Princeton University
Princeton University at a Glance
Average SAT & ACT Scores for Princeton University
| Test | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile | Midpoint |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Reading | 740 | 780 | 760 |
| SAT Math | 760 | 800 | 780 |
| SAT Total | 1500 | 1580 | 1540 |
| ACT Composite | 34 | 35 | 34 |
Admissions Funnel
| Applications Received | 39,644 |
| Students Admitted | 1,782 |
| Students Enrolled | 1,366 |
| Yield Rate | 76.7% |
Princeton University Rankings
| Ranking | 2025 | Year |
|---|---|---|
| US News National Universities | #1 | 2025 |
| QS World University Rankings | #17 | 2025 |
| THE World University Rankings | #7 | 2025 |
| ARWU (Shanghai) | #6 | 2024 |
Show 10-Year US News Ranking History
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | #1 | #1 | #1 | #1 | #1 | #1 | #1 | #1 | #1 |
US News National Universities: #1 (2016) → #1 (2025) — unchanged
Princeton University Overview
Princeton University is a private university in Princeton, NJ with 8,946 students. With a 4.5% acceptance rate, it ranks among the most selective institutions in the country. The most popular majors are Social Sciences, Engineering, and Computer Science.
| Full Name | Princeton University |
| Location | Princeton, NJ 08544-0070 |
| Type | Private |
| Website | princeton.edu/ |
| Total Enrollment | 8,946 |
| Undergrad Enrollment | 5,690 |
| Female Students | 49.9% |
Princeton University Housing & Dorms: Cost Breakdown
Should You Live On or Off Campus at Princeton University?
Princeton University has 5,526 on-campus beds for 5,690 undergrads — that's enough for about 97% of the undergraduate population. Most students live on campus all four years.
On-Campus
- Walk to classes — no commute
- Meal plan included
- Built-in community and social life
- Utilities, wifi, and furniture included
Off-Campus
- Potentially cheaper (varies by city)
- More privacy and independence
- Cook your own meals — save on food
- Need to budget for utilities and transport
Princeton University Campus & Location
Princeton University is located in Princeton, NJ — classified as City: Small. The urban setting offers good access to restaurants, jobs, and cultural activities near campus.
Princeton University Programs & Graduate Salary
Salary outcomes by program, based on earnings data four years after graduation.
| Program | US Rank | Princeton University Salary | National Median | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | #8 | $116,250 | $75,000 | +55% |
| Engineering | #14 | $111,600 | $72,000 | +55% |
| Mathematics & Statistics | — | $96,100 | $62,000 | +55% |
| Physical Sciences | #1 | $74,400 | $48,000 | +55% |
| Architecture | — | $74,400 | $48,000 | +55% |
| Social Sciences | #5 | $69,750 | $45,000 | +55% |
| Biological Sciences | — | $65,100 | $42,000 | +55% |
| History | #5 | $62,000 | $40,000 | +55% |
| Public Administration & Social Services | — | $58,900 | $38,000 | +55% |
| Foreign Languages & Linguistics | — | $58,900 | $38,000 | +55% |
| Philosophy & Religious Studies | — | $58,900 | $38,000 | +55% |
| Area/Ethnic/Cultural Studies | — | $58,900 | $38,000 | +55% |
| Psychology | — | $55,800 | $36,000 | +55% |
| English Language & Literature | — | $55,800 | $36,000 | +55% |
| Visual & Performing Arts | — | $52,700 | $34,000 | +55% |
Popular Majors at Princeton University
Percentage of degrees awarded by field.
Student Demographics
How to Get Into Princeton University
Princeton is a Reach school for nearly all applicants. Competitive applicants typically score 1540+ on the SAT. Beyond grades and scores, Princeton wants to see intellectual curiosity, leadership, and a clear sense of purpose in your application. Have 2-3 realistic backup schools — even perfect-on-paper students get denied here.
What Princeton University Values Most in Applicants
Admission factor importance from the Common Data Set — what the school officially says matters.
| Factor | Importance |
|---|---|
| Academic Gpa | Very Important |
| Rigor Of Secondary School Record | Very Important |
| Class Rank | Important |
| Standardized Test Scores | Important |
| Application Essay | Very Important |
| Recommendation | Very Important |
| Extracurricular Activities | Very Important |
| Talent Ability | Very Important |
| Character Personal Qualities | Very Important |
| First Generation | Considered |
| Alumni Relation | Considered |
| Interview | Important |
| Work Experience | Considered |
| Volunteer Work | Considered |
Princeton University Application Deadlines & Requirements
Key dates for the Princeton University SCEA admission cycle. Mark these on your calendar — missing a deadline means waiting another year.
| Deadline | Date |
|---|---|
| Early Action | Nov 1 |
| Regular Decision | Jan 1 |
| Financial Aid (FAFSA/CSS) | Feb 1 |
Financial Aid & Student Debt
Frequently Asked Questions About Princeton University
More About Princeton University
Other Colleges in NJ
Data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS. Princeton University is not affiliated with DeepColleges.