Princeton University
What Princeton University's own numbers say, from its Common Data Set 2025-26.
See your odds at Princeton University →All 3 insights at Princeton University PRO
InternationalPrinceton University
International applicants face 1.9× tougher odds at Princeton University.
2.3% of international applicants are admitted, against 4.4% overall.
Overall4.4%
International2.3%
Source: Princeton University's Common Data Set 2025-26
WaitlistPrinceton University
Princeton University's waitlist is a long shot: 3.3%.
36 of 1,086 students who stayed on the list got in.
Admitted off the list3.3%
Not admitted97%
Source: Princeton University's Common Data Set 2025-26
MoneyPrinceton University
Princeton University meets 100% of need.
The average need-based grant is $79,320 a year, against tuition of $68,140.
Average grant$79k
Tuition$68k
Source: Princeton University's Common Data Set 2025-26
3 more things the data says PRO
- It reports meeting 100% of financial need for first-years who have need.
- 1,086 students stayed on the waitlist and 36 were admitted from it (3.3%).
- Applications rose 20% from 2018-19 to 2025-26 (35,370 to 42,303).
What students say PRO
From students' own posts on Reddit and admissions forums: self-reported, unverified, never used in your odds.
- Of admits who named a round, about 26 applied Regular Decision and 7 Restrictive Early Action, so most posts here are from RD admits.
- Admits who shared scores mostly had SAT 1490 to 1600 or ACT 33 to 36, with GPAs at or near 4.0.
- Many admits (about 25) did research or published work, such as papers, conference talks, patents, or lab internships.
- Many admits (about 25) founded something: a nonprofit, startup, app, magazine, or club, often with measurable reach.
- Many admits (about 20) were team captains or led teams, such as debate, Science Olympiad, band, or a sport.
- Students report Princeton is extremely selective, with a regular decision rate cited around 2 to 3 percent, and strong profiles are often rejected.
- Students report alumni interviews are casual, offered to nearly everyone who asks, and rarely matter; not getting one reflects a lack of local volunteers.
- Students report Princeton's aid is among the most generous, with full-ride offers and tuition free for families up to about $250,000.
- Students report waitlist decisions can take until July or August, and only a handful are admitted from the deferred pool each year.
- Students believe legacy applicants have a boost, with a rough one-third admit rate cited, though that figure is unofficial.
Every number, year by year: Princeton University on Open College Data. Something wrong? Suggest a correction.