Princeton Merit Aid

Families who need to understand that Princeton is not a merit-optimization target. Princeton has the cleanest zero-merit policy among elite schools — the CDS reports exactly 0% of freshmen receiving non-need institutional merit aid. However, Princeton's need-based generosity is arguably the best in the country: families below $150,000 pay nothing at all, and families up to $350,000+ may still receive significant grant aid.

Tuition / cost of attendance: Approximately $90,730 for 2025-2026. First-year/sophomore budget: tuition $65,210, room $12,450, board $8,720, books and personal $4,050, fees ~$300. 2026-2027 COA not yet published. Source

Outside scholarships reduce the Princeton grant dollar-for-dollar. Students may recover reduced funds for a one-time computer purchase.

Outside scholarships are considered financial assistance and reduce the Princeton grant dollar-for-dollar after external funds are accounted for. Because Princeton's aid is already all-grant with no loans, there is no self-help component to replace first. Students may request to use a portion of recovered funds toward a one-time computer purchase. Failure to disclose outside funding may result in disciplinary action.

Source

From the Princeton Common Data Set 2024-2025:

Source: Common Data Set

1. Families earning $150,000-$250,000 assuming they will not qualify for aid at Princeton.+

   Princeton now covers full cost of attendance (tuition, room, board, fees) for families with income below $150,000. Families below $250,000 pay no tuition. Even families earning $250,000-$350,000+ may receive grant aid depending on assets and family size. Not filing FAFSA and CSS Profile guarantees full-price payment.

2. Applying for outside merit scholarships expecting to reduce what the family pays at Princeton.+

   Princeton's aid is already all-grant (no loans). Outside scholarships reduce the Princeton grant dollar-for-dollar — they do not reduce the family's expected contribution. A $10,000 outside scholarship means Princeton gives $10,000 less, not that the family pays $10,000 less.

• Does Princeton offer any merit scholarships?

  No — none. Princeton's policy is explicit: 'Financial aid is awarded solely based on need; there are no merit scholarships.' The CDS confirms 0% of freshmen received non-need institutional merit aid. This is the cleanest zero-merit policy among elite universities.

• What does Princeton actually cost for a middle-class family?

  Families with income below $150,000 (typical assets) pay zero — Princeton covers tuition, room, board, and fees entirely with grants. Families below $250,000 pay no tuition. Families earning $250,000-$350,000+ may still receive grant aid. The average grant for aided students exceeds $76,000 per year. About 62% of students receive financial aid.

• Should my family still file FAFSA and CSS Profile even if we think we earn too much?

  Yes. Princeton uses Institutional Methodology, which can differ substantially from federal methodology. The income thresholds ($150,000 for zero cost, $250,000 for no tuition) are based on 'typical assets.' Princeton requires FAFSA, CSS Profile, and tax returns. Skipping these forms guarantees you pay the full $90,730.