In today’s competitive world, higher education has become a necessity, and for many, both national and international students, the US is a desired destination for it. One of the top universities not only in the US but globally is Princeton University, currently ranked 22nd in the QS World Rankings and 4th in the QS WUR ranking by subject. Naturally, many students aspire to study at such a prestigious institution.However, getting into Princeton is both challenging and costly. To support students, Princeton University offers financial aid, which we will discuss today.
What is Princeton University’s financial aid scheme, and how does it work?
When awarding financial aid, Princeton University follows these guiding principles:
- Need-blind admission for all applicants: Applying for financial aid does not disadvantage students during the admission process, ensuring equality of opportunity for low- and middle-income students.
- Financial aid is need-based, not merit-based: Princeton only considers a student’s talents and achievements for admission purposes, not for financial aid. Academic and athletic merits are not factors in awarding aid.
- Individual financial circumstances are assessed: The university conducts a careful review of each family’s financial situation, providing personal attention to each admitted student’s aid application. Special circumstances are considered in determining aid awards.
- Full need met through grants: Princeton ensures that the full financial need of every admitted student is met, primarily through grants rather than loans.
This financial aid structure aims to make Princeton accessible to students regardless of their financial background.
The official website reads, “Shown below are average grant figures for students whose families reside in the United States. Your grant may vary from the below averages based on the Financial Aid Office’s evaluation of your individual family’s resources, including assets other than the family home or retirement funds.”
The university has provided the table that provides the average grant awarded to students admitted to the class of 2025:
| Gross Family Income |
Percent Qualified |
Average Grant |
What It Covers |
| $0–65,000 | 100% | $77,240 | Full tuition fee, room + board |
| $65,000–85,000 | 100% | $70,520 | Full tuition fee, 80% room + board |
| $85,000–100,000 | 100% | $68,180 | Full tuition fee, 67% room + board |
| $100,000–120,000 | 100% | $65,750 | Full tuition fee, 54% room + board |
| $120,000–140,000 | 100% | $62,780 | Full tuition fee, 37% room + board |
| $140,000–160,000 | 100% | $57,550 | Full tuition fee, 8% room + board |
| $160,000–180,000 | 100% | $53,360 | 95% tuition fee |
| $180,000–200,000 | 98% | $44,440 | 79% tuition fee |
| $200,000–250,000 | 95% | $37,320 | 66% tuition fee |
| $250,000 and above
(most who qualify have 2 children in college) |
43% | $28,820 | 51% tuition fee |
For more information, students can visit the official website of Princeton University or can click here.
