Princeton University

USA, Princeton, New Jersey · One of the world's leading universities, consistently ranking high in international rankings. The best university in the USA in 2024.

  • Bachelor's degree: about $60,000 per year
  • Master's degree: average $58,000 per year
  • Doctoral studies: free*
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№1in the US according to USNews Rankings
№6in the US according to USNews Rankings
№22in the world according to QS World University Rankings

About the university

Princeton University was founded in 1746 and is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the United States. Located in Princeton, New Jersey, it is a member of the Ivy League, which unites elite educational institutions. The university provides funding for undergraduate and doctoral studies, and some master’s programs are completely free.

Degree of study
Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral studies
Percentage of students accepted
6%
Probability of employment after training
about 84% of graduates find employment or continue their education within six months of graduation
Scholarships
a wide range of financial assistance for foreigners
Directions
a multidisciplinary university with a wide range of programs
Type
private university
Student body size
about 9,000 students
% of international students
12%
Student town
The location in the small American town of Princeton Limits cultural and entertainment opportunities compared to large cities, but the town's infrastructure is well developed and represents a whole student "city"
Selectivity
Very high level of selectivity

Available programs

Bachelor’s degree

  • Arts and Humanities
  • Natural sciences and Biomedicine
  • Engineering
  • Architecture and design
  • International Relations and Diplomacy
  • Social Sciences and Public Policy

Master’s degree

  • Arts and Humanities
  • Natural sciences and Biomedicine
  • Engineering
  • Architecture and design
  • International Relations and Diplomacy
  • Social Sciences and Public Policy

Doctoral studies

  • Arts and Humanities
  • Natural sciences and Biomedicine
  • Engineering
  • Architecture and design
  • International Relations and Diplomacy
  • Social Sciences and Public Policy

Faculties

Bachelor's degree

Princeton University offers a two-degree undergraduate program, the A.B. (Bachelor of Arts) and the B.S.E. (Bachelor of Science in Engineering). The program combines a liberal arts education with advanced specialization and independent projects, including a final thesis.

Classes are small, with a student-faculty ratio of about 5:1, and financial aid is available in the form of grants, making education more accessible.

Graduate School

The Graduate School offers postgraduate students the opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research and participate in a world-class academic community.

There are disciplines such as biology, economics, history, mathematics, physics, etc. The Graduate School provides deep specialization and preparation for academic and professional careers.

School of Engineering and Applied Science

Offers programs in engineering and applied sciences. Students can study areas such as chemical, biological, civil and environmental engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, etc.

The school focuses on innovation, research, and training engineers who can solve complex global problems.

School of Architecture

The Princeton University School of Architecture offers programs in architecture with an emphasis on design, theory, and history of architecture.

Programs include both undergraduate and graduate degrees. Students study architectural principles, sustainable design, and emerging technologies in preparation for careers in architecture and urban planning.

School of Public and International Affairs

There are undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs designed to prepare leaders in public policy and international affairs.

Students study economics, politics, sociology, international relations, and other disciplines, gaining the skills needed to analyze and develop effective policies.

Arrangement

Campuses and Dormitories

Princeton University is located in Princeton, New Jersey, United States. The campus covers approximately 2 square kilometers and includes historic and modern buildings, parks, gardens, and academic buildings. The campus has beautiful architecture, including neo-Gothic and modern buildings, and is a combination of academic and residential areas. The campus also includes many libraries, museums, and athletic facilities.

Undergraduate residence halls are coeducational, meaning that women and men live in the same buildings, but usually in separate rooms or sections. Living conditions include furniture, internet access, shared kitchens and bathrooms, and study and recreation areas.

For graduate and doctoral students, Princeton offers several housing options, both on and off campus:

  • Lawrence Apartments
  • Lakeside Apartments
  • Old Graduate College (OGC)
  • New Graduate College (NGC)

Graduate student residence halls are also mixed. Accommodations include furnished rooms or apartments, internet access, shared kitchens and bathrooms, and amenities such as laundry rooms, exercise rooms, and study and recreation areas. Some residence halls offer private or shared apartments for families.

Princeton University places great emphasis on student safety. The campus is guarded 24 hours a day, and security services are always ready to help students in any situation. The campus is equipped with security cameras, emergency call points, and regular patrols.

Infrastructure

Libraries

Princeton's libraries offer students access to millions of books, journals, and electronic resources. The main library, Firestone Library, is one of the largest university libraries in the world.

Specialty libraries such as the Lewis Library (science and engineering), Marquand Library of Art and Archaeology (art and archaeology), and Mendel Music Library (music) provide unique collections and resources for a variety of fields.

Laboratories

Princeton University has state-of-the-art laboratories and research centers equipped with the latest technology.

Institutes such as the Princeton Neuroscience Institute, the Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment, the Frick Chemistry Laboratory, and the Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics conduct cutting-edge research in a variety of scientific fields, including neuroscience, chemistry, renewable energy, and genomics.

Sports complexes

The university also offers students athletic opportunities. Dillon Gymnasium and Jadwin Gymnasium house weight rooms, athletic fields, and swimming pools.

Lenz Tennis Center and Princeton Stadium provide tennis practice facilities, track and field, and soccer competitions. Students can participate in a variety of sports and stay in shape.

Cultural centers

The Princeton University Art Museum features art collections and hosts exhibitions and educational programs.

The McCarter Theatre Center is renowned for its theater productions and concerts. The Frist Campus Center is the main social center where students can relax, socialize, dine, and participate in a variety of activities.

Tuition fees

  • Bachelor’s degree: about $60,000 per year.
  • Master’s degree: on average $58,000 per year.
  • Doctorate: free*
Possible additional costs
accommodation, textbooks, insurance, transportation
Financing options
scholarships, grants, loans, on-campus work and teaching assistantships

How to proceed

Application: Applications are submitted through the Common Application or Coalition Application. The application deadline is January 1. Students may also apply for Single Choice Early Action until November 1.

Early Action results are announced in mid-December, and Regular Action results are announced in late March. Final application decisions are announced in April. Accepted students must confirm their admission by May 1.

Documents:

  • Application: The main application is completed online through the Common Application or Coalition Application.
  • Essays: Applicants must write one or more essays that highlight their personal qualities, goals, and motivations for applying to Princeton.
  • Recommendations: Two recommendations from teachers and one from a high school counselor are required.
  • Test Scores: Optional SAT or ACT with writing section. The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1500-1600, and the average ACT score is around 33-35. Proof of English proficiency (IELTS – 7.5+ or TOEFL – 100+)
  • Assessed written project in English or History: a sample of academic writing reviewed and graded by a teacher.
  • Additional Materials: Some applicants may wish to include a portfolio, video, or other materials if they believe it will enhance their application.

Admission to Princeton University is competitive. Approximately 6% of all applicants receive an offer of admission. This means that the university carefully selects the best candidates based on their academic and extracurricular achievements.

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Admission Features

Interview

Some programs require an interview, which may be conducted on campus or via video link. The interview allows the university to better understand the candidate’s personality and motivation.

Portfolio

For admission to programs related to art, design or architecture, it is necessary to provide a portfolio with examples of work. The portfolio should demonstrate the candidate's creative abilities and technical skills.

Competitions and exams

Some programs may include additional competitions or examinations. For example, music programs may require auditions, and literature programs may require writing samples.

Educational process

The Princeton curriculum is characterized by flexibility and course variety. Students can choose from a variety of courses, ranging from core subjects to specialized seminars and labs. Courses consist of lectures, seminars, labs, and projects.

Most programs require midterm and final exams, as well as coursework and projects that advance the subject.

Scholarships and grants

Because Princeton University has high tuition fees, scholarships are the only option for many students to get an education. Princeton University offers a wide range of funding options for international students.

Academic scholarships (Merit-Based Scholarships)

Awarded to students who have shown high results in entrance exams, have outstanding grades, and have participated in scientific or educational projects.

Master’s students can receive scholarships and grants for some programs by assisting professors in teaching undergraduate students.

Architecture, engineering, applied sciences, and IT specialties allow students to receive some scholarships for helping with classes, checking papers, and tutoring outside of class.

The College of International Relations programs fully cover tuition and health insurance, and also award additional scholarships for personal expenses to ALL accepted students

All students accepted to doctoral programs study for the first year of doctoral studies for free, and in subsequent years of study they can cover up to 100% of the cost of tuition by working on research, as well as assisting a professor.

Princeton University also prioritizes full funding for all graduate students throughout their studies because, according to the school’s policy, “this investment in students and the university community fosters a unique academic environment where creative thinking and original research flourish.”

Need-Based Scholarships

Princeton is committed to providing access to education to all students, regardless of their financial situation. Need-based scholarships are available to students who require financial support to cover the costs of attendance and living expenses.

To receive need-based scholarships, students must complete financial aid applications, providing information about their family income and other financial obligations.

Princeton uses a comprehensive approach to assessing the needs of each student and offers financial aid packages that may include grants, scholarships, student loans, and on-campus work opportunities.

It is important to note that the university has a need-blind undergraduate admissions policy, meaning that a student’s financial situation does not factor into the admissions decision.

All applicants accepted to Princeton University for an undergraduate degree receive need-based financial aid – a “discount” on tuition based on family income. With an annual income of up to $150,000, education is free for students.

Research grants

Princeton University also provides research grants for students who are engaged in scientific projects and research.

These grants are intended to support students in the implementation of their research ideas and projects by covering the costs of equipment, materials, travel to conferences, and other research-related expenses.

To receive a research grant, students must submit an application describing their research project, its goals and expected results, as well as recommendations from faculty and project supervisors, and previous research achievements.

How to get a scholarship

To receive a scholarship, you must complete the following steps:

1. Explore available scholarships

Explore scholarship options on Princeton’s official website and choose the one that suits you best.

2. Preparation of documents

Gather necessary documents, including academic records, recommendations, test scores, and financial information.

3. Filling out the application

Complete and submit an application in accordance with the terms and requirements of the specific scholarship.

4. Interviews and interviews

If necessary, undergo an interview with university representatives.

5. Waiting for the result

Wait for the results, which are usually announced along with the admission decision.

Prospects after graduation

Princeton graduates are in high demand among employers around the world. According to recent data, about 95% of graduates find employment, build an international career, or enroll in graduate school within six months of graduation. Popular industries for Princeton graduates include consulting, finance, technology, government, and research. Many graduates also start their own companies.

Employment Opportunities

Princeton University has a wide network of partner companies and organizations, giving students access to career opportunities in leading industries. Graduates are actively recruited by companies such as Goldman Sachs and J.P. Morgan in the financial sector, Google, Microsoft, and Apple in technology, McKinsey & Company and BCG in consulting, and academic institutions including NASA and the National Institutes of Health.

Internships and practicums

The University Career Services Center helps find suitable internships both in the United States and abroad. Programs include summer internships at major corporations, research internships at labs and research institutes, and internships at non-governmental organizations and government agencies.

Career Center

Princeton Career Services provides career counseling, career fairs, and resume writing and interview preparation training and workshops.

Alumni Network

Princeton’s alumni network numbers tens of thousands of people worldwide, creating unique opportunities for professional and personal connections. Many alumni also return to the university as faculty, researchers, or members of administrative boards.

Scientific achievements

Princeton University is renowned for its outstanding scientific achievements and research in a wide range of fields. The university’s Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) is a world leader in nuclear fusion research. Princeton’s research in molecular biology, ecology, and social sciences has also received wide recognition. One of its most significant projects is its participation in experiments at the Large Hadron Collider, which helped discover a new particle, the Higgs boson.

Research and development

Chaos theory

Princeton professor Edward Lorenz was a pioneer in the study of chaos theory.

Research in neuroscience

The University is actively working to understand brain function and brain diseases.

Nobel Prize Laureates

More than 30 Princeton faculty and alumni have received Nobel Prizes for their contributions to a variety of scientific fields, including physics, chemistry, medicine, and economics.

Development of the theory of relativity

Although Albert Einstein was not a Princeton graduate, his close work with the university's scientific community made Princeton an important center of theoretical physics.

Famous Alumni

Michelle Obama

The former First Lady of the United States, lawyer and public figure, received a bachelor's degree in sociology from Princeton.

Jeff Bezos

The founder of Amazon and one of the world's most influential entrepreneurs, he graduated from Princeton with a degree in electrical engineering and computer science.

Alan Turing

An eminent mathematician and a founder of computer science, he studied at Princeton in the doctoral program.

F. Scott Fitzgerald

The famous American writer, author of The Great Gatsby, studied at Princeton, where he began his literary career.

Interesting facts

History of Harvard University

Founded in 1746, Princeton University is the fourth-oldest college in the United States. Originally called the College of New Jersey, it moved to Princeton in 1756 and officially became Princeton University in 1896.

The university is known for historic buildings such as Nassau Hall, which was used by the Continental Congress in 1783​ (The Office of Institutional Research).

Unique traditions and events

The annual P-rade, held as part of Reunions, attracts thousands of graduates and their families from around the world.

Another vibrant tradition is Dean’s Date, when students celebrate the end of exams by filling the university fountains.

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