
PO Box 430, Princeton, NJ 8544, USA


Princeton University holds accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, a regional accrediting body recognized by the U. S. Department of Education. This accreditation ensures that the institution meets rigorous standards of quality and effectiveness in higher education. For prospective students, this means that the academic programs, faculty qualifications, and institutional resources have been evaluated and found to comply with established criteria that promote student success and institutional improvement.
The university's accreditation is a critical factor for those considering enrollment, as it affects the recognition of degrees by employers and other educational institutions. Moreover, regional accreditation is often a prerequisite for students seeking federal financial aid, which can be an important consideration when choosing a university.
Princeton University maintains a highly selective admissions process with an acceptance rate of approximately 4%, placing it among the most competitive institutions. Prospective students must have completed secondary school records, as these are required for admission review. Although a General Educational Development (GED) certificate is accepted, the university does not operate an open admission policy.
The submission of recommendation letters is a mandatory element of the application, emphasizing the importance of external evaluations of the applicant's abilities and character. Additionally, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required for applicants whose native language is not English, while other standardized tests are recommended but not strictly required.
On the topic of academic credits, Princeton University does not offer credit for dual enrollment courses or college programs but does accept Advanced Placement (AP) credits under its policies.
In terms of standardized testing, admitted students demonstrate exceptionally high academic achievement. The mean SAT score of enrolled students is 1515, with individual section scores averaging 770 in math and 745 in writing, all ranking in the top 5% nationally. The mean ACT score stands at 34, also within the top 5 percentile. These figures reflect the university's rigorous academic standards and the competitive nature of its admissions.
The application fee at Princeton University is set at $70 for all prospective undergraduate students. This fee is required to process and review each application, ensuring a formal consideration of the candidate's materials. However, Princeton University recognizes the financial obstacles some applicants may face and offers fee waivers to alleviate this burden.
Students who qualify for a fee waiver typically include those who demonstrate financial hardship or meet specific eligibility criteria such as participation in federal free or reduced-price lunch programs, enrollment in programs like Upward Bound, or those who qualify based on family income thresholds. Additionally, applicants who are actively involved in community service or attend schools or organizations that provide support with college applications might also be eligible for a waiver.
The process to request an application fee waiver requires submitting documentation or a counselor recommendation that confirms the applicant's financial need. Princeton University encourages prospective students to inquire about fee waivers early in the application process to ensure that financial constraints do not prevent talented candidates from applying.
Princeton University does not host its own Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) branch unit on campus. Instead, students interested in pursuing ROTC programs typically participate through cooperating host institutions that maintain ROTC branch units. This arrangement allows prospective students at Princeton University to access the military training and education provided by ROTC without the program being directly based on their own campus.
Princeton University does accept transfer students for the fall term and allows the transfer of academic credits. Prospective transfer applicants should be aware that the institution's policy supports credit acceptance, which may facilitate the continuation of previously earned coursework. However, other specific requirements such as acceptance of standardized credit tests or age limits are not publicly detailed. Applicants should prepare to meet general transfer application standards, keeping in mind that some information regarding admissions criteria remains undisclosed.
Princeton University offers a variety of study abroad opportunities tailored to complement the academic pursuits of its students. The programs range from semester-long enrollments at partner institutions worldwide to shorter summer sessions that allow for intensive study. Many of these programs emphasize immersive cultural experiences alongside rigorous academics, enabling students to engage deeply with the host country's environment and society.
Students can participate in exchange programs facilitated through Princeton's global affiliations, which provide access to universities in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. These exchanges often mirror the academic calendar of Princeton, ensuring smooth credit transfer and continuity in students' degree progress. Additionally, there are faculty-led study tours designed to integrate academic content with site visits and local expert interactions, typically focused on specific disciplines or research themes.
Princeton also supports independent study abroad projects, allowing students the flexibility to design their own international experience aligned with their academic goals. These undertakings require prior approval and coordination with university advisors to maintain academic rigor and credit eligibility.
Overall, the study abroad framework at Princeton University focuses on academically enriching experiences that foster global awareness, cross-cultural competence, and personal growth-in turn preparing students for leadership in a diverse, interconnected world.
Median composite SAT score
1515Median composite ACT score
34Percent of students submitting ACT scores
21%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
56%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
NoSecondary school GPA
Data not availableSecondary school rank
Data not availableSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
Data not availableRecommendations
RequiredFormal demonstration of competencies
Data not availableAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
NoAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
NoROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Navy
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
Data not availableStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
Data not availableGenerally accepts credits
Data not availableAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall