Princeton University
Princeton University at a Glance
Average SAT & ACT Scores for Princeton University
| Test | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile | Midpoint |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Reading | 740 | 780 | 760 |
| SAT Math | 760 | 800 | 780 |
| SAT Total | 1500 | 1580 | 1540 |
| ACT Composite | 34 | 35 | 34 |
Admissions Funnel
| Applications Received | 39,644 |
| Students Admitted | 1,782 |
| Students Enrolled | 1,366 |
| Yield Rate | 76.7% |
Princeton University Rankings
| Ranking | 2025 | Year |
|---|---|---|
| US News National Universities | #1 | 2025 |
| QS World University Rankings | #17 | 2025 |
| THE World University Rankings | #7 | 2025 |
| ARWU (Shanghai) | #6 | 2024 |
Show 10-Year US News Ranking History
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | #1 | #1 | #1 | #1 | #1 | #1 | #1 | #1 | #1 |
US News National Universities: #1 (2016) → #1 (2025) — unchanged
Princeton University Overview
Princeton University is a private university in Princeton, NJ with 8,946 students. With a 4.5% acceptance rate, it ranks among the most selective institutions in the country. The most popular majors are Social Sciences, Engineering, and Computer Science.
| Full Name | Princeton University |
| Location | Princeton, NJ 08544-0070 |
| Type | Private |
| Website | princeton.edu/ |
| Total Enrollment | 8,946 |
| Undergrad Enrollment | 5,690 |
| Female Students | 49.9% |
Is Princeton University a Reach, Match, or Safety?
With an acceptance rate of 4.5%, Princeton University is a Reach for most applicants. You'll need a standout application — strong GPA, meaningful extracurriculars, and compelling essays — to have realistic odds here.
| Your Profile | Princeton University Is... | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Above-average GPA + strong application | Match | Apply — worth the effort |
| Average GPA, some strengths | Reach | Apply, but have 2-3 backup schools |
| Below-average GPA | Hard Reach | Consider similar schools with higher acceptance rates |
Popular Majors at Princeton University
The most popular fields of study, ranked by the number of degrees awarded.
Student Demographics
How to Get Into Princeton University
Princeton is a Reach school for nearly all applicants. Competitive applicants typically score 1540+ on the SAT. Beyond grades and scores, Princeton wants to see intellectual curiosity, leadership, and a clear sense of purpose in your application. Have 2-3 realistic backup schools — even perfect-on-paper students get denied here.
What Princeton University Values Most in Applicants
Admission factor importance from the Common Data Set — what the school officially says matters.
| Factor | Importance |
|---|---|
| Academic Gpa | Very Important |
| Rigor Of Secondary School Record | Very Important |
| Class Rank | Important |
| Standardized Test Scores | Important |
| Application Essay | Very Important |
| Recommendation | Very Important |
| Extracurricular Activities | Very Important |
| Talent Ability | Very Important |
| Character Personal Qualities | Very Important |
| First Generation | Considered |
| Alumni Relation | Considered |
| Interview | Important |
| Work Experience | Considered |
| Volunteer Work | Considered |
Princeton University Application Deadlines & Requirements
Key dates for the Princeton University SCEA admission cycle. Mark these on your calendar — missing a deadline means waiting another year.
| Deadline | Date |
|---|---|
| Early Action | Nov 1 |
| Regular Decision | Jan 1 |
| Financial Aid (FAFSA/CSS) | Feb 1 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Princeton University
More About Princeton University
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Data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS. Princeton University is not affiliated with DeepColleges.