---
title: Princeton University — PickACampus
description: Learn about Princeton University, the #1 ranked school on PickACampus with a 5:1 student-faculty ratio and top programs in Social Work and History.
url: https://pickacampus.com/college/1
last_updated: 2026-06-03
---

# Princeton University

Princeton University is a private institution in Princeton, New Jersey, with an urban setting and a total enrollment of 5,709 students. Ranked #1 overall on PickACampus, the university maintains a 5:1 student-faculty ratio and features top-ranked programs in Social Work, Environmental Science, and History. This school is a fit for high-achieving applicants seeking a selective environment with a 5% acceptance rate and a 98% graduation rate.

## Overview
- Location: Princeton, NJ
- Type: Private
- Setting: urban
- Total enrollment: 5,709

## Admissions
- Acceptance rate: 5%
- Average SAT: 1,553
- Average ACT: 34
- Average GPA: 3.90

## Cost
- In-state tuition: $62,688
- Out-of-state tuition: $62,688
- Room and board: $20,250
- Fees: $1,102
- Average financial aid: $59,000
- Average student debt at graduation: $10,320

## Outcomes
- 6-year graduation rate: 98%
- 4-year graduation rate: 75%
- Freshman retention: 98%
- Employment rate: 93%
- Average starting salary: $87,815

## Academics
- Student-faculty ratio: 5:1
- Average class size: 12
- Classes under 20 students: 75%

## Notable
["Princeton's unofficial mascot is the tiger, though it doesn't have an official one.","The university's motto, 'Dei sub numine viget,' translates to 'Under God's power she flourishes.'","Princeton was originally known as the College of New Jersey until 1896.","The university has a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching, with a low student-faculty ratio."]

## Traditions
[{"name":"Nassau Hall Step Sing","description":"Freshmen gather on the steps of Nassau Hall to sing traditional Princeton songs."},{"name":"P-rade","description":"An alumni parade during Reunions, featuring classes marching in reverse order of graduation."},{"name":"Eating Clubs","description":"Historic social and dining organizations, central to undergraduate social life."},{"name":"Cane Spree","description":"A spirited athletic competition between freshmen and sophomores."}]

## Notable alumni
[{"name":"Jeff Bezos","description":"Founder and executive chairman of Amazon."},{"name":"Michelle Obama","description":"Former First Lady of the United States."},{"name":"F. Scott Fitzgerald","description":"Renowned American novelist, author of 'The Great Gatsby'."},{"name":"Alan Turing","description":"Pioneering computer scientist and mathematician."},{"name":"Sonia Sotomayor","description":"Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States."}]

## Common questions

Q: What is Princeton University's acceptance rate?
A: Princeton University's acceptance rate is 5%.

Q: How much does Princeton University cost?
A: Tuition at Princeton University is $62,688 per year, before room and board and fees.

Q: Where is Princeton University located?
A: Princeton University is located in Princeton, NJ.

Q: What SAT score do you need for Princeton University?
A: The average SAT score at Princeton University is 1,553.

Q: What is the graduation rate at Princeton University?
A: Princeton University has a 6-year graduation rate of 98%.

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