UNIVERSITY · CDS 2023-2024
Princeton University
Princeton, NJ 5,579 undergrad Updated 2026-04-22
Ivy+Undergrad Focus
Accept
4.5%
Yield
76.6%
Test
Optional
Academic Profile · CDS C9 / C11
The numbers a parent will ask about first.
SAT Total (mid 50%, computed)
1500–1580
SAT EBRW (mid 50%)
740–780
SAT Math (mid 50%)
760–800
ACT Composite (mid 50%)
34–35
GPA (avg, admitted)
3.94
GPA NOTEAverage GPA of 3.94; 93.4% of students had a GPA of 3.75 or higher.
METHODTotal SAT range is computed by summing the reported EBRW and Math mid-50% ranges from the school’s CDS (Section C9). Use as an approximation — a student’s actual total places them within, not at, the summed endpoints.
Decision Plans · CDS C1 / C21
When and how the school reads applicants.
| Plan | Deadline | Accept rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA | Nov 1 | — | Early Action: Nov 1, Mid-December notification |
| RD | Jan 1 | — | Regular Decision: Jan 1, April 1 notification. |
Cost & Aid · CDS H Series
What it costs and what families actually pay.
Tuition
$68,140
Total COA
$94,624
Avg need-based aid
$73,770
Avg merit award
None
Net price after avg need aid
$20,854
Princeton meets 100% of demonstrated need on average.
ImportantPrinceton does not award non-need merit scholarships. All institutional aid is need-based. Use this honestly with families: a strong applicant here gets in, but the price is set by the FAFSA/CSS, not by stats.
AP Impact Calculator
What the student's APs are actually worth here.
Princeton's AP Policy
Princeton awards advanced placement for scores of 5 on some AP exams, which can be used to fulfill language requirements or place into higher-level courses. AP credit does not count towards the number of courses needed for graduation.
Min score
5
Credit cap
0 credits
Mode
Placement only
Per-score grid
Exam-level
Add the student's APs
No APs selected. Click Add AP exam to start, or use the sample profile to see what a strong student might recover.
What They Value · CDS C7
Every CDS factor, weighted exactly as the admissions office files it.
- Rigor of secondary school recordVery Important
- Class rankVery Important
- Academic GPAVery Important
- Standardized test scoresVery Important
- Application EssayVery Important
- Recommendation(s)Very Important
Mission & Narrative
What this school says it is — in their own words.
Princeton University advances learning through scholarship, research, and teaching of unsurpassed quality, with an emphasis on undergraduate and doctoral education that is distinctive among the world’s great universities, and with a pervasive commitment to serve the nation and the world.
Distilled Themes
scholarship and researchundergraduate and doctoral educationservice to the nation and the worldfree inquiry and discoverypreservation of cultural heritage
The Coach's Read
What 'what they value' actually means at the table.
- 01Princeton seeks students who demonstrate a commitment to academic excellence and intellectual curiosity.
- 02They value students who have a strong sense of community and a desire to contribute to the world.
- 03Princeton looks for students with unique talents and abilities who will enrich the campus community.
Application Targets
What a strong application here should signal.
- 01Demonstrate a genuine passion for learning and a desire to take advantage of Princeton's resources.
- 02Highlight your commitment to service and leadership.
- 03Showcase your unique talents and how you will contribute to the Princeton community.
Quiet Disqualifiers
Things that hurt applicants here, even when they look fine on paper.
- Applying with a generic application that does not show a genuine interest in Princeton
- Focusing solely on academic achievements without demonstrating a commitment to service or leadership
- Submitting an application that is not well-written or does not reflect your authentic voice
Signature Programs
Where this school is genuinely best-in-class.
School of Public and International AffairsSchool of Engineering and Applied ScienceHumanities CouncilAndlinger Center for Energy and the EnvironmentLewis Center for the Arts
Application calendar
Every date the family needs to know.
Deadlines & Decision Dates · 2025-2026
Family deadline matrix
Plan
Deadline
Decision release
Restrictive Early Action
Non-binding, restrictive
Single-choice early action
Nov 1, 2025
→ Dec 15, 2025
Regular Decision
Non-binding
Jan 1, 2026
→ Mar 31, 2026
Early Decision I
Not offered
—
Early Decision II
Not offered
—
Early Action
Not offered
—
Rolling Admission
Not offered
—
See every school side-by-side on the Deadline Tracker →
CDS C7 · Level of applicant's interest
Does effort toward this school move the needle?
Demonstrated Interest·CDS C7 (2023-2024)
Not trackedWeight: Considered
Princeton's official admissions page states they do not track demonstrated interest, though their Common Data Set indicates it is 'Considered'.
Save the energy
Focus on the application essays and academics; do not spend effort on interest signals.
Provenance