by our College Data Analytics TeamIs Princeton worth the money? College Factual’s value analysis weighs the quality of education against the cost. Here is the verdict.
Princeton is ranked #180 out of 3,211 schools for value nationwide, earning a value grade of C (above average for value). Within New Jersey, it ranks #10 of 59 for value.
These Princeton majors earned the highest value rankings from College Factual.
| Major | National Value Rank |
|---|---|
| Engineering | #1 of 6 |
| Psychology | #1 of 41 |
| Economics | #1 of 234 |
| Econometrics & Quantitative Economics | #1 of 234 |
| General Public Policy Analysis | #1 of 38 |
| Biology | #2 of 91 |
| Public Policy | #2 of 39 |
| Public Administration | #2 of 39 |
| Computer Science | #10 of 465 |
| Anthropology | #12 of 232 |
Below is the detailed Princeton value breakdown: state and national value rankings, the real cost of a degree, and how the price stacks up against the aid most students receive.
Princeton University is ranked #1 out of #65 in New Jersey for quality and #10 out of #59 for New Jersey value.
Do you qualify for in-state tuition? Check the Princeton financial aid page to be sure.
Princeton University is ranked #180 out of 3,211 for value nationwide.
Princeton University is priced appropriately for the quality of education it provides, making it a fair value according to College Factual.
Averaged across all students — those who receive aid and those who pay full price — a year at Princeton costs about $34,176. Over a standard four-year bachelor's program, that adds up to an estimated $136,705 for the degree.
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Sticker Price (before aid) | $84,040 / year |
| Net Price (students receiving aid) | $6,128 / year |
| Average Cost (all students) | $34,176 / year |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $136,705 |
*The average cost weights the net price paid by aid recipients against the sticker price paid by everyone else. The 4-year figure assumes the standard bachelor's length; your actual time to graduate and price may differ.
There are many ways to lower the cost of a college education. Consider in-state tuition, transfer credits, or finishing your degree faster. Learn more about Princeton net price and the factors that affect it.
The price you actually pay depends on your circumstances — most students do not pay the full sticker price.
Here is how the estimated 4-year cost of a Princeton degree breaks down by aid group, against its national value ranking.
| Nationwide Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $336,160 | — | — |
| All Students | $136,705 | #180 | C |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $24,512 | — | — |
| In-State Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $336,160 | — | — |
| All Students | $136,705 | #10 | D+ |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $24,512 | — | — |
*College Factual publishes a single overall value ranking (the All Students row). The cost rows show what each aid group pays toward the same degree.
You can also see how the average net price at Princeton shifts with family income:
| Family Income | Avg Net Price / Year |
|---|---|
| $0–$30K | $2,518 |
| $30K–$48K | $4,682 |
| $48K–$75K | $7,652 |
| $75K–$110K | $13,849 |
| Over $110K | $39,943 |
About 64% of Princeton undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid, averaging $71,529 per year. Get more details on the Princeton financial aid you may qualify for.
College Factual calculates value by comparing the average Princeton cost of a degree against other schools of a similar quality. If the school is priced fairly for the educational quality it provides, it receives a fair ranking; if it is underpriced, it earns a good or excellent value.
Read the full Best for the Money Ranking Methodology.