Undergraduate programmes at Princeton University: Fees and Funding

Princeton University is committed to ensuring that a world-class education is accessible to all admitted students, regardless of their family's financial situation. The university's generous financial aid program is often cited as one of the best in the country. If you are admitted, Princeton will meet 100% of your demonstrated financial need with grant aid.

Understanding the Cost of Attendance

The total cost of attendance, often called the "sticker price," includes both direct costs that appear on your student bill and indirect expenses you should budget for. Please note that the exact figures may change slightly each academic year.

Based on recent academic years, the estimated total cost of attendance for an undergraduate includes:

Tuition: This is the largest single cost.
Housing: For on-campus room charges.
Food (Board): For the meal plan.
Fees: Including activities fees and class dues.
Estimated Miscellaneous Expenses: This covers indirect costs like:
Books and supplies
Personal expenses (e.g., toiletries, clothing, laundry)
Estimated travel expenses (which vary widely based on your location)

Using the Net Price Calculator

Before applying, you can get a personalized estimate of your family's potential contribution by using Princeton's Net Price Calculator. This tool uses your family's financial details and Princeton's specific aid formulas to project what your cost might be, giving you an early idea of affordability.

Princeton's Game-Changing Financial Aid Program

Princeton's financial aid program is entirely need-based, meaning aid is determined solely by your family's financial circumstances, not by your academic merit, athletic ability, or other talents.

1. The "No-Loan" Policy

Since 2001, Princeton has replaced loans with grant aid in all financial aid packages.

Grants, Not Loans: All demonstrated financial need is met with grants, which are funds that do not need to be repaid.
Debt-Free Graduation: This policy allows the vast majority of Princeton students to graduate with little to no student debt.
Optional Loans: While loans are not required, students or parents who wish to borrow to cover the expected family contribution or optional expenses may still pursue external or limited internal loans.

2. Generous Income Eligibility

Princeton continually expands its aid program to support a wide range of families. In recent years, the policy has been enhanced to:

Cover Full Costs for Lower Incomes: Most students from U.S. families with incomes up to $150,000 typically receive aid that covers the full cost of attendance—including tuition, housing, food, books, and personal expenses.
Tuition Covered for Mid-Range Incomes: Many students from families earning up to $250,000 receive grant aid that covers the full cost of tuition, significantly reducing the total amount due.
Aid for Higher Incomes: Families living in the U.S. with incomes up to and even beyond $350,000 may still qualify for grant aid, especially if they have multiple children enrolled in college at the same time.

3. Need-Blind Admission

Princeton's admission policy is need-blind for all applicants—including U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and international students. This means:

Your ability to pay the tuition will not be considered during the admission review process.
If you are admitted, Princeton commits to meeting your full demonstrated financial need, regardless of your citizenship.

Payment and Financing Options

For the portion of the cost that is not covered by financial aid (the Family Contribution), Princeton offers several flexible ways to pay:

Single Payment: The simplest option is to pay the full balance due each semester.
Interest-Free Monthly Payment Plan: The university offers an installment plan through a third-party vendor that allows families to spread the costs over several interest-free monthly payments within the academic year.