Princeton University's published cost of attendance reaches $80,440 per year, including $59,710 in tuition, $19,380 for room and board, and $1,050 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $10,555 after financial aid, representing savings of $69,885 through Princeton's comprehensive aid programs.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $84,040 |
| Tuition and Fees | $62,688 |
| Room and Board | $20,250 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,050 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$77,912 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $6,128 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $41 |
| $30–48k | $352 |
| $48–75k | $1,217 |
| $75–110k | $4,478 |
| $110k+ | $36,094 |
Princeton University's published cost of attendance reaches $80,440 per year, including $59,710 in tuition, $19,380 for room and board, and $1,050 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $10,555 after financial aid, representing savings of $69,885 through Princeton's comprehensive aid programs. This average net price falls $16,588 below the peer median of $27,143, indicating Princeton's financial aid substantially reduces costs relative to similar institutions.
The university's aid structure creates dramatic cost differences across income levels, with the lowest-income students paying just $2,518 annually while the highest-income families pay $39,943. This progressive pricing structure reflects Princeton's no-loan policy and commitment to need-based aid, making the institution accessible to students from diverse economic backgrounds despite its high sticker price. Princeton's financial aid effectiveness positions it as affordable for families across the income spectrum, with particularly generous support for lower and middle-income students.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Princeton graduates carry minimal debt burden with a median of $10,320, ranking in the 90th percentile nationally and falling $13,861 below the peer median of $24,181. Debt levels span from $3,045 at the 25th percentile to $16,094 at the 75th percentile, indicating most graduates borrow modestly if at all.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.09 ranks among the most favorable nationally, meaning typical graduates can manage debt payments easily relative to their post-graduation income. Princeton's no-loan financial aid policy for most students explains these exceptionally low debt levels, with grants and scholarships covering most educational costs rather than requiring borrowing.
Parent PLUS median debt reaches $38,170 with monthly payments of $503, though this reflects families choosing to borrow rather than being required to do so. The combination of low student debt and strong earnings creates exceptional financial sustainability for Princeton graduates, with debt burdens that pose minimal constraint on post-graduation financial flexibility.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Princeton University delivers exceptional return on educational investment through the combination of outstanding earnings and minimal debt burden. Graduates earn $25,237 beyond expectations, ranking in the 96.1st percentile nationally and indicating top-tier performance in converting educational investment into career outcomes.
Median earnings of $110,066 exceed the peer median by $47,000 annually, while median debt of $10,320 falls $13,861 below peer levels, creating highly favorable financial dynamics. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.09 ranks among the most sustainable nationally, meaning graduates can manage educational debt easily while retaining financial flexibility for other priorities.
Princeton ranks in the top 5% nationally for median earnings, earnings beyond expectations, and low-income earnings outcomes, while maintaining excellent debt performance. This combination positions Princeton as delivering exceptional value despite high sticker prices, with financial aid programs that make strong outcomes accessible across income levels for students who gain admission.
Princeton enrolls 18.7% Pell-eligible students, below the national average but substantial for such a selective institution, indicating meaningful access for lower-income students despite high admission selectivity. The $69,885 gap between sticker price and average net price demonstrates Princeton's extensive financial aid program that makes attendance feasible across income levels.
Aid targeting concentrates heavily toward lower-income families, with those earning under $75,000 receiving aid that reduces costs to under $8,000 annually. This aid structure reflects Princeton's no-loan policy and endowment-funded aid programs that eliminate borrowing requirements for most students.
The combination of low Pell share and generous aid suggests Princeton successfully enrolls some lower-income students while serving primarily middle and upper-income families. Financial aid effectiveness exceeds most peer institutions, with net prices well below typical private nonprofit universities.
