Princeton University
New Jersey, United States
Founded1746
Campus600 acres
Students5,300 UG / 3,400 PG
Acceptance4.0%
Faculty1,100
Ratio5:1
Updated February 5, 2026
Overview
Chartered in 1746 as the College of New Jersey, Princeton University is a private Ivy League research university and one of the oldest institutions of higher education in the United States. It is characterized by a strong commitment to the liberal arts and maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio of 5:1. The university operates under the informal motto, “In the Nation’s Service and the Service of Humanity,” emphasizing its mission of academic excellence and societal contribution.
The university offers two primary undergraduate degrees: the Bachelor of Arts (A.B.) and the Bachelor of Science in Engineering (B.S.E.). A hallmark of the Princeton experience is the requirement for independent work, including a senior thesis for all A.B. students. Princeton is also known for its robust financial aid program, which replaces student loans with grants and practices need-blind admission for all applicants, including international students. This ensures that a significant majority of students graduate debt-free.
Popular Programs
B.A.
Bachelor of Arts in African American Studies
B.A.
Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology
B.A.
Bachelor of Arts in Architecture
B.A.
Bachelor of Arts in Art and Archaeology
B.A.
Bachelor of Arts in Astrophysical Sciences
B.A.
Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry
Location
Princeton University is located in Princeton, New Jersey, on a 600-acre campus. The setting provides a dedicated environment for research and learning within a historic Ivy League atmosphere. The campus supports a large community of approximately 5,300 undergraduates and 3,400 graduate students.
The university's facilities are extensive, including the Harvey S. Firestone Library and nine specialized branches, which together house over 10 million printed volumes. The campus is also home to major cultural and research facilities, such as the Lewis Center for the Arts and the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory. Recent expansions include a new 140,000-square-foot facility for the Princeton University Art Museum and new residential colleges to accommodate a growing student body.
Princeton, United States
Campuses
Princeton
MainPrinceton· United States
Campus Culture
Student life at Princeton is defined by a distinctive residential college system, with seven colleges—Butler, Forbes, Mathey, New College West, Rockefeller, Whitman, and Yeh—serving as the hub for undergraduate living. Housing is guaranteed for all four years, and 96% of undergraduates live on campus. Graduate students primarily reside in the Graduate College, the first in the U.S. dedicated solely to postgraduate study, or in specialized apartment complexes.
The campus community is highly active, featuring over 500 student-run organizations. These include historic groups like the American Whig-Cliosophic Society, the oldest collegiate debating society, and the Triangle Club. Athletics play a major role in campus life, with 38 varsity teams competing in NCAA Division I as part of the Ivy League; approximately 20% of undergraduates participate in varsity sports. Cultural life is anchored by the Lewis Center for the Arts and the Princeton University Art Museum. Academic integrity is maintained through a student-established Honor Code that has governed examinations since 1893.
Notable Alumni
Princeton University boasts a distinguished network of alumni who have made significant contributions across various fields. Notable graduates include U.S. President James Madison, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, and former First Lady Michelle Obama. The university has also produced numerous Nobel laureates, such as David MacMillan and John Hopfield.
The Graduate School's "Viget Honor Roll" highlights influential figures like computer science pioneer Alan Turing, mathematician John Forbes Nash, Jr., and economist David Card. The university's impact is further evidenced by its commitment to public service, reflected in its informal motto, "In the Nation’s Service and the Service of Humanity." Career outcomes are supported by initiatives like GradFUTURES, which prepares graduate students for diverse professional paths through experiential fellowships.
Research
Princeton is a premier research hub with significant investments in the humanities, social sciences, and STEM fields. It manages the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) for the U.S. Department of Energy and collaborates with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) at the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory. Recent research milestones include breakthroughs in quantum computing, immunotherapy, and the completion of the fruit fly connectome.
The university's research mission is supported by specialized centers such as the Princeton Quantum Initiative and the Effron Center for the Study of America. Ph.D. students receive full financial support, including tuition and stipends, allowing them to focus on rigorous scholarship across 46 departments. The university's commitment to innovation is further demonstrated through its "Venture Forward" strategic framework, which drives growth in interdisciplinary research and professional development for graduate scholars.