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Private not-for-profit
Medium
Ivy League

Princeton University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT Range1500 to 1560
ACT Range34 to 35
Average GPA3.95
Acceptance Rate4.6%

Test-optional does not mean test-irrelevant at Princeton: 56% of students submitted SAT scores. To maximize your opportunity, aim for the upper part of the 1500 to 1560 SAT range, with a 34 to 35 ACT as a comparable target if that test fits you better.

Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.

Princeton University facts and stats

Quick Facts

Princeton University enrolls about 5,813 undergraduates in a suburban campus setting. Princeton has a 98% freshman retention rate, well above the national average of roughly 70%. Its 6-year graduation rate is 98%, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 5:1.

Location

Princeton, NJ

Undergrad Enrollment5,813
Freshman Retention98%
SettingSuburban
Student to Faculty Ratio5:1
Graduation Rate98%
Test PolicyTest-optional

How do your scores compare at Princeton?

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Key Princeton University application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

January 1

Early Action

November 1

Early Decision

Not offered

Priority Deadline

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

February 1

Test dates

SAT test dates

August 22, 2026

Registration deadline: August 7, 2026

September 12, 2026

Registration deadline: August 28, 2026

October 3, 2026

Registration deadline: September 18, 2026

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

If you choose to submit scores to test-optional Princeton, plan to take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year and use the summer before senior year and the fall of senior year for retakes. For the November 1 Early Action deadline, an October retake is typically the last fall test likely to arrive in time, and retakes can give you another chance to strengthen a superscore.

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What you'll actually pay

Princeton is a private not-for-profit, so the same rate applies to all students. Tuition and fees are $62,688, and 72% of students receive aid. Submit the FAFSA by the February 1 priority deadline to be considered for financial aid.

House illustration
Tuition and Fees$62,688
Room and Board$20,250
Average Merit AwardN/A
Application Fee$70
Students on Aid72%
Average Aid Package$71,237
Average Debt at Grad$18,146

Princeton’s listed cost of attendance is $82,938, including $62,688 in tuition and fees and $20,250 for room and board. Financial aid is significant for many students, with 72% receiving aid and an average aid package of $71,237. For additional context, graduates leave with an average debt of $18,146.

Student life at Princeton University

Activities and Organizations
Student newspaper
Drama and theater
Radio station
Marching band
Choral groups
Housing

95% of undergrads live on campus

Freshman housing: Guaranteed

Coed
Living-learning
Greek life

No fraternity or sorority life on campus.

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