Princeton University is committed to supporting its graduate students through generous financial aid packages, fellowships, assistantships, and health benefits. Whether you're pursuing a Ph.D., master’s degree, or nondegree study, understanding the funding model is essential for planning your academic journey.

Ph.D. Funding Overview

All Ph.D. students at Princeton receive full financial support during their regular enrollment period. This includes:

1. Tuition coverage
2. Student Health Plan (SHP)
3. Living stipend through fellowships, assistantships, or external awards

Funding is tailored to each academic division.

Humanities and Social Sciences

1. University Fellowships cover tuition and stipend for all students during regular enrollment.
2. Teaching Assistantships (TAs) are common and offer higher stipends than base fellowships.
3. External Fellowships such as Fulbright or Ford Foundation awards are encouraged.
4. Honorific Fellowships are available for later-stage students with exceptional research.

Natural Sciences and Engineering

1. First-Year Fellowship covers the initial year with a 10-month stipend.
2. Research Assistantships (RAs) and Teaching Assistantships (TAs) support students in years 2–5.
3. External Fellowships from NSF, NIH, and others supplement or replace university funding.
4. Summer research is funded at the same monthly RA rate.

Dissertation Completion Funding (DCE)

Students who need more time beyond the regular programme duration may enter Dissertation Completion Enrollment (DCE) status. Key points:

1. DCE tuition rate includes SHP fees.
2. Funding is not guaranteed, but options include:
3. TA appointments (2.0 hours or more)
4. External fellowships covering at least 50% of standard stipend
5. Banked fellowship funds
6. Departmental support
7. Childbirth and adoption accommodation extensions

Students must coordinate with their departments and review Princeton’s DCE funding policy.

Master’s Degree Funding

Master’s students typically receive limited or no central funding, but some departments offer support:

1. Architecture (M.Arch.): Variable tuition packages
2. Computer Science (M.S.E.): Full support via TA appointments
3. Engineering (M.Eng.): Generally self-funded, but eligible for limited TA roles
4. Public and International Affairs (M.P.A., M.P.P.): Full tuition, fees, health insurance, and generous living stipend

Self-funded students are billed each term and responsible for tuition and fees.

Nondegree Student Funding

Nondegree students may be eligible for limited benefits:

1. Visiting Student Research Collaborators (VSRCs): Eligible for RAs, not TAs
2. Trailing and Visiting Students: May hold RAs, but not eligible for hourly employment or TAs
3. Exchange Students: Funding depends on the exchange agreement
4. Qualifying and Continuing Education Students: Generally not eligible for university financial support

Estimated monthly living expenses for 2025–26:

1. Student alone: $3,218
2. Spouse: $1,352
3. First child: $1,252
4. Each additional child: $562

International students must document sufficient funds for visa support.

Reference Section:

1. https://gradschool.princeton.edu/financial-support
2. https://gradschool.princeton.edu/financial-support/financial-support-model/phd-funding-humanities-social-sciences
3. https://gradschool.princeton.edu/financial-support/financial-support-model/phd-funding-natural-sciences-engineering
4. https://gradschool.princeton.edu/financial-support/financial-support-model/dissertation-completion-funding
5. https://gradschool.princeton.edu/financial-support/financial-support-model/funding-calendar-university-rates-costs
6. https://gradschool.princeton.edu/financial-support/financial-support-model/master%E2%80%99s-degree-funding
7. https://gradschool.princeton.edu/financial-support/financial-support-model/nondegree-students