What makes Princeton University different
Here are some of the things that make Princeton University unique:
- Princeton is the fourth-oldest institution of higher education in the United States. It was founded in 1746 as the College of New Jersey.
- Princeton is a member of the Ivy League, a group of eight private research universities in the Northeastern United States.
- Princeton has produced many notable alumni, including 46 Nobel laureates, 27 Pulitzer Prize winners, and 12 U.S. presidents.
- Princeton is a highly selective university. The acceptance rate for the class of 2026 was 5.2%.
- Princeton's tuition and fees for the 2022-2023 academic year are $53,890. However, Princeton offers need-blind admissions and meets 100% of demonstrated financial need.
- Princeton's campus is located in Princeton, New Jersey, a small town about 30 miles from New York City. The campus is home to many historic buildings, including Nassau Hall, which was built in 1756 and is the oldest academic building in the United States.
Focus on undergraduate education
Princeton is one of the few top universities in the United States that does not have a graduate school of business. This means that the entire faculty is dedicated to teaching undergraduates, and the curriculum is designed to give students a broad and rigorous education in the liberal arts and sciences.
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Emphasis on research
Princeton students are encouraged to do original research. This can be done through independent study, internships, or through the Princeton University Research Fellowship Program. The Research Fellowship Program provides funding for students to conduct research with Princeton faculty members.
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Small class sizes
Princeton's small class sizes allow students to get to know their professors and receive individualized attention. This is especially important in the sciences and engineering, where students need to learn complex material. Princeton's professors are also known for being accessible and helpful, and they are always willing to meet with students outside of class.
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Collaborative atmosphere
Princeton is known for its collaborative atmosphere. Students are encouraged to work together and help each other succeed. This is especially important in the sciences and engineering, where students often need to work on projects together. Princeton's students are also known for being supportive and friendly.
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Generous financial aid
Princeton offers need-blind admissions and meets 100% of demonstrated financial need. This means that students from all backgrounds can afford to attend Princeton. Princeton's financial aid package includes grants, loans, and work-study.
Learn MorePrograms
The James Madison Seminar on the Principles of American Politics
This seminar for upper-level high-school students and rising college freshmen will be taught as a one-week seminar. Participants will study the fundamental questions of equality and liberty in American political life.
The James Madison Seminar on the Theory and Practice of Statesmanship
A one-week online seminar for college undergraduates, The James Madison Seminar on the Theory and Practice of Statesmanship, seeks to help students answer the underlying question at the bottom of politics and public life: What is statesmanship?
Princeton Summer Journalism Program
PSJP is one of the only programs of its kind to offer a free jouralism institute for high school juniors from low-income backgrounds. It's students explore current events and world affairs through workshops and lectures led by Princeton professors.
Laboratory Learning Program
In the Laboratory Learning Program, a free, full-time research program, high school students are included in ongoing research in the sciences or engineering where they are supervised by Princeton faculty and research staff.
Campus Life
Campus life at Princeton University is vibrant and diverse. Students have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of activities, including academics, athletics, clubs and organizations, arts and culture, and student government.
Academically, Princeton students are challenged to excel in a rigorous curriculum that emphasizes the liberal arts and sciences. Students are encouraged to take courses outside of their major and to explore new interests. Princeton also offers many opportunities for research, both independent and with faculty mentors.
Athletics are a big part of campus life at Princeton. The university has 38 varsity sports teams, and students can also participate in intramural sports and club sports. Princeton is a member of the Ivy League, and its athletic teams compete against other top universities in the Northeast.
There are over 500 student organizations at Princeton, so there is something for everyone. Students can get involved in clubs and organizations related to their academic interests, hobbies, and passions. There are also many opportunities to volunteer and give back to the community.
The arts and culture scene at Princeton is vibrant. The university has a number of art galleries and museums, and there are many performances throughout the year, including concerts, plays, and dance recitals. Princeton also has a strong theater program, and students can participate in productions at the McCarter Theatre Center.
Student government is an important part of campus life at Princeton. Students have the opportunity to get involved in student government at the college, class, and residential college levels. Student government is responsible for representing student interests and making decisions about campus life.
Overall, campus life at Princeton University is a stimulating and enriching experience. Students have the opportunity to learn and grow in a challenging and supportive environment. There are endless opportunities to get involved and make a difference.
Useful Resources
Princeton University
The James Madison Seminar on the Principles of American Politics
This seminar for upper-level high-school students and rising college freshmen will be taught as a one-week seminar. Participants will study the fundamental questions of equality and liberty in American political life.
Format
The seminar will be held off-campus at the Chauncey Conference Center where participants will be housed for the duration of the program. Opportunities will be available to visit historic Princeton and the campus.
Dates & Tuition
Jun 26 - Jun 30
1 week
Residential
Program fee includes course materials.
Financial Aid
Financial aid is not available.
Other Courses You Might Be Interested In
Laboratory Learning Program
In the Laboratory Learning Program, a free, full-time research program, high school students are included in ongoing research in the sciences or engineering where they are supervised by Princeton faculty and research staff.;
The James Madison Seminar on the Theory and Practice of Statesmanship
A one-week online seminar for college undergraduates, The James Madison Seminar on the Theory and Practice of Statesmanship, seeks to help students answer the underlying question at the bottom of politics and public life: What is statesmanship?;
Princeton Summer Journalism Program
PSJP is one of the only programs of its kind to offer a free jouralism institute for high school juniors from low-income backgrounds. It's students explore current events and world affairs through workshops and lectures led by Princeton professors.;
Princeton University
The James Madison Seminar on the Theory and Practice of Statesmanship
A one-week online seminar for college undergraduates, The James Madison Seminar on the Theory and Practice of Statesmanship, seeks to help students answer the underlying question at the bottom of politics and public life: What is statesmanship?
Format
Given current university policies, this seminar will be held virtually on Zoom. If university policy changes and we are able to host students in person, we will notify applicants right away.
Dates & Tuition
Jun 27 - Jul 01
1 week
Online
Program fee includes course materials.
Financial Aid
Financial aid is not available.
Other Courses You Might Be Interested In
Laboratory Learning Program
In the Laboratory Learning Program, a free, full-time research program, high school students are included in ongoing research in the sciences or engineering where they are supervised by Princeton faculty and research staff.;
The James Madison Seminar on the Principles of American Politics
This seminar for upper-level high-school students and rising college freshmen will be taught as a one-week seminar. Participants will study the fundamental questions of equality and liberty in American political life.;
Princeton Summer Journalism Program
PSJP is one of the only programs of its kind to offer a free jouralism institute for high school juniors from low-income backgrounds. It's students explore current events and world affairs through workshops and lectures led by Princeton professors.;
Princeton University
Princeton Summer Journalism Program
PSJP is one of the only programs of its kind to offer a free jouralism institute for high school juniors from low-income backgrounds. It's students explore current events and world affairs through workshops and lectures led by Princeton professors.
Format
PSJP will run a hybrid program in 2023 that will include virtual workshops during the month of July and will culminate in our traditional 10-day residential journalism institute on the Princeton University campus.
Dates & Tuition
Jun 18 - Jul 28
6 weeks
Online
Jul 28 - Aug 07
1 week
Residential
All costs to attend the residential summer institute, including air or ground transportation to and from campus, housing, meals, and equipment for assignments, are covered by the program. PSJP does not provide technology during the virtual portion of the program but will work with students to address barriers to participating to the best of our ability.
Financial Aid
No financial aid is available. (Program is free)
Other Courses You Might Be Interested In
The James Madison Seminar on the Theory and Practice of Statesmanship
A one-week online seminar for college undergraduates, The James Madison Seminar on the Theory and Practice of Statesmanship, seeks to help students answer the underlying question at the bottom of politics and public life: What is statesmanship?;
The James Madison Seminar on the Principles of American Politics
This seminar for upper-level high-school students and rising college freshmen will be taught as a one-week seminar. Participants will study the fundamental questions of equality and liberty in American political life.;
Laboratory Learning Program
In the Laboratory Learning Program, a free, full-time research program, high school students are included in ongoing research in the sciences or engineering where they are supervised by Princeton faculty and research staff.;
Princeton University
Laboratory Learning Program
In the Laboratory Learning Program, a free, full-time research program, high school students are included in ongoing research in the sciences or engineering where they are supervised by Princeton faculty and research staff .
Format
The Laboratory Learning Program is not a summer camp-style program. Students must have their own housing and reliable transportation to and from Princeton University; students are not eligible to lease or sublease University housing. The majority of program participants come from the surrounding communities. Students and families who are from outside the immediate region should have identified appropriate housing and transportation arrangements prior to submitting an application.
Dates & Tuition
Jun 01 - Aug 25
12 weeks
Commuter
There are no fees for participation in the program.
Financial Aid
Some programs offer a scholarship of $100-400 USD
Other Courses You Might Be Interested In
The James Madison Seminar on the Theory and Practice of Statesmanship
A one-week online seminar for college undergraduates, The James Madison Seminar on the Theory and Practice of Statesmanship, seeks to help students answer the underlying question at the bottom of politics and public life: What is statesmanship?;
The James Madison Seminar on the Principles of American Politics
This seminar for upper-level high-school students and rising college freshmen will be taught as a one-week seminar. Participants will study the fundamental questions of equality and liberty in American political life.;
Princeton Summer Journalism Program
PSJP is one of the only programs of its kind to offer a free jouralism institute for high school juniors from low-income backgrounds. It's students explore current events and world affairs through workshops and lectures led by Princeton professors.;