If you receive Princeton need-based aid and enroll in an approved study abroad program during the academic year, aid is available for your semester abroad. Your financial aid will be adjusted based on the cost of your program. If your semester abroad is less than Princeton's costs, your Princeton grant will be reduced accordingly. If the costs are greater than Princeton's, your grant will be increased to meet the costs.
Students participating in fully Princeton-owned programs that are entirely taught and transcripted by Princeton University (e.g., Princeton Field Semester in Kenya and Princeton Tropical Biology Program in Panama) can continue to receive Title IV aid as eligible.
Although Princeton Grant is not available for summer study abroad programs, students participating in the summer faculty-led programs will receive Pell Grant if eligible.
We will use the approved budget forwarded to us by the Office of International Programs.
For additional details, please read our FAQ below or contact us.
Study Abroad Frequently Asked Questions
The Office of International Programs (OIP) website has general information about opportunities for studying abroad. To search for and apply for programs, please visit the Global Programs System (GPS).
If you qualify for need-based financial aid, you should continue to be eligible for assistance; however, your semester aid award will be revised to reflect your specific cost of attendance.
We assume that the semester portion of the family contribution listed on the “My Financial Aid” page will be available for your expenses while abroad. If you will be away for the full year, then the whole amount should be available.
If your program expenses are less than a semester at Princeton, your University grant will be reduced. On the other hand, if your budget is more than staying on campus, your grant aid will be increased. In rare cases when the cost of attendance is substantially less than Princeton’s, students may no longer qualify for need-based assistance for your semester abroad.
- The budget used to determine your semester aid will include tuition, housing, travel, meals, and reasonable expenses related to your program abroad (e.g. coach airfare, required immunizations). The approved budget will not include discretionary spending such as entertainment or optional travel.
- As part of the GPS application process, you must complete the Financial Aid Form listing your expenses. The Office of International Programs (OIP) will review and approve your budget figures, then forward the information to the financial aid office.
Before you leave, the aid office will send you a letter, via email, with semester breakdowns of your expenses and financial aid. The letter will also include an explanation of how your aid will be applied toward your fees and expenses.
Your aid will be used in the following order:
- To cover any Princeton charges
- Any remaining aid will be released to either you or a parent.
Please note that if you aren’t billed by Princeton, it is your responsibility to pay the billing university or program directly.
Although the cost of attendance will include your out-of-pocket expenses, in most cases a portion of the family contribution should be used for personal spending and travel costs.
The Student Accounts Office will not release any aid funds until you have submitted all required forms. Normally, semester aid funds are released in September and February.
In July (for fall semester programs) or in November (for spring semester programs), the aid office will provide a letter for your visa/program application. If you need to request a payment deferment form or have other related concerns, please contact the Financial Aid Office.
In certain cases, specifically for students with large aid awards, we can arrange to release part of your semester aid before you depart.
Whom should I contact if I have questions about my expenses, financial aid, or bills?
Department | Office of International Programs | Undergraduate Financial Aid Office | Student Accounts Office |
|---|---|---|---|
Contact For: |
If expenses are more than estimated- contact to request a change to your budget. *if approved, your award will be adjusted to reflect the additional expenses | Questions about your financial aid | Questions about Princeton charges, the balance due, or payment arrangements |
Office Location: | Louis A. Simpson International Building, Room 55A Level A | The Helm Building 330 Alexander Road | 701 Carnegie Suite 435 |
Phone: | 609-258-5524 | 609-258-3330 | 609-258-6378 |
Email: |