Princeton University Scholarships

Princeton University, one of the most prestigious Ivy League institutions, is deeply committed to ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent talented students from accessing its education. Princeton offers a wide range of scholarships, fellowships, grants, and funding opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students, both domestic and international.

Princeton University, founded in 1746, has always stood as a beacon of academic excellence and innovation. But beyond its world-class reputation, Princeton is equally known for its commitment to affordability and accessibility. In 2001, Princeton made history by becoming the first American university to eliminate student loans from its financial aid packages, replacing them with grants that never need to be repaid. This bold move reshaped higher education, ensuring that financial need would never be a barrier to a Princeton education.

This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of Princeton scholarships, benefits, eligibility, coverage, how to apply and additional funding opportunities.

Princeton University Scholarships for Undergraduate Students

Princeton ensures that all undergraduate students can access a world-class education without financial stress. Its aid programs are need-based and are designed to cover tuition, living expenses, and other essentials.

1. Princeton Pell Grants and Federal Aid (For U.S. Students)

For U.S. citizens and permanent residents, Princeton participates in federal aid programs such as Pell Grants, SEOG, and subsidized loans.

Benefits

  • Provides additional federal support alongside Princeton’s institutional aid.
  • Helps students from low-income backgrounds afford tuition, housing, and books.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
  • Determined through the FAFSA application.

Coverage

  • Tuition support, living allowances, and book expenses depending on financial need.

Available Federal Aid

  • Pell Grant: Up to $7,395 per year.
  • Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG).
  • Federal Work-Study Program.

2. Princeton Need-Based Grants

Princeton is one of the few universities in the U.S. that provides 100% need-based aid—no merit-based scholarships are offered.

Benefits

  • Full tuition coverage for students from families earning up to a set threshold.
  • Reduced parental contribution for middle-income families.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Open to all admitted undergraduate students.
  • Based on the family’s financial circumstances.

Coverage

  • Full or partial tuition, housing, and meal plans depending on need.

3. Princeton International Student Financial Aid

Princeton also supports international students with need-based aid.

Benefits

  • Ensures international students receive the same financial support as U.S. students.
  • Makes Princeton one of the most affordable Ivy League schools for international applicants.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Open to all international students admitted to undergraduate programs.
  • A financial aid application is required upon admission.

Coverage

  • Tuition, housing, meals, and personal expenses based on demonstrated need.

Princeton University Scholarships for Graduate Students

Graduate students at Princeton benefit from generous scholarships, assistantships, and fellowships that allow them to focus on research and professional development.

1. Princeton School of Public and International Affairs Scholarships

Supports graduate students pursuing degrees in public policy, international affairs, and related disciplines.

Coverage

  • Tuition assistance, stipends, and professional development funding.

2. Princeton Research and Teaching Assistantships

Graduate students often work as research or teaching assistants.

Benefits

  • Tuition remission.
  • Monthly stipend for living expenses.
  • Professional teaching and research experience.

3. Princeton Graduate Fellowships

Princeton offers multiple fellowships to support graduate students across disciplines.

Types of Princeton Graduate Fellowships

  • Princeton Presidential Graduate Fellowship: Covers full tuition and a stipend.
  • Departmental Fellowships: Available for students in engineering, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
  • Diversity Fellowships: Offered to students from underrepresented backgrounds.

Why It Matters: Princeton’s graduate fellowships make it one of the best universities for fully funded education in the USA, ensuring talented students from all backgrounds can excel.

Who Can Apply?

Princeton’s scholarships are open to:

  • U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents
  • International Students (from any country)
  • Transfer Students (limited slots available each year)

Application Process for Princeton Scholarships

Applying for financial aid at Princeton goes hand-in-hand with your admission process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Apply for Admission

  • Submit your application through the Common Application or the Coalition Application.
  • Indicate that you are applying for financial aid.

2. Submit Financial Aid Forms

For U.S. Students: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Princeton Financial Aid Application (PFAA).

For International Students: Submit the Princeton Financial Aid Application (PFAA) instead of FAFSA.

3. Provide Supporting Documents

  • Parents’ tax returns or income statements.
  • Bank statements and other financial documents.
  • Any additional forms requested by Princeton’s Financial Aid Office.

4. Receive Financial Aid Offer

  • Once admitted, Princeton reviews your financial documents and issues an aid package covering your full demonstrated need.
  • Aid packages typically include tuition, housing, meals, and other costs.

Selection Criteria

Scholarships at Princeton are based on:

  • Family Income and Assets – Families with lower income receive more aid.
  • Household Circumstances – Number of dependents, siblings in college, and financial obligations are considered.
  • Geographic and Currency Factors – International students are assessed fairly, with adjustments for cost-of-living differences in their home countries.

Duration of Scholarships

  • Scholarships are renewable every year for the full duration of your undergraduate studies (typically 4 years).
  • Renewal depends on maintaining satisfactory academic progress and submitting updated financial information each year.

Benefits of Princeton Scholarships

  • No loans required – Princeton aid comes entirely in grants.
  • Full coverage of need – Including tuition, fees, room, and board.
  • Support for international students – Equal treatment as U.S. students.
  • Extra support for lower-income families – Families earning up to $100,000 annually often pay nothing.
  • Access to resources – Recipients enjoy the same opportunities as non-aid students, with no stigma attached to financial aid.

Tips for a Successful Application

  • Apply early: Meet both admission and financial aid deadlines.
  • Be accurate: Ensure your financial documents are complete and honest.
  • Seek outside scholarships: They can reduce family contributions.
  • Demonstrate need clearly: Provide all requested information — incomplete applications can delay aid.

Additional Funding Opportunities at Princeton

Beyond standard scholarships, Princeton provides several unique funding programs for students pursuing service, innovation, and research.

1. Princeton Public Service Center Fellowships

Benefits: Funding for community engagement, nonprofit work, or service projects.

Coverage: Living costs and stipends for public service projects.

2. Princeton Entrepreneurial and Innovation Grants

Benefits: Seed funding, access to Princeton’s startup ecosystem, mentorship.

Coverage: Research costs, business prototypes, and innovation funding.

3. Princeton Work-Study Programs

Benefits: On-campus or partner employment for extra income.

Coverage: Hourly wages that help offset personal and educational expenses.

4. Princeton Summer Research and Travel Grants

Benefits: Financial support for research, study abroad, or academic travel.

Coverage: Travel, lodging, and research-related expenses.

Princeton University’s scholarship system is one of the most generous in the world, making an Ivy League education accessible to talented students regardless of financial background. With its need-based, no-loan policy, Princeton ensures that students can focus on academics, research, and leadership — not financial stress.