Princeton University was chartered in 1746, making it the country’s fourth-oldest college. Part of the prestigious Ivy League schools, Princeton is one of the most selective universities in the United States. Princeton alumni include U.S. presidents, Nobel Prize winners, and U.S. Supreme Court justices. Tens of thousands of students from around the world apply to study here each year.
Given its strong reputation, like other Ivy League universities, Princeton is very selective in its admissions. Knowing the acceptance rates of universities gives prospective students a rough idea of their chances and how competitive the application process is. This article highlights essential admission statistics to help you in your application process.
Princeton University Acceptance Rate
According to Princeton’s official Profile, the university received 42,303 first-year applications for the Class of 2029 and admitted 1,868 students, giving the university an undergraduate acceptance rate of about 4.4%. Among admitted students, 953 were women and 915 were men, and 250 admitted students were international students.
Princeton also publishes graduate admission statistics through its Graduate School program metrics. For 2025-26, the Graduate School received 22,479 applications, admitted 1,396 applicants, and had 768 admitted students accept the offer of admission. This makes the rounded graduate admit rate about 6%.
Graduate admission is also highly competitive and varies by department and program. Princeton notes that graduate applications are reviewed by faculty members in the departments that award the degrees, who then make admission recommendations to the dean. Because selectivity varies by program, applicants should review the latest program-specific metrics before applying.
Preparing for Princeton University
Acceptance rates are useful, but they are only one part of the admissions picture. What is more important is to find out if the university is a good fit for you and submit the strongest application you can.
Knowing more about the admission process, the cost of studying, and scholarship opportunities is crucial for this. Read on to learn more!
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements may vary depending on the program type and choice of degree. Knowing these well will ensure you have enough time to meet all eligibility criteria and submit a strong application.
For first-year applicants, Princeton’s current checklist includes a completed application, Princeton-specific questions, an application fee or fee waiver, a graded written paper, transcript, school report, counselor recommendation, two teacher recommendations, a midyear report, and applicable test scores or language proficiency results. SAT or ACT scores are optional for applicants seeking fall 2026 or fall 2027 entry, but Princeton will require SAT or ACT scores again for students applying for fall 2028 entry. Non-native English speakers who do not attend a school where English is the language of instruction must submit TOEFL, IELTS Academic, Duolingo English Test, or PTE Academic scores.
Tuition Fees
Money matters in any major decision about college. Knowing the latest tuition and other costs can help you decide if a program is feasible and plan your budget. For 2026-27, Princeton’s estimated undergraduate cost of attendance is $94,624, including $68,140 in tuition. For graduate students, Princeton lists the regular graduate tuition rate at $65,210, plus a $4,220 Student Health Plan fee, for a total of $69,430 in tuition and required Student Health Plan charges before living expenses. Costs and aid can vary by program and enrollment status, so students should confirm details on Princeton’s official cost pages.
Scholarships
Given the high cost of university education, students often need funding to help offset the cost of study. Princeton’s undergraduate financial aid is need-based and applies the same policy to international students. The university says it meets 100% of demonstrated need with grants and does not offer academic or athletic merit scholarships.
Scholarships and grants can be life-changing because they can help students graduate with minimal or no debt. For graduate students, Princeton guarantees full funding for regularly enrolled, degree-seeking Ph.D. candidates for all years of regular program enrollment, while master’s funding varies by academic program.
With strong academic programs, research opportunities, and a large applicant pool, Princeton University remains highly selective. However, admission statistics are not the whole story. If Princeton is the right destination for you, focus on submitting a thoughtful, complete application that sets you apart.
We hope that this article on Princeton University’s acceptance rate was helpful. If you are interested in studying in the United States, check out the Guide to Studying in the USA and Available Courses for International Students!
