How Princeton's Aid Program Works

When awarding aid, we are guided by the following principles:

1. Admission is need-blind for all applicants, including international students. Need-blind admission means that applying for aid is not in any way a disadvantage in the admission process, ensuring equality of opportunity for low- and middle-income students. 
2. Princeton financial aid is awarded solely based on need; there are no merit scholarships.
   We consider an applicant's talents and achievements only in relation to admission. Academic and athletic merits are not considered when awarding aid.
3. Need is determined through a careful review of each family's individual financial circumstances.
   Personal attention is given to every admitted student's aid application, taking into account special circumstances and professional judgment in determining aid awards.
4. The full need of every admitted student is met through grants and a campus job. The following table provides the average grant awarded to students admitted to the Class of 2021:

Gross Family Income	Percent Qualified	Average Grant	What It Covers
$0–65,000	100%	$64,010	Full tuition, college fee, room + board
$65,000–85,000	100%	$59,085	Full tuition, college fee, 71% room + board
$85,000–100,000	100%	$55,870	Full tuition, college fee, 50% room + board
$100,000–120,000	100%	$53,705	Full tuition, college fee, 37% room + board​​​​​
$120,000–140,000	100%	$50,210	Full tuition, college fee, 14% room + board
$140,000–160,000	100%	$47,180	Full tuition
$160,000–180,000	100%	$42,770	91% tuition
$180,000–200,000	89%	$35,960	76% tuition
$200,000–250,000	78%	$30,750	65% tuition
$250,000 and above (most who qualify have 2 children in college)	37%	$22,470	48% tuition
Tuition = $47,140  Residential college fee = $850 Room and board = $15,610
Your grant may vary from the above averages based on the Financial Aid Office's individual evaluation of your family's resources, including assets other than the family home or retirement funds.