Princeton University is one of the best research institutes in USA and a member of the ‘Ivy League’. The university manifests interdisciplinary research collaborations and is known for Computer Science (12.5%), Econometrics and Quantitative Economics (9.9%) discipline. Princeton University campus is vast with voguish facilities in 5 schools and colleges, 200+ campus buildings, 6 residential colleges, 17 campus chaplains, and 10 libraries.
The university houses over 8,000 students with 98% undergraduate students and 70% graduate students living on campus. At Princeton, the acceptance rate is 3.8% reflecting a highly selective admission policy. International students constitute 14% of the total student body at Princeton. Students from 140 countries applied for admissions to Princeton University, among whom, candidates from 70 countries received offer.
The university has the highest number of titles among the ‘Ivy League’ institutes. The university offers over 400 international internship opportunities. Till now, 18 alumni of Princeton University have won the Nobel Prize and 112 Princetonians have competed in the Olympics.
Likes
- Variety of courses: Princeton University offers admission in more than 36 undergraduate degree programs, 55 undergraduate certificates, 44 graduate degree programs, and 13 graduate certificates and a pathway program in STEM fields in USA through the School of Engineering and Applied Science.
- Campus Facilities: Princeton campus houses 500+ student organizations, several museums including Princeton University Art Museum, and 11 co-ed eating clubs. The campus exhibits athletic courts, coffee house, computing and study space, exercise room, 21 private clubs, pool tables, parking area and many more.
- Abundance of Scholarships: Princeton offer scholarships to more than 60% international students on the ground of family resources of the applicants. The university has met 100% of the demonstrated needs of its aspirants through several financial aid programs.
- Placements: Princeton graduates secure jobs in companies like Amazon, Citigroup, Uber, and also top-ranked universities like Harvard, NYU, MIT among others. The highest paying profession after studying in Princeton are Consulting, Accounting and Professional Services with an average annual salary of 158,000 USD.
Dislikes
- Expensive Courses: The average cost of studying at Princeton University is nearly 78,000 USD (~58-60 lakh INR) including tuition, boarding, miscellaneous and living cost. This might be a concern for students on a low budget.
- Dining System: The fraternity/sorority system in the Dining clubs might not match the choices of most of the international students.
| Total Fee | 1st year Fee |
| Master of Science [M.S], Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering | INR 43,22,897 |
| Master of Engineering [M.Eng], Electrical Engineering | INR 43,22,897 |
| Master of Science [M.S], Computer Science | INR 43,22,897 |
| Master of Engineering [M.Eng], Civil and Environmental Engineering | INR 39,40,656 |
| Master of Science [M.S], Chemistry | INR 44,78,000 |
| Master of Engineering [M.Eng], Chemical and Biological Engineering | INR 39,40,656 |
| Master of Architecture [M.Arch] | INR 43,22,897 |
| Master of Finance [M.Fin] |
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Princeton University Rankings
Princeton University is one of the top universities in the world according to several ranking agencies like THE Rankings, QS World Rankings, U.S. News and others. The university is ranked at #8 among the US Universities according to QS Global World University Rankings, 2022 with its top competitors being Harvard University (#1) and Stanford University (#2). Following are some of the significant ranks of the university:
- #=16 in QS World University Rankings, 2023
- #15 in the Graduate Employability Ranking, by QS Global World University Rankings, 2022
- #7 in World University Rankings by Times Higher Education, 2022
- #8 in US College Rankings by Times Higher Education, 2022
- #16 in Best Global Universities, according to US News and World Report, 2022
Princeton University Campus
Princeton University has a huge campus with various facilities. Out of all, 98% of the university undergraduates are offered on-campus housing in the USA at the institute.
- There are more than 200 campus buildings, six residential colleges, 17 campus chaplains, and ten libraries at the institute. Medical accommodation, private bathroom accommodation, housing accommodation are some services provided on prior application to students, who opt for them.
- Gender-Inclusive Housing at the university is also avaliable for students who would opt for such residence.
- Furthermore, Princeton University’s campus exhibits more than 300 active student organizations.
- The university nurses 37 varsity intercollegiate teams and 36 sport club teams.
- Various on-campus dining and nearby cafes are available for students to have hearty meals.
Princeton University Accommodations
It is mandatory for first and second-year students to stay at the residence facilities offered by the university. There are 6 residential colleges for undergraduates. There are singles, triples, 3- and 5-room quads, a hallway, shared, and private bathrooms.
Princeton University On Campus Accommodation
On-campus housing is guaranteed for the students of all 4 years. A typical residential hall at the university has amenities such as classroom space, gender-neutral rooms, gallery, kitchenettes, Music practice rooms, laundry, printer clusters, Studio 34 food emporium, WPRB Radio Station, and seminar rooms.
- There are 8 on-campus apartments, annexes, and townhouses for graduates.
- Graduate housing amenities include an elevator, common areas, air conditioning, laundry, TV lounge, electricity, washer/dryer, family housing, furnished Gender-Neutral bathrooms and they are pet-friendly.
- Graduate housings are fully furnished with bathrooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and living rooms with room types such as 1-, 2-, 3- apartment, 3- and 4- townhouses, single, double, triple quad rooms. Graduate students living at the Graduate College need to sign a dining contract to choose one specified meal plan. This allows them to eat in the ProcterHall, any residential college’s dining hall, or the Center for Jewish Life’s kosher dining hall. The average cost of living on campus is 10,690 USD (8.1 lakhs) per year for students.
Princeton University Off-Campus Accommodation
Princeton’s Housing and Real Estate Services provides housing information which includes listings for off-campus houses, apartments, rooms, shares, and sublets for the institute's faculty, staff, students, and approved guests. These housings are owned by landlords and property managers. The average cost of living off campus is around 15,000 USD (~11.48 lakhs) per year.
Graduate students, who are not living at the campus of Graduate College may also purchase a meal plan. Continental breakfast is served at the Graduate College daily and is included with all meal plans. Graduate students may also buy meals from many cafés around campus and the town.
Princeton University Admission Process
The competition for admission to Princeton University is extremely tough. Around 150 Indian students secures admission to Princeton University in an academic year. 40% of the graduate program applicants at Princeton hails from international origin. Due to this, the prerequisites for admissions to Princeton University for a master’s or Ph.D. program is the same for U.S. citizens, permanent residents or international applicants.
Application Portal:
- Undergraduate: Coalition Application, Common Application or Universal College Application.
- Graduate: Princeton Graduate School Online Portal.
Application Fee:
- Undergraduate: 70 USD (~5,537 INR)
- Graduate: 95 USD (~7,275 INR) or fee-waiver
Admission Requirements: The admission requirements for Princeton University are:
- Princeton supplement
- Graded written paper, preferably in English/History
- Official transcripts (Average GPA: 3.9/4.0 ~93-96%)
- High school transcripts for undergraduates
- College or university transcripts for graduates
- Counselor recommendation
- 2 academic LOR for undergraduate programs, 3 LOR for USA for graduate courses
- Mid-year school report
- Standardized test scores
- Graduate program requires demonstration of GMAT or GRE score (Average GMAT: 565)
- Statement of financial resources
- Arts supplement/Interview (if required).