Princeton University is a private institution that was founded in 1746. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 5,400, its setting is suburban, and the campus size is 600 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. Princeton University's ranking in the 2018 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, 1. Its tuition and fees are $47,140 (2017-18).
Princeton, among the oldest colleges in the U.S., is located in the quiet town of Princeton, New Jersey. Within the walls of its historic ivy-covered campus, Princeton offers a number of events, activities and organizations. The Princeton Tigers, members of the Ivy League, are well known for their consistently strong men's and women's lacrosse teams. Students live in one of six residential colleges that provide a residential community as well as dining services but have the option to join one of more than 10 eating clubs for their junior and senior years. The eating clubs serve as social and dining organizations for the students who join them. Princeton's unofficial motto, "Princeton in the Nation's Service and the Service of Humanity," speaks to the university's commitment to community service.
Princeton includes highly ranked graduate programs through the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs and School of Engineering and Applied Science. One unique aspect of Princeton's academic program is that undergraduate students are required to write a senior thesis, or for students in some engineering departments, take on an independent project. Notable alumni include U.S. President Woodrow Wilson, model/actress Brooke Shields and former first lady Michelle Obama. According to Princeton legend, if a student exits campus through FitzRandolph Gate prior to graduation, he or she may be cursed never to graduate.
Princeton University is unique in combining the strengths of a major research university with the qualities of an outstanding liberal arts college. Whether through independent study, student-initiated seminars, or lectures in emerging fields such as neuroscience, Princeton students have the flexibility to shape dynamic academic programs that prepare them for leadership and lives of service. Through its groundbreaking financial aid program, Princeton ensures that all qualified students who are accepted can afford to attend the University. Chartered in 1746, Princeton is renowned for its commitment to undergraduate teaching. Its faculty are known throughout the world and it is not unusual for students to learn from Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and MacArthur fellows. Students benefit from small class sizes and one-on-one advising with faculty, particularly while doing independent work such as the senior thesis. All intellectual endeavors of Princetons 5,300 degree-seeking undergraduate students are supported by a range of first-rate academic resources, such as libraries, laboratories, and even an art museum. The academic options at Princeton give students flexibility in pursuing their intellectual interests while working toward either the Bachelor of Arts or the Bachelor of Science in Engineering. Students also may earn certificates from among 53 interdisciplinary programs, creating combinations of academic interests. For example, a student might major in physics while also earning a certificate in Latin American studies. The University is located in the town of Princeton, which has a diverse population of 30,000 residents and is situated between New York City and Philadelphia, with rail service to both cities. Princeton is a residential university that provides a welcoming environment, advising services, cultural and educational events, intramural sports, and more. As a residential community, Princeton provides housing for all four years. Princetons six residential colleges offer settings where students quickly can become involved in campus activities. Students can participate in more than 300 student-run organizations, the arts, civic engagement, student government, religious groups, and athletics.
Princeton University is ranked #1 in National Universities. Schools are ranked according to their performance across a set of widely accepted indicators of excellence.
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Below are the median starting salaries by major for alumni of Princeton University.
Median starting salary of alumni $68,400* *
By major
. Last updated 2018.
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When applying to Princeton University, it's important to note the application deadline is Jan. 1, and the early action deadline is Nov. 1. The application fee at Princeton University is $65. Scores for either the ACT or SAT test are due Jan. 1. It is most selective, with an acceptance rate of 7 percent and an early acceptance rate of 18.6 percent.
For more information about the tests, essays, interviews and admissions process, visit the Applying to College knowledge center.
Selectivity Most selective
Fall 2016 acceptance rate 7%
Application deadline Jan. 1
SAT/ACT scores must be received by Jan. 1
The student-faculty ratio at Princeton University is 5:1, and the school has 73 percent of its classes with fewer than 20 students. The most popular majors at Princeton University include: Public Policy Analysis, General; Computer Engineering, General; Econometrics and Quantitative Economics; History, General; and Operations Research. The average freshman retention rate, an indicator of student satisfaction, is 98 percent.
Princeton University has a total undergraduate enrollment of 5,400, with a gender distribution of 52 percent male students and 48 percent female students. At this school, 96 percent of the students live in college-owned, -operated or -affiliated housing and 4 percent of students live off campus. In sports, Princeton University is part of the NCAA I.
Total enrollment 8,181
Collegiate athletic association NCAA I
At Princeton University, 60 percent of full-time undergraduates receive some kind of need-based financial aid, and the average need-based scholarship or grant award is $47,497.
Paying for college doesn't have to be difficult or devastating. Go to the Paying for College knowledge center to get advice on raising cash and reducing costs, or use the U.S. News 529 Finder to choose the best tax-advantaged college investment account for you.
Tuition and fees $47,140 (2017-18)
Room and board $15,610 (2017-18)
Campus safety data were reported by the institution to the U.S. Department of Education and have not been independently verified. The numbers for criminal offenses reflect reports of alleged offenses to campus security and/or law enforcement authorities, not necessarily prosecutions or convictions. Experts advise prospective students and their families to do their own research to evaluate the safety of a campus as well as the surrounding area.
Princeton University offers a number of student services, including nonremedial tutoring, women's center, health service, health insurance. Princeton University also offers campus safety and security services like 24-hour foot and vehicle patrols, late night transport/escort service, 24-hour emergency telephones, lighted pathways/sidewalks, controlled dormitory access (key, security card, etc.). Alcohol is permitted for students of legal age at Princeton University.
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