Princeton University Scholarships (2025–2026)
← Back to the University Scholarships hub • See New Jersey state aid
- Under ~$150K: Many families pay $0 for the full cost of attendance (grants cover it all).
- ~$150K–$250K: Many families pay no tuition (but may pay some housing/food/misc depending on income and assets).
- Above ~$250K: Some families still qualify for aid — especially with multiple kids in college, high medical expenses, or unusual circumstances.
Parent note: these thresholds describe “most families,” not a guarantee — assets and household details matter. Use Princeton’s net price calculator to sanity-check your situation.
- How Princeton’s aid program is built to be loan-free by default
- What families typically pay at different income ranges
- QuestBridge (Match pathway + key parent deadlines)
- PFAA + FAFSA timing (Princeton does not use the CSS Profile/IDOC)
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Test Policy: Test-optional (scores considered if submitted)
- SAT (25th–75th): 1500–1560
- ACT (25th–75th): 34–35
- Average HS GPA (reported): 3.95
Source: Princeton Common Data Set 2024–2025. Percentiles shown are for enrolled first-years who submitted scores.
🗓️ Financial Aid Action Plan (Quick Timeline)
- September–October: QuestBridge application (if eligible) + gather tax/asset docs for aid forms.
- Nov 1: Restrictive Early Action deadline (if applying REA) + submit Princeton aid forms by that timeline.
- Jan 1: Regular Decision deadline + submit Princeton aid forms by that timeline.
- After submitting: Watch portals for “missing items” and upload quickly if requested.
Parent tip: At loan-free schools, speed + completeness matters. Missing items can delay your aid offer even if your student is admitted.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
Princeton at a Glance
Most families with incomes up to $150,000 pay $0 for the full cost of attendance (tuition, housing, food, books, and personal expenses), and most families up to $250,000 pay no tuition (aid depends on income and assets).
Princeton is also a QuestBridge partner (Match = a full four-year package). Loans are available only if a family specifically requests them.
Princeton is one of the rare schools where the “$90K+ sticker price” is often not what families pay. The reason is simple: Princeton’s aid is need-based only (no merit scholarships), and the standard offer is designed to be loan-free.
Here’s the headline parents care about: many families with incomes up to $150,000 pay $0 for the full cost of attendance (tuition, housing, food, books, and personal expenses), and many families up to $250,000 pay no tuition. Your exact cost depends on income and assets — but the model is built around grants, not borrowing.
To be considered for Princeton aid, families complete the Princeton Financial Aid Application (PFAA) (Princeton’s own form) and typically the FAFSA. Princeton does not use the CSS Profile/IDOC. QuestBridge students follow the QuestBridge timeline — and even without a Match, students can still be admitted and receive Princeton’s normal grant-based aid.
FAQ
Does Princeton participate in QuestBridge? Yes. Princeton is a QuestBridge partner and offers full-coverage packages for matched students.
Does Princeton offer merit scholarships? No. Princeton does not award merit scholarships; aid is need-based.
Does Princeton include loans in aid packages? Princeton’s standard offer is loan-free (grants + work-study). Loans can be processed if a family specifically requests them.
What’s the average net price? About $16,562 after aid, with many families paying $0 based on income.
Cost & Aid (Admissions) – https://admission.princeton.edu/cost-aid
Apply for Aid (PFAA; no CSS Profile/IDOC) – https://finaid.princeton.edu/apply-aid-prospective-students
Financial Aid FAQs – https://finaid.princeton.edu/faqs
Outside Scholarships Policy – https://finaid.princeton.edu/policies-procedures/outside-scholarships
Student Loans (available on request) – https://finaid.princeton.edu/financing-options/student-loans
QuestBridge Partner Page – https://questbridge.org/college-partners/princeton-university/
Princeton Common Data Set – https://oir.princeton.edu/common-data-set
College Scorecard – https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?186131-Princeton-University
💰 Cost of Attendance at Princeton University
| Expense (Direct Costs) | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition + University Fees | $65,510 | $65,510 |
| Housing + Food (standard on-campus) | $21,170 | $21,170 |
| Total Direct Costs (before aid) | $86,680 | $86,680 |
Princeton also estimates ~$4,050 in indirect costs (books/supplies, personal expenses, activities, etc.). That’s how the full annual student budget reaches roughly $90,730 before travel.
Additional estimated costs not billed directly by Princeton include Books & Supplies (~$1,050), Personal Expenses (~$2,450), and Travel (variable by location). These are excluded from the table because they are not paid directly to the university.
- “Princeton University Grant” = gift aid (you don’t pay it back).
- Work-study / student contribution = the amount Princeton expects the student to cover (often through campus work or summer savings).
- Loans: Princeton’s standard offer is designed to be loan-free, but families can request loans if they want borrowing options.
- Outside scholarships: Typically reduce Princeton grant dollars — but Princeton may allow up to $3,500 one-time toward a computer/technology purchase if outside awards reduce your grant.
Example: A student from New Jersey and a student from California both face the same $90,730 estimated cost of attendance before aid.
Cost of Attendance FAQs
Who qualifies for in-state pricing?
No one—Princeton charges the same tuition to all undergraduates regardless of residency.
How much do families really pay?
The average family paid about $19,800 after grants in 2022–23, though individual awards vary depending on demonstrated need.
Do I need the FAFSA or CSS Profile to get aid?
Princeton does not use the CSS Profile or IDOC. Instead, families submit the Princeton Financial Aid Application (PFAA).
Most U.S. families also submit the FAFSA. (International/undocumented applicants often use the PFAA without the FAFSA.)
Do I need to apply for discounts like WUE or Flagship?
Not at Princeton. Instead, you apply for need-based aid, and Princeton covers 100% of your demonstrated need with grants.
✅ Need Based Financial Aid (No loan Princeton Grant)
Princeton does not award automatic merit scholarships based on GPA or test scores. All of Princeton’s aid is need-based and determined through the Princeton Financial Aid Application (PFAA) and FAFSA. That means there are no published GPA/test tiers or automatic awards for incoming freshmen.
✅ Next Steps for Parents (This Month)
- Build a “docs folder” (tax returns, W-2s, business info, home value/mortgage).
- Run Princeton’s net price calculator once — just to get a ballpark.
- Create a scholarship/calendar plan so deadlines don’t pile up in fall.
- Confirm which round you’re applying (REA vs RD) and set a deadline checklist.
- Complete Princeton financial aid forms early — then watch the portal for missing items.
- If QuestBridge is in play, treat September/October as your “financial aid sprint.”
Parent tip: Don’t wait for admission to start aid forms. At schools like Princeton, the paperwork is what unlocks the real price.
🧭 What to do if… (Common parent situations)
| Situation | What it usually means | Best next step |
|---|---|---|
| We can’t afford the number Princeton calculated | Your financial picture may have changed or the form may not reflect current reality. | Contact Princeton Financial Aid and ask about a review/appeal with updated documentation. |
| We missed a financial aid deadline | You may still receive aid, but it can delay processing or require extra follow-up. | Submit immediately, then check the portal weekly for missing items until it’s “complete.” |
| Income dropped / job loss / medical bills | A “prior-prior year” tax return may not reflect what’s happening now. | Request a professional judgment / special circumstances review with documentation. |
Tip: Keep your request simple and documented (job-loss letter, medical bills, current pay stubs, etc.).
Automatic Scholarship FAQs
Does Princeton superscore the SAT or ACT?
Yes. Princeton considers your highest individual section scores across test dates (superscoring) if you submit test results, but standardized tests are optional for 2025–26 admission.
Do I need a separate application for Princeton aid?
Yes. You must complete the Princeton Financial Aid Application (PFAA) each year, along with the FAFSA, to be considered for grants.
Can outside scholarships stack with Princeton aid?
Outside scholarships reduce your Princeton grant dollar-for-dollar, but students may use up to $3,500 of outside funds for a one-time technology purchase allowance.
Are any awards guaranteed if my student has a certain GPA or test score?
No. Princeton does not publish automatic award tiers. Aid is entirely based on family financial circumstances.
Princeton Financial Aid Office – https://finaid.princeton.edu/
Types of Aid – https://finaid.princeton.edu/types-aid/
Financial Aid Application Deadlines – https://finaid.princeton.edu/apply-for-aid/current-students/
Outside Scholarship Policy – https://dailyprincetonian.com/article/2025/11/princeton-scholarship-time-limits/
QuestBridge at Princeton – https://questbridge.org/college-partners/princeton-university/
🏆 Flagship (Competitive) Scholarships
At many universities, “competitive” or “flagship” scholarships mean a small number of merit-based awards tied to GPA, test scores, or special applications. Princeton works differently. The university does not offer competitive merit scholarships at all. Instead, Princeton’s most significant competitive funding opportunity comes through its need-based, national partnerships — most notably QuestBridge.
For families who qualify, QuestBridge functions as Princeton’s most comprehensive, full-coverage scholarship pathway, delivering a guaranteed four-year, loan-free financial aid package. For everyone else, Princeton’s standard admissions process still leads to grant-based aid that replaces loans entirely. The difference isn’t whether aid exists — it’s which pathway unlocks it.
🎓 QuestBridge National College Match — Princeton’s Flagship Scholarship Path
Princeton University is a QuestBridge partner college. For students from low-income and first-generation households who qualify, the QuestBridge Match can result in a guaranteed four-year, loan-free package covering: tuition, housing, meals, and required fees.
This is not a merit scholarship. QuestBridge is need-based and highly selective, and students must meet national income guidelines and complete the QuestBridge application and ranking process. At Princeton, a Match functions like the university’s most complete “full-ride” award.
- If your student matches, the offer is binding and fully funded for four years.
- If your student does not match, they can still be admitted through Princeton’s regular process and receive Princeton’s standard grant-based, loan-free financial aid, which is often similarly generous.
👉 Learn how the QuestBridge Match works (plain-English parent guide)
🏆 Is QuestBridge worth it for Princeton?
- If you Match: You receive a guaranteed four-year package covering tuition, housing, food, and required fees (Match is binding).
- If you don’t Match: You can still be admitted through regular Princeton admissions — and Princeton’s standard grant-based aid is often just as strong (depending on your family profile).
- Best fit for: First-gen and/or low-income students with very strong academics who are ready for earlier deadlines and a binding commitment.
Bottom line: QuestBridge is a great route for many families — but “no Match” does not mean “no aid” at Princeton.
Other QuestBridge partner colleges you can compare:
These CRP pages show how different QuestBridge schools structure aid, costs, and admissions.
- Brown University
- Columbia University
- Cornell University
- Dartmouth College
- Harvard University
- University of Pennsylvania
- Yale University
- Stanford University
- USC (University of Southern California)
Note: QuestBridge participation doesn’t make schools “similar” — it simply means they take part in the same national Match program. Always compare admissions fit, campus culture, and financial aid policies.
Flagship Scholarship FAQs
Why doesn’t Princeton have flagship competitive scholarships?
Princeton’s financial aid model is unique: all undergraduates are considered for need-based grants that cover 100% of demonstrated need, so there is no separate pool of competitive merit awards.
Are there any full-ride awards like other flagships offer?
Yes, but they come through QuestBridge, not a university-run merit program. Matched QuestBridge Finalists receive a full four-year scholarship package.
If my student has top scores, do they get extra money?
No. Strong academic performance helps in admission, but aid is calculated only from family finances, not test scores or GPA.
How does this compare to competitive scholarships at other schools?
At flagship publics, competitive scholarships often mean a few full rides for the highest achievers. At Princeton, the “competition” is replaced by a guaranteed grant system that ensures affordability for all admitted students with financial need.
Princeton Financial Aid Overview – https://finaid.princeton.edu/
Types of Aid and Grants – https://finaid.princeton.edu/types-aid/
FAQs for Prospective Students – https://admission.princeton.edu/cost-aid/financial-aid-faqs/
QuestBridge at Princeton – https://questbridge.org/college-partners/princeton-university/
Outside Awards Policy – https://finaid.princeton.edu/resources/outside-awards
🎖️ Honors College
Unlike many large universities, Princeton does not have a separate Honors College. Instead, the entire undergraduate experience is built around depth, rigor, and close faculty mentorship. Every student completes junior independent work and a senior thesis, which are hallmarks of Princeton’s curriculum and serve as an “honors-level” experience for all.
Because honors are built into the curriculum, students who thrive here usually have strong preparation in advanced coursework, demonstrate persistence with independent projects, and show curiosity beyond the classroom. Graduating with departmental honors requires outstanding performance in major courses and research.
- Junior and senior independent research projects
- Required senior thesis across most majors
- One-on-one mentorship with world-class faculty
- Graduation honors (Honors, High Honors, Highest Honors) based on departmental evaluation
Princeton students with exceptional records often compete successfully for nationally prestigious fellowships and awards. While not funded by Princeton itself, the university provides advising and support for applications to programs such as:
- Goldwater Scholarship: For students pursuing research careers in science, engineering, and mathematics.
- Rhodes Scholarship: For postgraduate study at the University of Oxford.
- Truman Scholarship: For students preparing for leadership careers in public service.
Honors FAQs
Is admission automatic?
Yes. Every admitted Princeton undergraduate participates in an honors-level academic experience through independent work and the senior thesis.
Does it add time to a degree?
No. Independent work and the thesis are built into the four-year plan and required for graduation.
Are there extra scholarships tied to honors?
No. Princeton does not offer honors-specific scholarships. All aid remains need-based through the Princeton University Grant.
What are the deadlines to qualify?
Departmental honors decisions are made at graduation based on academic and research performance—there is no separate application.
Academic Honors & Theses – https://odoc.princeton.edu/advising/independent-work/
Departmental Honors Policy – https://ua.princeton.edu/academic-units/
Undergraduate Awards & Fellowships – https://oip.princeton.edu/fellowships/
Rhodes, Truman, Goldwater – https://fellowships.princeton.edu/undergraduates/
Princeton Financial Aid – https://finaid.princeton.edu/
⭐ College Specialty
Princeton is more than just Ivy League prestige—it’s a powerhouse for research and teaching that influences the world. Families often know it for its small class sizes and generous aid, but academically, Princeton shines in several nationally recognized areas. As a private R1 Research University, it invests heavily in labs, centers, and faculty mentorship that open doors for undergraduates to contribute to cutting-edge discoveries.
🎯 Why Princeton feels different academically (undergraduate-first)
Princeton is unusually undergraduate-focused: it does not operate large professional schools like a medical school or law school. That matters because many research opportunities, faculty mentorship hours, and funding programs are built with undergrads in mind. For families, that often translates into more accessible research, thesis support, and funded academic experiences during all four years.
- Plasma Physics & Fusion Energy: Home to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL), a national leader in fusion and clean-energy research.
- Neuroscience: The Princeton Neuroscience Institute is nationally recognized for breakthroughs across molecular, cognitive, and systems neuroscience.
- Mathematics: Princeton’s math department has long been considered one of the strongest worldwide, with a history of Fields Medal–winning faculty and alumni.
- Engineering & Environmental Studies: The Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment drives innovation in sustainable energy systems, ranked among top cross-disciplinary programs for climate solutions.
🔗 Official Princeton University Links
Use Princeton’s official university resources below to confirm admissions requirements, financial aid policies, costs, and academic programs. These pages reflect the most current deadlines, eligibility rules, and award terms.
-
Undergraduate Admissions:
https://admission.princeton.edu/ -
Application Deadlines & Decision Plans (REA / RD):
https://admission.princeton.edu/apply/dates-deadlines -
Financial Aid Overview (No-Loan Policy):
https://admission.princeton.edu/cost-aid -
Apply for Financial Aid (PFAA + FAFSA):
https://finaid.princeton.edu/apply-aid-prospective-students
Princeton does not use the CSS Profile or IDOC. -
Tuition, Fees & Student Budget (Cost of Attendance):
https://finaid.princeton.edu/how-aid-works/student-budget -
Net Price Calculator:
https://npc.collegeboard.org/app/princeton -
QuestBridge at Princeton:
https://www.questbridge.org/college-partners/princeton-university -
Admitted Student Profile / Common Data Set:
https://oir.princeton.edu/common-data-set -
Undergraduate Academics & Areas of Study:
https://www.princeton.edu/academics/areas-of-study
Parent tip: If anything on this CRP page ever conflicts with an official Princeton page, defer to Princeton’s site for final authority — especially for deadlines and financial aid terms.