Princeton University Acceptance Rate 2025

Latest about Princeton University Acceptance Rate

Single-Choice Early Action (SCEA), a very uncommon early-round admissions option, allows students to apply early to Princeton. SCEA is non-binding, much like the more popular Early Action policy at many other colleges. On the other hand, candidates are not allowed to apply to any other US private institution or university's early programes through SCEA.

The Princeton University acceptance rate is a significant factor in determining how selective the university is. Princeton University, located in New Jersey, is one of the top universities in the world. It is a private Ivy League research university that brings together graduate and undergraduate students from every corner of the world. In order to prepare its students for leadership roles and lives of service in a variety of human endeavours, the university offers them academic, extracurricular, and other resources. 

Princeton University has a single digit acceptance rate, which means it is rather difficult for students to get into this Ivy League university. You must have a strong academic and extracurricular profile in order to be considered for admission. To be considered good contenders, applicants to Princeton should preferably have a GPA of between 3.8 and 4.0. Although there are no formal GPA requirements at Princeton, most applicants—typically 90% or more—have an unweighted GPA of at least 3.75. If you have a GPA of 4.0, you have an excellent chance. 

What is Princeton University acceptance rate?

According to U.S. News and World Report, Princeton University has an acceptance rate of 6%. This indicates that only 6 applicants out of 100 are admitted into the university. Princeton University is highly selective in their admission process and only the best students get admission based on their merit and other endeavours. Currently, Princeton University has a total undergraduate enrolment of 5,590 and a graduate enrolment of 3,212. 

Princeton University Acceptance Rate for International Students

As an international student, you might be wondering what is the acceptance rate for Princeton University? Princeton University currently has 685 international undergraduate students. The Princeton University acceptance rate for international students is significantly lower than other universities in the U.S.A.

Princeton University Acceptance Rate for Graduates

Princeton University has a total enrolment of 3,212 graduate students. More than 40% of the graduate school at Princeton is represented by overseas students. This indicates the inclusive and diverse nature of the university. The Princeton University transfer acceptance rate is significantly lower compared to low ranked colleges. It also shows that the acceptance rate for international graduate students is quite satisfactory. 

Princeton University Acceptance Rate for Undergraduates

Princeton University has a total enrolment of 5,590 undergraduate students. Out of this, 685 students come from other nations. This implies that the Princeton University acceptance rate out of state is moderate. Every year, a large number of students show interest in Princeton University admissions, and a significant number of students get selected.

Princeton University Acceptance Rate Trends (Last 5 Years)

The table below demonstrates the last 5 years of trends for the Princeton University acceptance rate. This will help you understand whether the university is selective in its admission process or not. 

Applications	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
No. of Applications Received	32,835	32,804	35,370	31,056	29,303
No. of Applications Accepted	1848	1895	1940	1990	1911

Factors Influencing Princeton University Acceptance Rate

Princeton University acceptance rate is influenced by a number of factors. The current section provides a comprehensive overview of the key aspects that contribute to the highly selective nature of Princeton University. 

• Princeton does not keep track of class rankings or formally calculate or verify grade point averages. A GPA of 3.8 to 4.0 is required for candidates to be deemed competitive at Princeton. Although there are no official GPA requirements at Princeton, most applicants—roughly 90% of them—have an unweighted GPA of at least 3.75. Princeton University acceptance rate GPA determines its highly selective nature. 
• Waitlists are being used by Princeton University more often than in previous years. Increasing numbers of excellent candidates have been placed on waitlists by prestigious institutions and Ivy League schools like Princeton in an attempt to remove ambiguity and admit only those kids they actually think will attend. This indicates that they are still waiting to find out how many students matriculate and how many slots are available, rather than having rejected those candidates outright.
• Students are submitting an increasing number of applications due to low acceptance rates and confusion about who gets in, where, and why. This, in turn, feeds the same uncertainty and unpredictability that initially motivated them to submit those applications. It is quite possible that the admission rates of an increasing number of universities will continue to fall because none of those tactics appear to be about to stop. This factor also contributed to Princeton’s low acceptance rate. 
• Over the past ten years, there has been a steady increase in the number of applicants to extremely selective institutions, especially the Ivy Leagues. For example, Princeton University got almost 32,835 applications in the previous year! With so many universities either not growing their class numbers at all or only very slightly, the explosion of applicants will undoubtedly result in a decline in acceptance rates, perhaps sharply.

How to Improve Your Chances of Admission at Princeton University 

Because Princeton University has an extremely tough admissions process, candidates must differentiate themselves from the competition to get accepted. Among the greatest measures that students may adhere to are submitting persuasive motivational letters or essays along with powerful recommendation letters.

In addition to academic excellence, Princeton seeks individuals who have a positive impact on their schools and communities. Therefore, candidates should include a description of their extracurricular activities, leadership experiences, and hobbies.

Students must fall within the median of accepted students’ grades and scores. At Princeton, you will want to have a class rank that leaves you in the top decile and an ideal SAT score of 1580. 

Take on leadership responsibilities within your community or school. This will show that you can lead and work well with others, two qualities that are crucial for success at Princeton. Through extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or internships, follow your interests and passions. This will show how dedicated you are to your own progress.

Since early applicants sometimes have a greater acceptance percentage than ordinary applicants, applying early might increase your chances of being accepted. A prospective student may still make informed decisions about where to apply to college, even though many of these aspects are beyond their control. They may also make efficient use of Early Decision, show interest in all the universities they apply to, and make a strong first impression on the admissions committee by putting their best foot forward in their application materials.

These kinds of institutions are massive research beasts: showcasing your research abilities in high school, and even better, having an article published will make you stand out! Doing research may have a big impact on admissions, and it's a crucial component of the academic experience. 

Comparing Princeton University's Acceptance Rate to Other Similar Universities

The following universities in the table, along with their acceptance rates, are frequently contrasted with Princeton University. This will give you an idea of other institutions where you can apply for admission, going by their acceptance rates. 

Name of the University	Acceptance Rate
California Institute of Technology	3%
Harvard University	3%
Columbia University	4%
Massachusetts Institute of Technology	4%
Stanford University	4%
Brown University	5%
Curtis Institute of Music	5%
University of Chicago	5%
Yale University	5%
Dartmouth College	6%

With an admittance rate of just 4.5% to 5%, Yale University is a very hard university to get into. Princeton, on the other hand, has an admittance rate of 5.8%, making it equally selective.

Admissions to Yale University are extremely tough. International students who excel intellectually, athletically, and have the potential to improve the welfare of the Yale community are welcomed. To put it briefly, the applicant needs to be an all-around player to get accepted into this esteemed Ivy League school.