Princeton University Scholarships (2025–2026) | Cost, Aid & ROTC Options

Princeton University Scholarships (2025–2026)

← Back to the College Scholarships Hub

What This Page Covers:
  • Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
  • Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
  • Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
  • Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way

Princeton is one of the most generous schools in the country when it comes to financial aid. Families don’t have to chase merit awards here—every dollar is based on demonstrated need, and Princeton is one of the few universities that meets 100% of that need with grants, not loans. On this page, we’ll walk you through the real costs, how aid works at Princeton, and the other hidden opportunities parents should know about. For New Jersey–specific aid, see our state guide alongside the main CRP hub.

💰 Cost of Attendance at Princeton University

Category In-State Out-of-State
Tuition $65,210 $65,210
Fees $300 $300
Housing $12,450 $12,450
Meals $8,720 $8,720
Books & Personal $4,050 $4,050
Total (before aid) $90,730 $90,730
Average Net Price: According to federal data, Princeton families actually paid an average of $19,811 (2022–23) after grants and scholarships—no loans included. This is often far less than the sticker price.
Reciprocity & Regional Discounts: Princeton is a private university, so there are no state reciprocity, WUE, or “flagship match” programs. All students are charged the same tuition rate.

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. Instead, families complete the Princeton Financial Aid Application (PFAA) along with the FAFSA. The PFAA is Princeton’s own system for determining how much aid you qualify for, and it must be submitted each year.

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.

✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships

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.

Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins?
None (automatic merit) N/A Princeton awards only need-based grants — — Aid is based solely on demonstrated need, not grades or scores
Note: Princeton does not participate in National Merit or STAMPS. However, it does participate in the QuestBridge National College Match. Finalists who rank Princeton and are matched receive a full four-year scholarship package (covering tuition, housing, meals, and fees). The Match is binding if admitted.

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.

🏆 Flagship (Competitive) Scholarships

At many public universities, “competitive” or “flagship” scholarships are the big-name awards with extra applications, interviews, or limited slots. Princeton, however, does not offer university-level competitive merit scholarships. All aid is need-based. To stay consistent, we’ve included the standard table format below even though there are no flagship awards to list.

Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins?
— — — — — Princeton offers only need-based grants; no flagship merit awards are available.

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.

💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships

Even though Princeton doesn’t offer automatic or flagship merit awards, there are still hidden gems that can make a big financial difference. These include special programs, ROTC scholarships, and unique opportunities like Princeton’s tuition-free Bridge Year.

Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins?
Army ROTC Scholarship Full tuition & fees + monthly stipend ($300–$500) + $600/semester for books U.S. citizens; meet Army academic and fitness standards; enroll in Princeton’s Tiger Battalion Yes — ROTC application process Yes — maintain academic/fitness standing Students committed to military service and leadership training; STEM majors are common awardees
Novogratz Bridge Year Tuition-free year abroad; need-based funding covers airfare, visas, immunizations, and personal costs Incoming first-years who accept Princeton admission Yes — Bridge Year application No — one-time program Community-engaged students ready for immersive service-learning before starting classes
Undergraduate Research Funding (SAFE) Varies — covers research, thesis, internships, conference travel All Princeton undergraduates (criteria vary by fund) Yes — via SAFE portal Sometimes — depends on program Students with strong faculty-mentored projects, senior thesis research, or conference presentations
Study Abroad Aid Portability Adjusts aid to cover approved program costs (often same as a semester at Princeton) Undergraduates in approved programs, good academic standing Yes — via Global Programs System N/A — term-based Students who choose approved semester or year abroad programs
Note: Princeton also participates in the QuestBridge National College Match. Matched Finalists receive a full four-year financial aid package covering tuition, housing, meals, and fees.

Hidden Gem FAQs

Do these awards stack with Princeton’s need-based aid?
ROTC and outside scholarships reduce Princeton’s grant dollar-for-dollar, though ROTC also adds federal stipends. Research and Bridge Year funding are handled separately and don’t reduce your standard grant package.

How competitive is the Bridge Year program?
It’s selective and requires an application. Students with strong service interest, adaptability, and maturity tend to be chosen.

What kinds of research funding are available?
Grants range from small conference travel awards to multi-thousand-dollar thesis and summer research grants, all applied through the SAFE portal.

Can QuestBridge awards be combined with these hidden gems?
Yes. QuestBridge covers the full cost of attendance, but students can still apply for Bridge Year, research funding, or study abroad opportunities to enrich their Princeton experience.

Note: Princeton also participates in the QuestBridge National College Match. Matched Finalists receive a full four-year financial aid package covering tuition, housing, meals, and fees.

Hidden Gem FAQs

Do these awards stack with Princeton’s need-based aid?
ROTC and outside scholarships reduce Princeton’s grant dollar-for-dollar, though ROTC also adds federal stipends. Research and Bridge Year funding are handled separately and don’t reduce your standard grant package.

How competitive is the Bridge Year program?
It’s selective and requires an application. Students with strong service interest, adaptability, and maturity tend to be chosen.

What kinds of research funding are available?
Grants range from small conference travel awards to multi-thousand-dollar thesis and summer research grants, all applied through the SAFE portal.

Can QuestBridge awards be combined with these hidden gems?
Yes. QuestBridge covers the full cost of attendance, but students can still apply for Bridge Year, research funding, or study abroad opportunities to enrich their Princeton experience.

⭐ 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.

Standout Program: The Princeton School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) is consistently ranked among the top public policy programs in the nation. Students complete policy task forces, internships, and research projects that directly prepare them for leadership in government, NGOs, and international organizations.
  • 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.

🎖️ 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.

What a Typical Princeton Honors Student Looks Like:
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.
Perks that Matter:
  • 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
External and Departmental Recognition:
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.
These opportunities highlight how Princeton channels top academic performers toward global recognition, even though there is no internal Honors College scholarship program.

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.

Final Thoughts

Princeton’s approach is different from many big-name schools: there are no GPA-based scholarships to chase, because every dollar of aid is built around need. For families, that means if your student is admitted, you can count on Princeton’s grant system—and in many cases, the cost will be far less than the sticker price. Add in unique opportunities like Bridge Year, world-class research, and ROTC support, and the hidden gems here are more about experiences than merit awards. For first-gen and middle-income parents alike, the bottom line is simple: Princeton ensures an Ivy League education is possible without loans.

Was this helpful? Share it with another parent who’s comparing college costs!

✅ Last updated: September 22, 2025

Back to top ↑

Scroll to Top