FAQs
Source: https://finaid.princeton.edu/faqs Parent: https://finaid.princeton.edu/how-aid-works/family-contribution
Financial Aid FAQs
We know the financial aid process can be a little overwhelming. We're here to help. For quick reference, we’ve compiled the answers to our Frequently Asked Questions.
Qualifying for Aid
Applying for Aid
Taxes
The Aid Offer
Cost of Attendance & Miscellaneous Costs
Renewing Financial Aid
FAQ categories
Applying for Aid
Cost of Attendance & Miscellaneous Costs
Qualifying for Aid
Renewing Financial Aid
Taxes
The Aid Offer
Are international students eligible for financial aid?
Yes. Princeton is one of less than ten schools nationwide that does not limit the financial aid available to international students. Admission is offered to students regardless of their ability to pay, and the full need of every admitted international student is met just as it is for U.S. students.
Are undocumented students eligible for financial aid?
Yes. Undocumented students, including students who have received deferred action under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals process, should apply for financial aid as international students by completing the Princeton Financial Aid Application. The FAFSA is not required. Princeton is one of less than ten schools nationwide that doesn't limit the financial aid available, regardless of citizenship status. Admission is offered to students regardless of their ability to pay, and the full need of every admitted undocumented student is met just as it is for U.S. citizens and permanent residents. While undocumented students are ineligible for federal financial aid, students can still receive aid from Princeton.
Before I apply, can I get a sense of whether I might qualify for aid?
Residents of the United States and Canada can enter their financial information into the Princeton Net Price Calculator to get an estimate of how much aid they may be qualified to receive. The Princeton Net Price Calculator is completely confidential and in no way affects your application for admission or financial aid. Please note the calculator is an estimate and not a guarantee of aid or admission.
Can I email you my financial aid documents?
We do not accept documents via email. After you submit the Princeton Financial Aid Application (PFAA), you will be able to upload the required documents through My Financial Aid portal for currently enrolled students, the financial aid portal for applicants, or the secure Financial Aid Document Upload for non-custodial parents of a student or applicant.
If you have supplemental information to send, you should use the 'other' documents option on the financial aid portal. Additionally you may use our secure fax number (609-258-0336) or postal mail. Visit Contact Us for our postal address.
Can I send my tax returns directly to you?
You will be asked to upload your parents’ tax return, or non-filer information, through the financial aid portal after you submit the Princeton Financial Aid Application (PFAA). Documents are not accepted via email.
Can I use financial aid to study abroad?
Aid students who receive approval from the Office of International Programs for a semester or year abroad will be eligible for funding based on the cost of the program and amount of their family contribution. Princeton sponsored summer programs are not included since they have their own funds to support student costs.
Learn More: Study Abroad Policies & FAQs
Do I have to maintain a minimum GPA to remain eligible for financial aid?
There is no minimum GPA requirement to remain on financial aid, but students must continue to maintain satisfactory academic progress.
Do I need to reapply for financial aid each year?
For each year of attendance at Princeton, students must submit a new financial aid application.
Do I need to supply my parents’ financial information if I am a self-supporting student?
When determining financial aid eligibility, we require parental financial information for all students, with very few exceptions.
Learn More: Family Size & Household Status
Do my documents have to be in English?
Yes. All documents must be officially translated into English for us to review them.
Do you give scholarships for academic merit, special talents, or athletic ability?
No. All financial aid awards are based solely on need. Learn more about how Princeton's aid program works.
Does the “no loan” policy mean I would not be allowed to borrow if I wanted to take out a student loan?
Loans are available, and some students request an optional education loan to replace a shortfall in the expected student contribution or cover expenses not included in the standard student budget. Learn more about
For students who borrow, what is the average debt at graduation?
For students who choose to borrow, the average total indebtedness is about $9,600.
Learn More: Financial Aid by the Numbers
How and when do I apply for financial aid?
Prospective students: You should apply for financial aid by February 1st of the year you plan to enter college, or you may submit your application by November 1st if you are applying for Early Action.
To learn more, please visit Apply for Financial Aid: Prospective Students.
Continuing students: You should apply for financial aid by May 1st.
To learn more, please visit Apply for Financial Aid: Current Students.
How do you decide who gets financial aid?
Financial aid is awarded based on need only. We use the information you supply on your financial aid application and supporting documents to determine how much support we will provide.
How will I know that the FAFSA has been submitted correctly?
You can check the status of your FAFSA online. You should allow one week for processing an online signature, and three weeks for processing a paper signature page.
The FAFSA will not show as received in the Princeton financial aid portal until after the PFAA has been submitted. Please allow 24-48 hours after submitting the PFAA for the portal to update.
If I do not apply for aid my first year and my family circumstances change later, can I request aid after my first year?
Yes. Students can apply for aid at any point during their time at Princeton. An explanation of the change in circumstances may be required.
If I qualify for aid, how much assistance will I receive?
At Princeton, we are committed to meeting 100 percent of the calculated need of each aid applicant based on an individual evaluation by a financial aid counselor. We make this determination using the information you provide on your financial aid application. Learn more about aid awards in the Undergraduate Financial Aid Information and Application Instructions, which accessible through the Apply for Financial Aid page. You can also use the Princeton Net Price Calculator to see how much aid might be offered based on your particular situation.
If my aid offer includes a campus job, how many hours per week will I work?
We typically expect first-year students to work 9 hours per week, which allows them ample time for studies and extracurricular activities.
Is it easy to find a student job on or near campus?
Our site is continuously updated with available jobs, making it easy for students to find employment opportunities both on and off campus.
Is it true that eating clubs for juniors and seniors are too expensive for aid students to join?
The financial aid budget for all juniors and seniors includes an increased food allowance. This policy provides access to a variety of dining options for all aid students, including the eating clubs.
My parents are separated or divorced. Do they both need to submit financial information for my aid application?
Yes. Princeton requires both parents to provide financial information in most cases.
Learn More: Family & Household Status
What does it cost to attend Princeton for a year?
The student budget (also referred to as the cost of attendance) at Princeton includes tuition, housing, food, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, and personal expenses. Review the most current .
What if I win an outside scholarship?
Outside/third-party scholarships reduce Princeton grant. Students can use the amount of reduced scholarship toward the one-time purchase of a personal computer up to a pre-set amount by the financial aid office.
View our outside scholarship policy for more information.
What if my country doesn’t have a tax return?
You should submit all documentation confirming income. Common documents include year-end wage statements and a letter from each employer stating annual income.
What if my parents are unemployed or did not file a tax return?
If your parents are unemployed and filed taxes, they should submit the requested tax return. If your parents did not file a return, you should submit all documentation of that year’s income, along with a parent non-filer statement.
Download the non-filer statement from the Form Library.
What is Princeton’s Federal School Code for the FAFSA?
Princeton’s Federal School Code for the FAFSA is 002627.
What is the Federal Work-Study Program (FWSP)?
Federal Work-Study is a form of federal aid which pays student wages.
What is the international student scholarship tax?
For Non-US tax residents, the University is required to withhold taxes on grant aid in excess of tuition each term. If you are a Non-US tax resident and your aid exceeds the cost of tuition, a tax charge will be posted to your student account each semester. You will also be required to file a U.S. Non-Resident income tax return each year and may be eligible for a partial or full refund of taxes collected.
In some cases, students may be eligible for a tax treaty exemption. Please contact Global Financial Services via email: globalfin@princeton.edu if you have questions about your possible tax treaty eligibility.
What kinds of funds will be included in my aid offer?
If you receive financial aid, your award will include Princeton grant and federal work-study if eligible, as well as any outside scholarships you earn.
When will I know if I will receive financial aid?
If you are admitted to Princeton and have applied for aid, you will receive a financial aid offer along with your offer of admission.
Will applying for aid hurt my chance of being admitted to Princeton?
No. There is no disadvantage whatsoever in the admission process for financial aid applicants. Princeton has a need-blind admission policy, ensuring equality of opportunity for students who cannot afford the full cost of attendance. This policy covers all admission applicants, including international students. Learn more about how our aid program works.
Will I need to take out loans?
More than 20 years ago, Princeton eliminated student loans from financial aid offers, replacing them with grants. Since then, no Princeton student has been required to borrow as part of a basic aid offer. 90% of recent Princeton seniors graduated debt free.
Will I receive the same amount of financial aid every year?
It is our policy to meet every student’s full demonstrated need each year. Award amounts may vary from year to year, based on changes in a family's financial circumstances and Princeton's cost of attendance.