At $10,555/yr net price, Princeton University graduates earn $110,066/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $76,066/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,555 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $42,220 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $110,066/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$76,066/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 0.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 97.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,320 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $2,518/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,682/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,652/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,849/yr |
| $110,001+ | $39,943/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $103,078 | |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $103,078 | $11,250 |
| Chemistry. | Doctoral | $76,460 | |
| Public Policy Analysis. | Master | $75,518 | |
| Public Policy Analysis. | Bachelor | $62,012 | $10,527 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $47,260 | |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $47,260 | |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $44,942 | |
| History. | Bachelor | $43,798 | |
| Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology. | Bachelor | $37,568 |
The Risk Factor
97.1% of students at Princeton University graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Princeton's financial return is strong, and unusually low-risk. You graduate with median debt of $10,320 against median earnings of $110,066 a decade out, so your loan balance is roughly a tenth of one year's pay. A 97% graduation rate means you almost certainly finish, which removes the biggest financial trap in higher education: paying for years without earning the degree.
Your major choice matters a lot here. Computer Engineering and Economics both land around $103,000, and Economics carries debt near the school median, making it one of the clearest payoffs. Public Policy Analysis sits lower at $62,012. English and Political Science graduates report around $47,260, less than half what Econ and Computer Engineering pay. Those degrees can still work at Princeton because your debt stays low, but the earnings gap between the top and bottom programs here is more than $55,000 a year.
The net price tiers are where Princeton separates from most private schools. If your family earns under $30k, you pay $2,518 a year. The $30-48k and $48-75k brackets pay $4,682 and $7,652. Even the $75-110k tier pays $13,849. If your family earns over $110k, the price jumps to $39,943, so the aid is heavily weighted toward lower and middle incomes.
Princeton is a good fit for you if you come from a family earning under $110k, especially under $75k, where the cost is low enough that almost any major pays off. It fits you if you want Economics or Computer Engineering at any income. The one group that should run the math carefully: high-income families paying near $40k a year for a humanities or political science track, where earnings land in the $47k range.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Princeton University worth the high tuition cost?
Princeton offers strong financial aid that brings the average net price down to $10,555 per year, making it more affordable than many state schools for most families. Graduates earn a median of $110,066 ten years after graduation with only $10,320 in typical debt.
What are the best paying majors at Princeton University?
Computer Engineering and Economics graduates from Princeton earn around $103,000 starting salaries, while Chemistry majors average $76,460. Public Policy Analysis graduates see more variable outcomes, ranging from $62,000 to $75,000 depending on career path.
How much debt do Princeton University graduates typically have?
Princeton graduates leave with a median debt of only $10,320, well below the national average. The school's generous financial aid program means many students graduate debt-free.
Does Princeton University provide good return on investment compared to other schools?
Princeton delivers solid ROI with high graduation rates (97%) and strong earning potential ($110,000+ at 10 years out) combined with low debt loads. The main challenge is getting admitted with only a 5.7% acceptance rate.