Princeton University Ranking

Latest Update: Princeton has significantly expanded its financial aid program for the upcoming academic year. Beginning this fall, undergraduate families earning up to $150,000 will pay nothing for tuition, housing, food, books, and personal expenses. Those earning up to $250,000 will pay no tuition. The average financial aid package for 2025–26 is projected to exceed $80,000, with approximately two-thirds of students qualifying. The Class of 2029 includes 1,409 first-year students, of which 69% are receiving financial aid.

Princeton University consistently ranks among the top global institutions, with the Princeton University ranking at #4 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings and #25 in the QS World University Rankings 2026. As a member of the Ivy League, Princeton is known for its demanding courses and a distinguished faculty dedicated to student success.

With a student body of about 9000, Princeton University offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate degrees. The university's focus on high-quality education and small class sizes ensures students receive personalized attention.

Princeton University’s commitment to academic excellence, research, and international engagement makes it a top choice for those seeking to study in the USA, with opportunities for global collaboration and growth.

Princeton University Rankings 2025-26

Understanding Princeton University's position in global and national evaluations provides insight into its academic visibility and reputation. Princeton consistently appears in major international rankings, including U.S. News & World Report, where it holds a strong position at #16. 

Below is a breakdown of its recent performance across select ranking agencies:

Ranking Agency	2024 Rank	2025 Rank	2026 Rank
QS World University Rankings	#17	#22	#25
U.S. News & World Report (Best Global Universities)	#18	#16	#16
Times Higher Education World University Rankings	#6	#4	NA

In the QS World University Rankings, the university has gradually moved down from #17 in 2024 to #25 in 2026. On the other hand, U.S. News & World Report reflects stable performance, with a slight improvement from #18 in 2024 to #16 in both 2025 and 2026. 

Times Higher Education (THE) indicates notable progress, with the university advancing from #6 in 2024 to #4 in 2025, though the 2026 position is not yet available. 

These shifts suggest varying evaluation criteria across agencies, with some recognising stronger progress than others.

Overall, Princeton’s rankings reflect a steady and strong global recognition, underpinned by its exceptional research output, teaching quality, and prestigious programs.

Now that you’ve reviewed Princeton’s general ranking, let’s look at how it performs in individual subjects.

Subject-Wise Ranking of Princeton University

Subject-specific rankings help you assess individual programs beyond general reputation. Princeton performs strongly across disciplines. For example, it ranks #3 in Politics (QS), #3 in Psychology (THE), and holds the #1 spot in Economics (U.S. News).

These differences reflect how ranking agencies assess factors such as faculty, research, and academic focus. Despite these variations, Princeton’s consistently high rankings demonstrate its academic strength.

Here’s a breakdown of Princeton University’s subject-wise rankings from top global agencies:

QS World University Rankings 2025

Princeton is recognized for its excellence in a wide variety of subjects. The university ranks highly in fields like Politics (#3), Economics (#5), and Mathematics (#7). Additional programs, such as History (#9) and Psychology (#22), further highlight Princeton’s broad academic strength.

Here is a breakdown of Princeton's key program placements in the 2025 QS rankings:

Program	Rank 2025
Politics	#3
Economics	#5
Mathematics	#7
Sociology	#8
History	#9
Physics	#10
Earth and Marine Science	#12
Geology	#12
Computer Science	#13
Psychology	#22

Shifting from the QS rankings to the Times Higher Education (THE) rankings, Princeton continues to demonstrate its academic strength across various disciplines.

Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings 2025

Princeton’s standing in the Times Higher Education rankings confirms its position as a top institution in numerous disciplines. The university ranks highly in areas such as Psychology (#3), Life Sciences (#7), and Physical Sciences (#5), further reinforcing its academic excellence.

Here is a breakdown of Princeton University courses in the 2025 THE rankings:

Program	Rank 2025
Arts and Humanities	#6
Computer Science	#6
Engineering	#8
Life Sciences	#7
Physical Sciences	#5
Psychology	#3
Social Sciences	#5

Building on Princeton’s impressive global performance in QS and THE rankings, let’s now explore how it fares in the U.S.

U.S. News & World Report Subject Rankings 2025

Subject-specific rankings offer a clearer view of program strengths beyond overall reputation. For example, Princeton ranks #1 in Economics, highlighting its academic depth in the field. 

Here is a snapshot of Princeton's performance in key subject areas according to U.S. News:

Program	Rank 2025
Economics	#1
Psychology	#2
Computer Science	#5
Artificial Intelligence	#10
Biocomputing/Bioinformatics/Biotechnology	#10
Data Analytics/Science	#12
Chemical Engineering	#11
Computer Engineering	#12

Beyond subject rankings, Princeton’s overall recognition is also reflected in miscellaneous rankings and accreditations. Let’s look at these now.

Miscellaneous Ranking 2025

Princeton University continues to excel beyond traditional academic rankings. Ranked #1 nationally by Wall Street Journal/College Pulse, it is recognized for its strong career outcomes and student satisfaction. This reinforces Princeton's commitment to providing an exceptional educational experience.

Below is a list of rankings that emphasize Princeton’s comprehensive excellence across several vital areas:

Ranking Agency	Ranking
Wall Street Journal/College Pulse	#1 National
Princeton Review	#4 Best Career Placement (Private Schools)
Niche	#10 Best Colleges in America (of 1,517) #5 Best Faculty (National, of 100)
CWUR (Global Impact Rankings)	#6 Globally
F1 Hire	#1 Career Outcomes Excellence (National)
U.S. News & World Report	#1 Best Value Schools #12 Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs #2 Writing in the Disciplines #15 Learning Communities #6 Undergraduate Research/Creative Projects #17 First-Year Experiences (tie) #1 Senior Capstone #6 Best Colleges for Veterans #2 Best Undergraduate Teaching #33 Most Innovative Schools (tie) #58 Top Performers on Social Mobility
QS Rankings	#223 Sustainability Ranking #3 QS WUR Ranking by Subject
Forbes	#1 Top Colleges 2025 #1 Private Colleges #1 Research Universities #1 In the Northeast #139 Best Employers for New Grads 2025 #223 Best Employers for Women 2024 #118 Best Large Employers 2024 #122 Best Employers for Diversity 2023 #2 Best Value Colleges 2019 #28 Best Midsize Employers 2017
ShanghaiRanking (ARWU)	#7 Academic Ranking of World Universities

In addition to rankings, Princeton’s achievements and areas of excellence set it apart. These factors also contribute to the competitiveness of Princeton University's admission. 

Princeton University Campuses: Excellence and Achievements

Princeton University stands out for its academic excellence, commitment to inclusivity, and cultural influence. While consistently ranked at the top by U.S. News and Forbes, Princeton’s impact goes beyond traditional rankings. 

Over 67% of undergraduates received need-based financial aid, highlighting the institution's commitment to making education accessible. Princeton’s contributions extend to social mobility, sustainability, and creative fields, preparing students to lead and serve society.

Princeton’s achievements are particularly evident in its academic excellence. Here’s an in-depth look at its national recognition.

Academic Excellence and National Recognition

Princeton’s legacy blends traditional academic excellence with modern innovation. Its Ivy League school status is further strengthened by distinctive programs such as the Princeton Perspective Project (focused on critical thinking seminars) and the #2 ranked School of Public and International Affairs. Recent accolades include:

Category	Recognition
Research Excellence	Top 5 in Faculty Citation Impact (U.S. News 2025) #6 in Undergraduate Research/Creative Projects (U.S. News 2025) Princeton manages over $300 million in sponsored research funding annually Strong STEM research output, especially in Physics and Engineering QS WUR by Subject: #3 globally in select disciplines (QS 2025)
Graduate Programs	#1 in Public Affairs (U.S. News 2025) Graduate programs in Economics, Mathematics, and Philosophy ranked in global top 10 Interdisciplinary research supported by Princeton Institute for International and Regional Studies Consistently among top 10 globally for graduate-level faculty citations
Undergraduate Programs	#2 in Best Undergraduate Teaching (U.S. News 2025) #1 in Senior Capstone Projects (U.S. News 2025) #6 in Undergraduate Research Opportunities (U.S. News 2025) Notable freshman offerings like Princeton Writing Seminars Over 30 academic concentrations with a strong liberal arts foundation

Princeton's reputation extends beyond academics; it’s also recognized for its exceptional community and lifestyle. Let’s examine this next.

Community and Lifestyle Recognitions

Princeton excels in supporting first-generation students, with 16.3% of the Class of 2028 being first-generation. With 67% of students benefiting from Princeton University scholarships, it sets a national standard for equity and inclusion. 

Here’s how Princeton is recognized for its commitment to equity and student support:

Category	Recognition
Financial Accessibility	#1 in Best Value Schools (U.S. News 2025) Need-blind admissions and no-loan financial aid packages 67% of undergraduates receive financial aid Average grant for aid recipients: $62,200/year
Diversity and Inclusion	#10 Best Colleges for Low-Income Students (Niche 2025) 16.3% of the Class of 2028 are first-generation college students Active student organizations and centers supporting race, gender, and LGBTQ+ equity Offers Bridge Year Program for global cultural exposure
Student Wellbeing	Comprehensive mental health support and peer mentoring programs Residential college model supports community-building and cross-disciplinary life

In addition to community recognition, Princeton shines in cultural and creative pursuits. Let’s explore this further.

Cultural and Creative Excellence

Princeton also nurtures creativity, cultural engagement, and innovation. With over 300 student organizations, including dozens focused on the arts and entrepreneurship, the university encourages students to think beyond the classroom and bring bold ideas to life. 

Below are some highlights that show how Princeton excels in cultural, environmental, and entrepreneurial domains:

Category	Recognition
Art and Culture	#8 in the World for Arts and Humanities (THE WUR 2025) Princeton University Art Museum known for global collections and exhibitions Home to one of the nation's top creative writing programs Lewis Center for the Arts supports theater, music, and dance
Sustainability Leadership	STARS Gold Rating for Campus Sustainability (AASHE 2024) #1 in Water Category (AASHE 2024) Carbon-neutral campus goal by 2046; extensive solar energy adoption Environmental research driven by High Meadows Environmental Institute
Entrepreneurship	Innovation Center BioLabs supports science and tech-based ventures eLab and Entrepreneurial Hub offer mentorship, seed funding, and incubation Recognized for strong startup ROI and social impact entrepreneurship

After exploring Princeton’s notable achievements, let’s now compare its rankings with the acceptance rate to gain a clearer picture of its selectivity.

Princeton University: Ranking V/S Acceptance Rate

Princeton University is celebrated globally for its academic excellence and prestigious standing. Consistently ranked among the world’s top institutions, Princeton combines elite educational offerings with a highly selective admissions process. With a Princeton University acceptance rate of just 4.5% for the Class of 2027, the university admits only a small fraction of applicants.

Below is a breakdown of acceptance rates across different academic fields for the Class of 2027:

Program	U.S. News Rankings 2025	Acceptance Rate
Humanities	#1	7.5%
Social Science	#4	7.5%
Natural Science	#5	7.4%
Engineering	#10	7.1%

Now that you’ve understood Princeton’s ranking in relation to its acceptance rate, let’s look at the methodologies used to establish these positions.

Ranking Methodologies

University rankings can vary significantly depending on the criteria each organization prioritizes. 

For example, the QS World University Rankings assigns 30% weight to academic reputation, while the Times Higher Education (THE) places a 32.5% weight on teaching quality. U.S. News, on the other hand, values faculty and student outcomes at 20%.

These rankings are also influenced by the broader education system in the USA, which emphasizes research, faculty quality, and student outcomes. When you explore Princeton University rankings, understanding these methodologies will help you interpret the differences in its performance at both the subject and campus levels.  

The following summary highlights the key factors considered by each ranking body:

QS World University Rankings

QS ranks universities by analyzing a wide range of factors, including research output, global participation, and career opportunities for graduates. For Princeton, standout indicators include academic reputation and citations per faculty, which carry weights of 30% and 20%, respectively.

The table below outlines how QS measures university performance:

Focus Area	Indicators	Weightage
Research and Discovery	Academic Reputation	30%
	Citations per Faculty	20%
Employability and Outcomes	Employer Reputation	15%
	Employment Outcomes	5%
Global Engagement	International Faculty Ratio	5%
	International Research Network	5%
	International Student Ratio	5%
	International Student Diversity	0%
Learning Experience	Faculty Student Ratio	10%
Sustainability	Sustainability	5%

Unlike QS, Times Higher Education (THE) evaluates universities with a slightly different approach, focusing on teaching quality, research strength, and global outreach.

Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings

THE evaluates universities based on teaching quality, research strength, and global engagement, using a detailed research methodology to assess each category. Princeton stands out with 18% weight for research reputation and 15% for research quality. 

Below are the key indicators used in THE’s evaluation:

Focus Area	Indicators	Weightage
Teaching	Teaching Reputation	15%
	Staff-to-student ratio	4.5%
	Doctorate-to-bachelor’s ratio	2%
	Doctorates-awarded-to-academic-staff ratio	5.5%
	Institutional income	2.5%
Research Environment	Research reputation	18%
	Research income	5.5%
	Research productivity	5.5%
Research Quality	Citation impact	15%
	Research strength	5%
	Research excellence	5%
	Research influence	5%
International Outlook	Proportion of international students	2.5%
	Proportion of international staff	2.5%
	International collaboration	2.5%
Industry	Industry income	2%
	Patents	2%

Next, let’s see how U.S. News and World Report structures its rankings and where Princeton stands in its model.

U.S. News and World Report Rankings

U.S. News ranks universities based on student outcomes, institutional effectiveness, and factors like GPA. For Princeton, 20% of its score is based on peer assessment. Key factors influencing this ranking include graduation rates, faculty quality, financial resources, and the overall GPA of students.

Here’s how Princeton ranks according to U.S. News:

Focus Indicators	Weightage
Graduation Rates	16%
First-year retention rates	5%
Graduation rate performance	10%
Pell graduation rates	5.5%
Pell graduation performance	5.5%
College grads earning more than a high school grad	5%
Borrower debt	5%
Peer assessment	20%
Financial resources	8%
Faculty salaries	8%
Full-time faculty	3%
Student-faculty ratio	4%
Standardized tests	5%

Both methodologies highlight Princeton’s consistent strengths in academics, student success, and institutional performance, confirming its stable position among public universities.

Conclusion

Princeton University combines academic depth, meaningful support, and strong outcomes. Ranked #1 in Economics and #2 in Undergraduate Teaching by U.S. News, and placed #25 globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026, it maintains a strong presence both nationally and internationally.

The university supports 67% of its undergraduates with financial aid and manages over 300 million dollars in sponsored research each year. With consistent top rankings and a clear sense of purpose, Princeton offers a steady and proven environment for students who value clarity, structure, and long-term growth.