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Colleges / NJ / Princeton
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Princeton University

Private nonprofit Princeton, NJ · Urban · Mid-Atlantic · 100% data reported · Agent Insights
97%
Graduation Rate
$110,066
Earnings (10yr)
$6,128
Net Price
5%
Acceptance Rate

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Overview

With an acceptance rate of just 5%, Princeton University is not for everyone, but for those who make the cut, it’s a place where ambition meets opportunity. The school attracts bright minds, particularly in fields like Social Sciences, Engineering, Computer Science, and Biology. Students here are often deeply engaged in their studies, working alongside faculty who are leaders in their fields. This kind of environment fosters not just learning but also a strong sense of community among peers.

After graduation, the benefits of attending Princeton are clear. Alumni can expect an impressive average earning of $110,066 within a decade of finishing their degrees. This speaks volumes about the value of a Princeton education, especially when considering the high graduation rate of 97%. The school’s focus on producing skilled graduates who excel in their careers contributes significantly to their long-term success.

When it comes to finances, the net price after aid is manageable at $6,128, and the median debt stands at $10,320. This means many graduates leave with a realistic financial outlook, allowing them to focus on their careers rather than being weighed down by overwhelming debt. Students who thrive here often come from diverse backgrounds, bringing a variety of perspectives that enhance classroom discussions and campus life.

Rankings

How Princeton Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation97%Earnings 10yr$110KNet Price$6KRetention98%Median Debt$10KPell Grant Rate19%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$0K$0-30K$0K$30-48K$1K$48-75K$36K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%204.3%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%6586.5%MOBILITY134.58%

Cost & Financial Aid

$62,688
In-State Tuition
$62,688
Out-of-State
$6,128
Avg Net Price
$10,320
Median Debt
19%
Pell Grant Rate
2%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$41
Family Income $0–$30K
$352
Family Income $30K–$48K
$1,217
Family Income $48K–$75K
$36,094
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$87,815
6 Years After Entry
$112,152
8 Years
$110,066
10 Years
0.09x
Debt-to-Earnings
83%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$87,815 6yr $112,152 8yr $110,066 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

134.58%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
6586.5%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
204.3%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$218,100
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.88
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
-0.00
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
10.8%
Volunteering Rate
1.00
Support Ratio
Community support

Research & Teaching

Data: Times Higher Education World University Rankings

#5
World Rank
90.9
Teaching
95.4
Research
99.9
Citations
70.3
International

Innovation

Data: Opportunity Insights Patent & Innovation Data

2.950%
Inventor Rate
278
Total Patents
1,083
Total Citations

Academics & Admissions

Acceptance Rate 5%
Retention Rate 98%
SAT Average 1553
ACT Midpoint 34
SAT Range 1510–1580
ACT Range 34–35
Full-Time Faculty 87%
Faculty Salary (mo) $25,354
Diversity Index 0.79
First-Gen Students 28%

Top Programs

Social Sciences 19%
Engineering 17%
Computer Science & IT 16%
Biology & Biomedical 10%
Physical Sciences 5%
Psychology 3%
English & Literature 2%
Mathematics & Statistics 2%