How Aid Works
Our need-based aid program is designed to make Princeton accessible to students across all socioeconomic backgrounds. Using Princeton’s generous financial aid formula, counselors carefully review…
Policies & Procedures
The financial aid program is designed to allow students to take advantage of the many curricular and co-curricular enrichment opportunities offered during your four years at Princeton. To be sure you…
Financing Options
Since 2001, grants have been used to meet need in the Princeton financial aid offer for all aid recipients. As a Princeton student, you are not required or expected to borrow to meet your…
Financial Literacy
Develop skills for life beyond Princeton.More than ever, a basic understanding of finances is an important part of life. As our financial environments shift and you are presented with many…
Change in Circumstances
We understand that situations change. If you have new information to present to our office for the 2025–26 academic year, please review the Request for Reconsideration Form for the categories…
Student Health Plan
The University mandates that all students have health insurance. If you are uninsured, or you are enrolled in a plan that does not comply with the University coverage requirements, you will be…
Junior/Senior Dining Options
The financial aid budget for all juniors and seniors includes an increased food allowance.For the 2025–26 academic year, the junior and senior housing allowance is $10,520, compared to $8,720…
Student Loans
Student loans fall into two general categories. Federal Loans Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans are federal student loans offered by the U.S. Department of Education (ED…
Sibling Enrollment Confirmation
Among the largest considerations we make in determining the family contribution are the costs associated with supporting your siblings in college pursuing an undergraduate degree. When you report on…
Parent Loans
2025–26 Academic YearLoan TypeDescriptionInterest RateFeesBorrowing LimitRepayment PeriodPrinceton Parent LoanUniversity parent loanApply Online6.71% fixedNoneParent ContributionBegins during…
How do you decide who gets financial aid?
Financial aid is awarded based on need only. We use the information you supply on your financial aid application and supporting documents to determine how much support we will provide.
Before I apply, can I get a sense of whether I might qualify for aid?
Residents of the United States and Canada can enter their financial information into the Princeton Net Price Calculator to get an estimate of how much aid they may be qualified to receive. The…
Are international students eligible for financial aid?
Yes. Princeton is one of less than ten schools nationwide that does not limit the financial aid available to international students. Admission is offered to students regardless of their ability…
Are undocumented students eligible for financial aid?
Yes. Undocumented students, including students who have received deferred action under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals process, should apply for financial aid as international students by…
Do you give scholarships for academic merit, special talents, or athletic ability?
No. All financial aid awards are based solely on need. Learn more about how Princeton's aid program works.
How and when do I apply for financial aid?
Prospective students: You should apply for financial aid by February 1st of the year you plan to enter college, or you may submit your application by November 1st if you are applying for Early Action…
Can I email you my financial aid documents?
After you submit the Princeton Financial Aid Application (PFAA), you will be able to upload the required documents. We do not accept documents via email. If you have supplemental information to send…
Do my documents have to be in English?
Yes. All documents must be officially translated into English for us to review them.
What is Princeton’s Federal School Code for the FAFSA?
Princeton’s Federal School Code for the FAFSA is 002627.
How will I know that the FAFSA has been submitted correctly?
You can check the status of your FAFSA online. You should allow one week for processing an online signature, and three weeks for processing a paper signature page.
Will applying for aid hurt my chance of being admitted to Princeton?
No. There is no disadvantage whatsoever in the admission process for financial aid applicants. Princeton has a need-blind admission policy, ensuring equality of opportunity for students who cannot…
My parents are separated or divorced. Do they both need to submit financial information for my aid application?
Yes. Princeton requires both parents to provide financial information in most cases. Learn More: Family & Household Status
Do I need to supply my parents’ financial information if I am a self-supporting student?
When awarding aid, we require parental financial information for all students, with very few exceptions. Learn More: Family Size & Household Status
What if my country doesn’t have a tax return?
You should submit all documentation confirming income. Common documents include year-end wage statements and a letter from each employer stating annual income.