree, 73 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (36 programs)▼
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Public Policy Analysis
- History
- Political Science and Government
- Operations Research
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Mechanical Engineering
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- English Language and Literature, General
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Philosophy
- Sociology
- Chemical Engineering
- Anthropology
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Chemistry
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Area Studies
- Civil Engineering
- Architecture
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Music
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Engineering, General
Online Master's Degrees (39 programs)▼
- Public Policy Analysis
- Computer Science
- Applied Mathematics
- Physics
- History
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Economics
- Chemistry
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Political Science and Government
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Operations Research
- Area Studies
- Sociology
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Mechanical Engineering
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Chemical Engineering
- English Language and Literature, General
- Architecture
- Civil Engineering
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Music
- Mathematics
- Philosophy
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Demography and Population Studies
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
- Anthropology
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
Online Doctoral Degrees (38 programs)▼
- Political Science and Government
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Chemistry
- Mechanical Engineering
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Computer Science
- Physics
- History
- Operations Research
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Economics
- Civil Engineering
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Mathematics
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Applied Mathematics
- Sociology
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- English Language and Literature, General
- Area Studies
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Philosophy
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Music
- Demography and Population Studies
- Chemical Engineering
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
- Architecture
- Anthropology
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Public Policy Analysis
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (1 program)▼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 0
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 0.0%
- Female Students 0.0%
- Caucasian 33.7%
- Asian 23.4%
- Hispanic 10.1%
- Black 8.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients 0.0%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Princeton University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Princeton University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Princeton University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Princeton University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Princeton University has a diverse student body, with 33.7% identifying as White. About 19.2% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Princeton University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Princeton University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Princeton University stands among the nation's most elite, delivering a exceptional 321.5% return on investment outperforming 6024 of 6119 institutions in our analysis.
The institution achieves 75.3% four-year and 97.6% six-year completion ratesand maintains 98.4% first-year retention. However, the competitive $6,128 annual net price enhances accessibility. Post-graduation median earnings of $87,815 reflect strong career outcomes typical of selective institutions.
Value Analysis: Is Princeton University Worth It?
Ranking #3 of 6119, Princeton University delivers a A+ overall grade with 99.9/100 on EDsmart's national index (0–100 vs. all ranked schools; not a raw point total).
For High-Achieving Students: Applicants pursuing careers where institutional prestige and professional networks drive opportunities—such as finance, consulting, law, and academia—benefit most from Princeton University's brand value and alumni connections. The school's reputation provides career acceleration that may justify the premium cost for specific fields.
Financial Aid Recipients: Students receiving substantial need-based aid (bringing actual costs below $3,064 annually) access elite education at a competitive price point. Pell-eligible students often pay less here than at many public universities.
Alternative Considerations: Students in fields where skills and credentials matter more than brand name—particularly STEM, healthcare, and technical fields—should compare outcomes against public research universities offering similar education at 40-60% lower cost. Our data shows 95 institutions deliver superior ROI metrics.
Bottom Line: Princeton University excels in reputation and student experience, reflected in its 98.4% retention rate. However, value-conscious students should weigh the $6,128 annual investment against 95 alternatives offering stronger financial returns. The "best" choice depends on your field, financial situation, and career goals—not rankings alone.
Key Takeaways
- 97.6% six-year graduation rate sits 35.1 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 98.4% first-year retention is 21.6 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 321.5% return on investment is 271.6 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $87,815 run about 101% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $6,128 is roughly $11,298 lower than the national median of $17,426.
Helpfulness for Students
- 5:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 98.4% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 77.8% employment rate within three years sits 9.6 points above national outcomes.
- Budget carefully for clinical travel, off-campus housing, and practicum fees to avoid surprise costs.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Princeton University, a private nonprofit university in Princeton, NJ, secures a A+ grade in our latest review. It stands at #3 among 6119 schools Grades by category break down as Completion A+, Support A+, Career Outcomes A+, and Affordability B+.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
The six-year graduation rate hovers around 97.6%. Return on investment currently measures 321.5% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $6,128 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $84,040.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $77,912 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $10,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
Pell Grant participation data is not reported.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $87,815 at the median. This is roughly 101% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
Employment outcomes report about 77.8% of alumni working within three years.
Plan around an ROI of about 321.5% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
4.6% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Princeton University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Princeton University's acceptance rate?
Princeton University's acceptance rate is 4.6%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Princeton University cost?
At Princeton University, the average net price after aid is $6,128. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Princeton University's ranking?
Princeton University ranks #3 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of A+, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Princeton University's graduation rate?
At Princeton University, the six-year graduation rate is 97.6%.
What are Princeton University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Princeton University report median earnings of $87,815 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
Contact Information
- Address Princeton, NJ 08544-0070
- Website www.princeton.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
- Endowment$33.38B