Princeton is known worldwide for its academic excellence and research, inspiring students everywhere to dream big. However, many international students and their families worry that they cannot afford it. This is a common misconception, and we want to clarify the facts.
Princeton is not only a top academic institution but also a leader in making education accessible and affordable. It is one of the few US universities that reviews all applications, including those from international students, without considering the applicant’s family finances.
Princeton goes even further. If you are admitted, the university covers all of your family’s demonstrated financial need with generous need-based grants, not merit scholarships. Most importantly, Princeton has a no-loan policy, allowing you to graduate without debt.
This guide provides a step-by-step explanation of the process. We will show how Princeton’s financial aid for international students works, what you need to do to apply, and why attending an Ivy League university may be more possible than you realize.
Scholarship vs. Financial Aid: Understanding Princeton’s Generous “No-Loan” Policy
Before starting the application process, it is essential to understand how Princeton supports its students. Many students seek scholarships, but Princeton employs different terminology and has a distinct approach to the process.
- Merit Scholarships: These awards are based on specific achievements, such as outstanding academic grades, exceptional athletic talent, or a particular artistic skill. Many universities offer these to attract top students. Princeton does not offer merit scholarships of any kind. Every single student is admitted on their own merit, and financial support is handled separately and exclusively based on need.
- Need-based financial aid is support based on your family’s economic situation, specifically what they can reasonably contribute to your education. Princeton’s program of financial assistance is based on this idea. The university calculates your family’s need and covers it completely.
Princeton’s “No-Loan” Policy: A Game Changer
This is a key difference at Princeton. For over twenty years, the university has included grants in its financial aid packages instead of student loans.
What does this mean for you? A financial aid package from Princeton is made up of two main components:
- Grant Aid: This is free money that you do not have to pay back. It covers the vast majority of your demonstrated need.
- Student Employment: You will be expected to work a campus job for a few hours per week (typically around 8-10 hours) during the academic year to contribute towards your own expenses. This is considered a part of your financial aid package.
That’s all. There are no loans. This policy provides international students, like American students, the opportunity to graduate from one of the world’s top universities without incurring any debt.
Are You Eligible? Who Can Apply for Financial Aid?
The eligibility criteria for financial aid at Princeton are refreshingly simple. The policy applies to all admitted undergraduate students, regardless of citizenship. This includes:
- US Citizens
- Permanent Residents
- International Students
- Undocumented students or those with DACA status
Please note that the only requirement is demonstrated need. This means the difference between the total cost of attending Princeton for a year, including tuition, housing, and food, and what your family can afford to pay. Princeton’s financial aid office reviews your family’s income, assets, and other details to determine this amount reasonably.
The Step-by-Step Application Process for International Students
Applying for financial aid is a separate process from applying for admission, although they often co-occur. Please pay close attention to the details and deadlines. Here is a step-by-step guide to applying for financial aid at Princeton.
Complete the Princeton Financial Aid Application (PFAA)
After you submit your admission application, either through the Common App or Coalition App, you will get access to the Princeton Applicant Portal. There, you will find the Princeton Financial Aid Application (PFAA). This online form requests details about your family’s income, assets, and household composition. Completing this form is the first step in your financial aid application. It is helpful to fill it out with your parents or guardians, since you will need accurate financial information.
Submit the CSS Profile
The CSS Profile is a comprehensive online application used by many private US universities to determine a student’s eligibility for institutional financial aid. It is administered by the College Board (the same organization that runs the SAT).
- Comprehensive: The Princeton CSS Profile goes into much more detail than the PFAA, asking questions about assets, expenses, and untaxed income to give the university a complete picture of your family’s financial situation.
- Princeton’s CSS Code: When filling it out, you will need to list Princeton as a recipient. Princeton’s CSS code is 2672.
- Fees and Waivers: A fee is required to submit the CSS Profile. However, the College Board automatically provides fee waivers for eligible low-income students based on the information entered in the form.
Upload Your Parents’ Tax Returns
Please verify the accuracy of the financial information you provide. You will need to submit a signed and translated copy of your parents’ most recent income tax returns from your home country.
- Translation: If the documents are not initially in English, you must have them translated into English. This does not need to be an expensive, certified translation; a school official, an EducationUSA advisor, or even you can provide the translation, as long as it is accurate and the original document is also included.
- Submission: These documents must be uploaded directly to Princeton’s secure portal. Do not email them.
The Noncustodial Parent Profile (If Applicable)
Princeton believes that both of a student’s parents have a responsibility to contribute to their education, if able. If your parents are divorced, separated, or were never married, your noncustodial parent (the parent you do not live with) will likely need to complete a separate CSS Profile.
- Waiver Process: The university understands that it is not always possible to get this information. If you have no contact with your noncustodial parent, or if there are other extenuating circumstances, you can submit a Noncustodial Parent Waiver Request form. The Financial Aid Office will review this request.
Key Deadlines to Remember
It is essential to meet all deadlines. If you miss a financial aid deadline, you might not receive aid. The dates are subject to change each year, so please check the official Princeton Financial Aid website for the most up-to-date information.
| Application Plan | Financial Aid Application Deadline |
| Single-Choice Early Action | Early November (e.g., Nov. 9) |
| Regular Decision | Early February (e.g., Feb. 1) |
What Does Princeton’s Financial Aid Actually Cover?
Princeton’s financial aid package is meant to cover your full estimated Cost of Attendance, not just tuition. For the 2024-2025 academic year, the total was over $86,000, and your aid is designed to cover all of it.
A typical aid package covers:
- Tuition and Fees: The full cost of tuition.
- On-Campus Housing (Room): A standard university dorm room.
- Meal Plan (Board): The complete, unlimited meal plan.
- Books and Personal Expenses: An estimated amount for textbooks, supplies, laundry, and other personal costs.
- Travel Allowance: An estimated allowance to help cover the cost of travel between your home country and Princeton for the start and end of the academic year.
- Health Insurance: The cost of the university’s student health plan is included if a comparable plan does not cover you.
With this approach, you can join in campus life without worrying about unexpected expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does applying for financial aid hurt my chances of getting into Princeton?
No. Princeton’s need-blind admission policy means the admissions team does not know if you applied for financial aid. Your financial situation does not affect your admission to the program. This policy also applies to international students.
What is the average financial aid package for an international student?
The aid packages are generous. For the Class of 2028, all families earning up to $100,000 paid nothing for tuition, room, or board. The average grant exceeded $77,000, demonstrating Princeton’s strong commitment to affordability.
How do I estimate my family’s contribution?
Princeton’s website has a helpful tool called the Financial Aid Estimator. It’s anonymous and takes about 10 minutes. Enter your family’s financial details to get a reasonable estimate of your possible aid package. This is the best way to see if Princeton is affordable for you.
Can I apply for financial aid after my first year of enrollment?
No. You must apply for financial aid when you submit your admission application. If you are admitted without requesting aid, you typically cannot receive financial assistance later, unless your family experiences a significant, unexpected change, such as job loss or a serious illness.
Conclusion
For many years, talented students from around the world have aspired to join Princeton. Thanks to the university’s strong financial aid program, this dream is open to everyone, not just those who can afford it.
Remember the key takeaways:
- Admission is need-blind for everyone.
- Princeton meets 100% of your demonstrated need.
- Financial aid packages have zero loans.
Many talented international students miss out on Princeton because they think it is too expensive. Now you know the facts. The opportunity is real, and the support is available.
Don’t let money concerns hold you back. Start your application and try the Princeton Financial Aid Estimator to see what you might receive.
Visit the official Princeton Financial Aid website for the most up-to-date information, deadlines, and application materials.