Princeton University’s financial aid policy is recognized as among the most generous in the country.
The University’s robust financial aid packages are built on grants, which do not have to be repaid. Our aid program does not require any borrowing, so students can graduate debt free.
Financial aid is based solely on a student's need. Students from a broad range of socioeconomic backgrounds — from low-income to applicants with family incomes of $250,000 — can receive aid that meets their demonstrated need.
Grants, not loans
100 percent of tuition, college fee, and room and board for families earning up to $65,000 is covered for students in the Class of 2022.
Zero debt is possible
82 percent of recent Princeton seniors graduated debt free. For seniors who chose to borrow, the average total indebtedness at graduation was $9,000.
Tuition is covered
100 percent of tuition is covered by Princeton's average aid package for students in the Class of 2022 with family incomes up to $160,000.
Our aid program ensures that all students admitted to Princeton can afford to attend the University. In fact, Princeton is likely to be more affordable than a state university for lower- and middle-income students.
Princeton's commitment to access and affordability has ensured the continued and growing enrollment of a diverse group of students from low- and middle-income backgrounds.
We are also one of a handful of schools in the United States who meet full demonstrated need for admitted students regardless of citizenship.
Meeting students' needs
60 percent of Princeton undergraduates receive financial aid. Students from low- and middle-income backgrounds qualify for aid, including students with family incomes up to $250,000.
Socioeconomic diversity
20 percent of students in the Class of 2022 receive federal Pell Grants for low-income students. Princeton has greatly increased the number of low-income students. Only 7 percent of students in the Class of 2008 were eligible for Pell Grants.
For more information, visit the Office of Admission website where you may also find "Affordable for All" (.pdf), the financial aid brochure available in English and Spanish. A version of this story also is available in Spanish. [Lea esta artículo en español.]
