Princeton University: Rankings, Requirements, Fees In 2025

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of Princeton University? Is it the best courses it offers, the great alumni it has raised over time, or is it the Princeton University rankings? Regardless, you have to agree that studying at Princeton University is an aspiration for many students across the world.

Located in Princeton, New Jersey, this place is like the academic hub of the East Coast. Think of beautiful buildings that reflect the brilliance of the minds studying there and a campus that's practically a park. The faculty is filled with impressive experts who are leading their field.

Princeton University is a prestigious Ivy League college and has a reputation for some of the best student graduates like Jeff Bezos, Michelle Obama, and Steve Forbes. Its reputation is built on the wide range of Bachelor, Master, and Doctoral courses it offers. Apart from all this, Princeton University also offers a vibrant campus life.

So, if you are aspiring to join the institution, then keep reading to find out all about Princeton University Rankings, Admission Requirements, Fees, and more.

History of Princeton University 

Princeton University is one of the oldest and most prominent universities in the United States. Originally based in Elizabeth, New Jersey, it was established in 1746 as the College of New Jersey. The college relocated to its current site in Princeton in 1756. As far as American colleges go, Princeton is the fourth-oldest. 

Princeton University adheres to the highest standards of distinction in acquiring and disseminating knowledge and understanding. Princeton stands out among research universities for its dedication to undergraduate education. The arts, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering are taught at both the undergraduate and graduate levels at Princeton, a private, coeducational, nonreligious college. 

Princeton University Rankings 

Princeton University holds a prominent position in global and national rankings. Apart from being one of the top universities in the US, Princeton University rankings are also high for major University Ranking Boards. 

Here are Princeton University Rankings by different boards.

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Princeton University Student Life

In the autumn of 2021, Princeton University admission had 5,321 undergraduate students enrolled, with a total population of 50% male and 50% female. 94% of this institution's students stay in housing owned, operated, or linked with the college, while just 6% live off-campus. The student life at Princeton University is active and diversified. Academic success is prioritized at the university, but students also participate in various extracurricular activities. Students at Princeton are divided into one of six residential colleges at random under the residential college system. These institutions offer a close-knit community and are the hub of student's social and academic lives. On campus, there are more than 300 student organizations that serve a variety of interests. These organizations work in various fields, including the arts, politics, culture, volunteer work, sports, etc. The performing arts community of courses at Princeton University is thriving. Various student-led theater, dance, music, and visual arts productions are supported by the Lewis Centre for the Arts.

Princeton University Colleges

Located in New Jersey, Princeton University has more than 200 campus buildings under its name. However, the university also has other properties and facilities that add to its overall academic and research endeavors. Here are some notable campuses and facilities associated with Princeton University admission:

1. Princeton University Campus

The main campus of Princeton University is spread across a picturesque 500-acre area. It features stunning Gothic-style architecture, tree-lined pathways, and beautiful courtyards. The iconic Nassau Hall, built in 1756, serves as the centerpiece of the campus and houses administrative offices.

2. Frist Campus Center

The Frist Campus Center, located in the middle of the Princeton campus, is a hive of student activity. It features a variety of services, including cafes, student organization offices, event spaces, a theater, and study areas, and serves as a central meeting place for students.

3. Lewis Centre for the Arts 

The Lewis Centre for the Arts is a vibrant creative hub within Princeton University admission. It includes multiple facilities like the Wallace Dance Building and Theater, the Hurley Gallery, and the Princeton Sound Kitchen. These spaces cater to the university's robust arts programs, encompassing visual arts, music, theater, dance, and creative writing.

4. Princeton University Art Museum

It is a well-known center for art and cultural study on the Princeton campus. The museum has many artworks from diverse time periods and civilizations, making it a great resource for students, scholars, and art enthusiasts.

5. Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL)

While not located on the main campus, the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory is a vital research facility affiliated with Princeton University admission. It is dedicated to the study of plasma physics and fusion energy research. The laboratory conducts cutting-edge experiments and collaborates with scientists from around the world.

What Can I Study At Princeton University?

The courses Princeton University offers fall into the following categories: 

1. Social Sciences 
2. Engineering 
3. Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services 
4. Public Administration and Social Service Professions 
5. Biological and Biomedical Sciences
6. Physical Sciences; History 
7. Foreign Languages
8. Literature
9. Linguistics 
10. Mathematics and Statistic
11. Area, Ethnic, Cultural, Gender, and Group Studies

How To Apply To Princeton University?

For Princeton University admissions there are are a few documents that you will need to submit along with your SAT/GRE/IELTS/TOEFL scores. The Princeton University rankings are so high based because of its extensive admission process and the need to enrol only the best of the best 4.4%. Here’s all the information you will need for Princeton University admissions.

Princeton University Required Documents 

When applying to Princeton University, you must submit a number of documents as part of your application. These documents summarize your academic history, achievements, and personal traits to the admissions committee. The following are the standard documents necessary for a Princeton University application:

1. Common Application or Coalition Application

2. Application Fee or Fee Waiver

3. High School Transcripts

4. School Report and Counsellor Recommendation

5. Teacher Recommendations

6. Standardized Test Scores

7. Mid-Year Report

Princeton University Eligibility

1. Princeton University Requirements for GPA: The GPA requirement that truly matters is the GPA required for a genuine possibility of admission. For this, we look at the average GPA of the school's current students. Princeton's average GPA is 3.9. Princeton expects you to be at the top of your class with a GPA of 3.9. To compete with other candidates, you'll need practically straight A's in all of your classes. In addition, you should be taking difficult subjects - AP or IB courses - to demonstrate that college-level academics are simple.

2. Princeton University Requirements for SAT: Many colleges claim to have no SAT cut-off, but there is a disguised SAT requirement. This is based on the average score at the school. Princeton's average SAT composite score is 1505 on a 1600 SAT scale. Princeton is Extremely Competitive for SAT test scores with this score. 

3. Princeton ACT Requirements Standardized Testing: Princeton University is test-optional, which means that applicants are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores. However, if you choose to submit scores, they should reflect your abilities and academic achievements. If you don’t submit scores, the admissions committee will place more emphasis on other aspects of your application.

4. Extracurricular Involvement: This university values students who have shown a commitment to extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and a passion for chasing their dreams. Admissions officers consider the depth of involvement, accomplishments, and contributions made in areas such as clubs, sports, community service, research, the arts, and other endeavors.

5. Personal Qualities and Character: Princeton seeks applicants who possess personal qualities such as intellectual curiosity, resilience, leadership potential, and a commitment to making a positive impact in the world. Your essays, recommendation letters, and interviews (if applicable) provide opportunities to showcase your unique qualities, experiences, and perspectives.

6. Diversity and Inclusion: Princeton University admission values diversity and seeks to create a vibrant and inclusive campus community. They look for applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives who can contribute to the diversity of the student body and engage in meaningful interactions with their peers.

Note that meeting the eligibility requirements won't ensure your Princeton University admission, as the application process is extremely competitive. Admissions choices are based on a comprehensive examination of each student, considering all aspects of the application and determining how well the candidate corresponds with the university's mission and values.

Princeton University Fees

Students aiming for courses at Princeton University, here is a list of Princeton University tuition fees you need to know:

Princeton University Scholarship

Princeton University offers several prestigious scholarships to support students in pursuing their academic and career goals. Here are five Princeton University scholarships:

1. The Princeton University Scholarship: This scholarship is the university's flagship financial aid program. It is need-based and covers the full cost of tuition, room, and board, ensuring that admitted students can attend Princeton regardless of their financial background. The scholarship is awarded to undergraduate students for the duration of their enrolment at the university.

2. The Robertson Scholars Leadership Program: This highly competitive scholarship program is offered in partnership with Duke University. It provides students with full tuition, room, and board for all four years of their undergraduate studies. Additionally, the program offers leadership development opportunities, mentorship, and access to a supportive community of scholars.

3. The Bridge Year Program: While not strictly a scholarship, the Bridge Year Program is an extraordinary opportunity for admitted Princeton undergraduates. It offers a tuition-free, immersive service experience in select countries. Participants engage in community service projects, language study, and cultural exploration before beginning their studies on campus.

4. The Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship (MMUF): This fellowship is designed to support underrepresented students interested in pursuing a career in academia. It provides financial assistance, research opportunities, mentorship, and academic support to fellows during their undergraduate studies. The program aims to foster diversity and promote the pursuit of doctoral degrees and careers in teaching and research.

5. The Sachs Scholarship: Established by Princeton alumnus Peter B. Lewis, it provides financial support to exceptional students pursuing graduate study or research abroad after completing their undergraduate degree at Princeton. The scholarship covers full tuition and provides additional funding for travel, living expenses, and research projects.

The University of Princeton rankings show just how popular the university is among students and faculties. With one of the lowest acceptance rate or 4.4%, Princeton is one of the top universities in the US and the elitist universities in the world.