Fees & Payment Options
Source: https://admission.princeton.edu/cost-aid/fees-payment-options Parent: https://admission.princeton.edu/
Student Budget
The estimated cost of attendance for 2026-27 is $94,624. This includes direct costs charged to your student bill such as tuition, housing, food, and fees; and indirect costs which are not charged to your bill, but expenses you may incur such as books, supplies, and personal expenses.
- Tuition: $68,140
- Housing: $13,010
- Food: $9,110
- Fees: $314
- Estimated miscellaneous expenses: $4,050
Housing and food are standard for the University dormitories and meal plans. Fees include the activities fee and class dues. The $4,050 estimated for miscellaneous expenses includes approximately $1,050 for books and personal expenses. Financial aid credits are deducted from the University bill for those who qualify, leaving the remainder due as a family payment on either a semester or monthly basis.
This estimate does not include the cost of transportation, which may range between $300 and $5,000. Students who are not covered by a family health insurance policy must purchase Student Health Plan coverage.
Students not using financial aid may use the Student Bill Estimator to estimate bill charges.
Payment Options
Princeton offers different methods for paying the University bill:
- One payment each semester: If you choose the semester plan, one-half of Princeton’s charges will be due in the fall and one-half in the spring. Any subsequent miscellaneous charges a student incurs (for example, charging books to the student account) are due in full during the semester the charge is made.
- Ten monthly payments: The monthly payment plan allows you to spread payments out over the academic year, from August through May. The enrollment fee for this option is $40 per semester.
- Princeton Parent Loan (PPL): This loan gives families the opportunity to borrow their share of Princeton’s costs at either a variable or a fixed interest rate (currently 6.71% fixed) that is adjusted before the start of each academic year. The PPL is available to families based on their credit history and ability to meet repayment terms. Further information about the PPL may be obtained from the Parent Loan Office.
- Direct PLUS Loan: PLUS is a federally sponsored direct loan to parents who may borrow up to the cost of attendance less financial aid received. The PLUS interest rate was fixed at 8.94% in 2025-2026, and program fees of up to 4.228% may be charged.
Financing Options
As a Princeton student, you are not required or expected to borrow to meet your demonstrated financial need. While this policy has made it possible for many students to graduate Princeton with little to no debt, some families may wish to take advantage of loans to help finance the cost of college.
Financing Options
As a Princeton student, you are not required or expected to borrow to meet your demonstrated financial need. While this policy has made it possible for many students to graduate Princeton with little to no debt, some families may wish to take advantage of loans to help finance the cost of college.
Federal Parent and Student Loan Information
The U.S. Department of Education's Office of Federal Student Aid provides approximately $112 billion in financial aid to help pay for college or career school each year.
Federal Parent and Student Loan Information
The U.S. Department of Education's Office of Federal Student Aid provides approximately $112 billion in financial aid to help pay for college or career school each year.