The financial aid offer may include aid from a variety of sources. Since Princeton meets 100% of need, receipt of additional funding sources may impact the financial aid offer. Outside sources such as scholarship, veteran's benefits, and employee tuition benefits should be reported on the PFAA each year they are received.
Current students can view their financial aid offer once available on My Financial Aid.
Types of Aid
Federal Pell Grant: This need-based grant is awarded to undergraduate students who are U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens, have not earned a bachelor's, graduate, or professional degree, and demonstrate exceptional financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students apply for a Pell Grant by completing the FAFSA at www.studentaid.gov. The grant amount will vary based on the Student Aid Index, cost of attendance, and enrollment status.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): This federal need-based grant is administered by Princeton and preference is given to students who are eligible for a Pell Grant and have the lowest Student Aid Index. Students must have a valid FAFSA to be considered. The grant amount is based on funding availability.
New Jersey Tuition Aid Grant (TAG): TAG is a need-based grant for U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens residing in the state of New Jersey who are attending a New Jersey college. The grant amount is determined on funding availability, tuition charges, cost of attendance, and the student’s financial need as calculated by the New Jersey Eligibility Index. Students apply for TAG by completing the FAFSA and indicating on the application that their state of residence is New Jersey. By completing the FAFSA, student financial information is sent to the Higher Education Student Assistant Authority (HESAA) to determine TAG eligibility. Students are required to be New Jersey residents for one year to be eligible for TAG. HESAA will contact students directly for any issues. It is imperative to respond to all notices and requests from HESAA to ensure the award is processed on time. The state requires that students who have previously received TAG complete their FAFSA by April 15th. For all other applicants, the state deadline to file their FAFSA is September 15th for the fall semester or February 15th for spring-only enrollment. If your FAFSA is filed after the state deadline, you will not be eligible to receive the state grant. Please visit HESAA's website for additional information.
Other State Grants: Residents of Alaska or Vermont may be eligible to receive a state grant as part of their Princeton aid award. The FAFSA is normally required, although in some cases a supplemental application is necessary. For more information, please visit your state’s higher education agency’s website:
Princeton University Grant: The Princeton University Grant is awarded based on a family’s contribution as determined by Princeton's methodology. Princeton will meet 100 percent of the demonstrated financial need — first, by considering external funds awarded to the student (such as federal, state, and other funds), and then filling the remaining gap with Princeton University Grant. For more information on how to apply for this grant, visit Apply for Aid.
Veterans Benefits: Information regarding education benefits for veterans and their dependents can be found on the Veterans Benefits page.
Outside Scholarships: Outside scholarships are funded by individual companies, organizations, etc. and can be need-based or non-need-based. Students typically apply for these funds on their own. Tuition benefits from employers also fall under the outside scholarship category. Please visit the Outside Scholarships web page for information regarding Princeton's outside scholarship policy.
Student Employment: Information regarding student employment and the Federal Work Study program can be found on Princeton's Student Employment site.
Federal and Institutional Loans: Please visit Financing Options for information regarding need-based and non-need-based federal and institutional loans for both students and parents.
Method & Frequency of Disbursements
All financial aid funds are typically split between the fall and spring semester unless otherwise noted in the student portal or offer letter. Disbursements occur when eligibility has been confirmed and an aid decision has been sent to the student. Institutional aid may be applied as early as 60 days prior to the start of a semester. Federal aid is applied no earlier than 10 days prior to a semester. Disbursements are applied to the student account/bill and any excess funds can be requested as a refund. Students may use financial aid refunds, Paw Points, and their student account to purchase textbooks. For more information on textbook purchases, visit Online Bookstore.