Ah, Princeton. A veritable monument to tweed and tradition, isn’t it? Let’s see what we can excavate from its gilded halls.

Princeton University

Princeton redirects here. For the municipality in New Jersey, see Princeton, New Jersey . For the public college, see The College of New Jersey . For other uses, see Princeton (disambiguation) .

Princeton University Latin : Universitas Princetoniensis [1] Former names: College of New Jersey (1746–1896) Motto: Dei Sub Numine Viget (Latin ) [2] On seal: Vetus Novum Testamentum (Latin) Motto in English: “Under God’s Power She Flourishes” [2] On seal: “Old Testament and New Testament” Type: Private research university Established: October 22, 1746; 279 years ago (1746-10-22) Accreditation: MSCHE Academic affiliations:

• AAU
• COFHE
• NAICU
• URA
• Space-grant Endowment: $34.05 billion (2024) [3] President: Christopher L. Eisgruber Provost: Jennifer Rexford Academic staff: 1,068 (fall 2021) [4] Total staff: 7,300 [5] Students: 8,478 (fall 2021) [4] Undergraduates: 5,321 (fall 2021) [4] Postgraduates: 3,157 (fall 2021) [4] Doctoral students: 2,631 (fall 2019) [6] Location: Princeton, New Jersey , [United States] 40°20′43″N 74°39′22″W / 40.34528°N 74.65611°W / 40.34528; -74.65611 [7] Campus: Small city , 600 acres (2.4 km²) [5] Newspaper: The Daily Princetonian Colors: Black and orange [8] Nickname: Tigers Sporting affiliations:
• NCAA Division I FCS – Ivy League
• ECAC Hockey
• EARC
• EIVA
• CWPA
• IRA
• EAWRC Mascot: The Tiger Website: princeton.edu

Princeton University is a private Ivy League research university nestled in the rather quaint borough of Princeton, New Jersey , United States. Its origins trace back to October 22, 1746, when it was chartered as the College of New Jersey in Elizabeth, New Jersey . This makes it the fourth-oldest institution of higher education in the United States and one of the select nine colonial colleges established before the seismic shifts of the American Revolution . [9] [10] [a] The academic peregrinations of the college led it to Newark, New Jersey in 1747, and then, nine years later, to its current, more picturesque, Mercer County campus. The formal transition to university status, and the subsequent renaming to Princeton University, occurred in 1896.

The institution, governed by the esteemed Trustees of Princeton University , boasts an endowment of $37.7 billion, a figure that, when divided among its students, grants it the distinction of having the largest endowment per student in the entire United States. Its academic offerings are comprehensive, providing both undergraduate and graduate instruction across the humanities , social sciences , natural sciences , and engineering . The main campus, a sprawling 600 acres (2.4 km²), is home to approximately 8,500 students. Advanced degrees are conferred through specialized schools, including the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs , the School of Engineering and Applied Science , the School of Architecture , and the Bendheim Center for Finance . Beyond its academic departments, Princeton also manages the Department of Energy’s Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory and hosts the NOAA’s Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory . It is consistently classified as “R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity,” and its library system is among the most substantial globally. [15]

The university embraces a residential college system, a structure that fosters community, and is particularly known for its eating clubs which serve as social hubs for juniors and seniors. With over 500 student organizations, the campus buzzes with activity, reflecting a rich tapestry of traditions, both ancient and modern. Athletically, Princeton is a formidable presence, competing as an NCAA Division I school within the prestigious Ivy League . The Princeton Tigers , its athletic teams, have amassed a remarkable number of conference titles and have consistently produced Olympians and professional athletes.

The intellectual prowess of Princeton’s affiliations is undeniable. As of October 2025, the university can claim affiliation with 81 Nobel laureates , 16 Fields Medalists , and 17 Turing Award laureates. Its alumni and faculty have also garnered 21 National Medal of Science awards, 5 Abel Prizes , 11 National Humanities Medals , and impressive numbers of Rhodes Scholars (217), Marshall Scholars (137), and Gates Cambridge Scholars (62). The university’s alumni roster includes two U.S. presidents , twelve U.S. Supreme Court justices (with three serving concurrently as of 2010 [update] ), and a considerable number of leaders in industry, media, and international government. Furthermore, numerous members of the U.S. Congress and the U.S. Cabinet , including eight secretaries of state , three secretaries of defense , and two chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff , are Princeton graduates. The athletic achievements extend to the international stage, with 113 alumni competing in the Olympic Games , securing 19 gold, 24 silver, and 23 bronze medals.

History

Founding

Princeton’s formative years were significantly influenced by the “Log College ,” a seminary established by the Reverend William Tennent near Neshaminy, Pennsylvania , around 1726. While there was never a formal institutional link, many of the Log College’s students and supporters became integral to the university’s early development and financial backing. [13] Although some early historians considered the Log College a direct predecessor, this interpretation has been contested by Princeton scholars. [18] [13]

The genesis of the university itself lies in a schism within the Presbyterian church, a consequence of the fervent religious revivalism of the Great Awakening . [19] In 1741, the Synod of Philadelphia expelled the “New Light ” Presbyterians, partly due to their stance on ordaining ministers from the Log College. [20] The four founders of the College of New Jersey, who were aligned with the New Light movement, had either been expelled or had withdrawn from the Synod. Disappointed by the opposition to the Great Awakening from established institutions like Harvard University and Yale University , and finding the instruction at the Log College insufficient, they conceived of a new college. [20] [19] After enlisting the support of three other Presbyterians, they selected New Jersey as the location, filling a void between Yale in New Haven, Connecticut and the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia . This region was also a place where some of the founders actively ministered. [21] Although their initial petition for a charter was denied by the Anglican governor, Lewis Morrison , a charter was eventually granted on October 22, 1746, by the acting governor , John Hamilton , following Morrison’s death. [22] [21] The college commenced operations in Elizabeth, New Jersey , in 1747, with its first president, Jonathan Dickinson , conducting classes from his parsonage . [23] As the fourth-oldest institution of higher learning in the colonies, it was one of nine chartered before the American Revolution . [9] [10] The founders envisioned a broad curriculum, preparing students not only for ministry but also for various secular professions. [24] [22] While open to students of all religious denominations, [25] the college’s strong Presbyterian ties made it a significant cultural and intellectual center for the Scotch-Irish community. [26]

Colonial and early years

The year 1747 saw the relocation of the college from Elizabeth to Newark, New Jersey , following the death of President Dickinson and the assumption of the presidency by his successor, Aaron Burr Sr. , whose parsonage was in Newark. [22] The college’s charter faced a challenge from Anglicans in 1747, but a second charter was granted on September 14, 1748, by the new governor, Jonathan Belcher . [27] [28] Belcher, a Congregationalist , had developed a somewhat strained relationship with his alma mater , Harvard, and decided to champion the nascent college. [27] [25] His support extended to fundraising efforts and a donation of his extensive 474-volume library, which was considerable for the era. [27] [29]

John Witherspoon , President of the college (1768–94) and signer of the Declaration of Independence

The college moved to its permanent site in Princeton, New Jersey , in 1756, as Newark was considered too close to the bustling metropolis of New York. [30] [31] Princeton’s location in central New Jersey , coupled with Belcher’s strong endorsement, made it the favored choice. [27] [32] The cornerstone of the Princeton campus was Nassau Hall , named in honor of the royal William III of England , a member of the House of Orange-Nassau . [33] Ironically, the trustees had initially proposed naming the hall in Governor Belcher’s honor, a suggestion he himself declined. [27]

Burr, who unfortunately passed away in 1757, was instrumental in devising the school’s curriculum and expanding its student body. [34] The period following Burr’s death was marked by a succession of presidential transitions, [35] until John Witherspoon assumed the presidency in 1768, a role he held until his death in 1794. [36] Witherspoon’s tenure was transformative, as he refocused the college’s mission on cultivating a new generation of leaders, both clerical and secular, for the burgeoning American nation. [37] [38] He achieved this by raising academic standards, broadening the curriculum, actively seeking financial support, and overseeing an increase in the college’s size. [39] [38]

As a signatory of the Declaration of Independence , Witherspoon’s leadership profoundly influenced the college’s role in the American Revolution . [36] [40] [41] In 1777, the college grounds became the site of the Battle of Princeton . [36] During the engagement, British soldiers briefly occupied Nassau Hall before surrendering to the forces led by General George Washington . [42] Moreover, from June to November 1783, Nassau Hall served as the meeting place for the Continental Congress , making Princeton the de facto country’s capital for four months. It was within Nassau Hall that Congress received the news of the peace treaty between the colonies and Great Britain. [43] [44] [45] The revolution did, however, leave its mark on the college, resulting in a depreciated endowment and substantial repair costs for Nassau Hall. [46]

19th century

The presidency of Samuel Stanhope Smith , beginning in 1795, marked the first time an alumnus led the institution. [47] A fire in 1802 ravaged the interior of Nassau Hall, an event Smith attributed to student insubordination. [48] The college managed to secure funds for reconstruction and the erection of two new buildings. [49] A significant student riot erupted in Nassau Hall in 1807, fueled by a growing distrust of Smith’s educational reforms, which were perceived as moving away from the church’s influence. [47] [50] Smith’s subsequent mishandling of the situation, coupled with declining enrollment and faculty departures, led to his resignation, which the trustees readily accepted. [49] In 1812, Ashbel Green was unanimously elected as the eighth president. [51] In contrast to Smith’s more liberal approach, Green represented the conservative “Old Side,” instituting stringent disciplinary measures and emphasizing religious devotion. [52] [53] Despite his efforts to bolster the college’s religious character, Green also played a pivotal role in establishing the Princeton Theological Seminary adjacent to the campus. [52] [51] Although student unrest persisted throughout his tenure, enrollment did see an increase under his administration. [54]

James Carnahan assumed the presidency in 1823, arriving as an unprepared and rather timid leader. [55] [56] Facing internal divisions among students, faculty, and trustees, and with enrollment at its lowest in years, Carnahan seriously considered closing the university. [55] His successor, John Maclean Jr. , then a professor, proposed revitalizing the college through alumni support. This led to the formation of Princeton’s alumni association, spearheaded by James Madison , which began a successful fundraising campaign. [55] [57] The partnership between Carnahan and Maclean, who served as vice-president, resulted in increased enrollment and faculty, a reduction in campus tensions, and an expansion of the university grounds. [57] Maclean took over the presidency in 1854 and guided the university through the tumultuous years of the American Civil War . [58] When Nassau Hall was again engulfed in flames in 1855, [59] Maclean successfully raised funds for its reconstruction and managed the university on an austerity budget during the war. [58] The departure of a third of the student body, who hailed from Southern states, led to a significant drop in enrollment. [60] In the aftermath, the campus became a staunch advocate for the Union , even bestowing an honorary degree upon President Lincoln . [62]

James McCosh , President of the college (1868–88)

James McCosh took the helm as president in 1868, successfully revitalizing the institution after the decline brought on by the war. [63] His two-decade tenure was marked by a comprehensive curriculum overhaul, a significant expansion of scientific inquiry, the recruitment of distinguished faculty, and the addition of several High Victorian Gothic buildings to the campus. [63] [64] McCosh’s era also witnessed the establishment and growth of numerous extracurricular activities, including the Princeton Glee Club , the Triangle Club , the nascent intercollegiate football team, and the first permanent eating club . [65] Fraternities and sororities, however, were phased out during his administration. [66] In 1879, Princeton awarded its first doctorates to James F. Williamson and William Libby, both members of the Class of 1877. [67]

Francis Patton assumed the presidency in 1888. While his election was not met with universal acclaim, he was generally well-received by the undergraduate population. [68] Patton’s administration coincided with a period of significant growth, as Princeton’s enrollment and faculty doubled. Concurrently, the college underwent substantial expansion, and its social fabric evolved with the proliferation of eating clubs and a burgeoning interest in athletics. [69] The honor system, allowing for unproctored exams, was instituted in 1893. [70] [71] In 1896, the college officially became a university, [72] and subsequently changed its name to Princeton University. [73] The Graduate School was formally established in 1900. [72] Despite these advancements, Patton’s administrative structure remained somewhat uninspired, [74] and concerns were raised about the university’s academic standards. [70] Facing pressure from changes within the board of trustees and dissatisfaction with his leadership, he was compelled to resign in 1902. [74]

20th century

Woodrow Wilson , President of Princeton University (1902–10) and 28th president of the United States

Following Patton’s departure, Woodrow Wilson , a distinguished alumnus and popular professor, was elected as the 13th president of the university. [75] [76] Recognizing a decline in academic rigor, Wilson implemented significant curricular reforms. He introduced a unified curriculum for freshmen and sophomores, allowing juniors and seniors to specialize in a single discipline. [77] Ambitious seniors were afforded the opportunity for independent research, a practice that would later become a hallmark of Princeton’s academic philosophy. [78] Wilson further revolutionized the educational approach with the introduction of the preceptorial system in 1905, [77] a novel concept in the United States that complemented traditional lectures with small group discussions led by instructors, or preceptors, in specialized fields. [79] These reforms attracted new faculty and solidified Princeton’s academic standing for the first half of the 20th century. [80] However, the heightened academic standards initially led to a sharp decrease in enrollment, which only began to recover in 1907. [77] In 1906, Andrew Carnegie financed the creation of Lake Carnegie , and the university officially embraced a nonsectarian stance. [82] Before concluding his term, Wilson bolstered the science programs, emphasizing “pure” research, and disrupted the Presbyterian dominance on the board of trustees. [75] [83] He was, however, unsuccessful in his attempts to secure support for the permanent location of the Graduate School and to abolish the eating clubs, proposing their replacement with quadrangles as a precursor to the residential college system. [84] It is also worth noting that Wilson maintained Princeton’s exclusionary policies regarding Black students. [85] When an aspiring Black student contacted Wilson directly, his secretary responded by advising the student to seek admission elsewhere, where he might be more welcome. [86]

John Grier Hibben succeeded Wilson in 1912, serving as president for two decades. [87] The Princeton University Graduate College was formally dedicated on October 2, 1913. [81] Upon the United States’ entry into World War I in 1917, Hibben pledged all available university resources to the war effort. This led to the establishment of military training programs on campus and the utilization of laboratories and facilities for research and operational initiatives. Over 6,000 students served in the armed forces, with 151 casualties during the conflict. [88] The post-war period saw a surge in enrollment, prompting the trustees to implement a selective admission process in 1922. [89] During the 1920s and 1930s, the student body was increasingly drawn from preparatory schools, with virtually no Black students and a dwindling Jewish enrollment due to restrictive quotas. [90] Beyond managing Princeton through WWI, Hibben introduced the senior thesis requirement in 1923 as part of “The New Plan of Study.” [91] [92] His presidency also oversaw significant expansion, including the establishment of the School of Architecture in 1919, the School of Engineering in 1921, and the School of Public and International Affairs in 1930. [93] By the end of his term, Princeton’s endowment had grown by 374 percent, the campus footprint had doubled, faculty numbers had increased substantially, and student enrollment had also doubled. [94] [92]

Hibben’s successor, Harold Willis Dodds , navigated the university through the challenging periods of the Great Depression , World War II , and the Korean War . [95] The Great Depression forced many students to withdraw due to financial constraints. [96] Simultaneously, Princeton’s standing in physics and mathematics flourished due to the influx of European scientists seeking refuge from the escalating tensions in Nazi Germany . [97] In 1930, the Institute for Advanced Study was founded to accommodate this influx of scientific talent, including luminaries like Albert Einstein . [98] Many Princeton scientists contributed to the Manhattan Project during the war, [99] encompassing the entire physics department. [100] During World War II, Princeton offered an accelerated program allowing students to graduate early before entering military service. [101] Student enrollment fluctuated considerably, and many faculty members were required to teach unfamiliar subjects. Despite these challenges, Dodds maintained academic standards and established a program to support returning servicemen in resuming their education. [102]

1945 to present

The post-war era ushered in a period of renewed academic collaboration through various conventions, campus expansion, and the introduction of distribution requirements. [103] [104] Princeton began its journey toward desegregation, a process spurred by changes in the New Jersey constitution. [105] The university intensified its focus on research following the war, marked by the construction of Firestone Library in 1948 and the establishment of the Forrestal Research Center in nearby Plainsboro Township, New Jersey in the 1950s. [106] Government-funded research experienced a significant increase, particularly in the physics and engineering departments, [107] with much of this activity concentrated at the new Forrestal campus. [108] As the years progressed, however, scientific research at the Forrestal campus waned, and in 1973, portions of the land were repurposed for commercial and residential use. [109]

Robert Goheen succeeded Dodds, elected unanimously, and served as president until 1972. [110] Goheen’s presidency was characterized by a more liberal approach, and under his leadership, there was a notable increase in Black applicants, [111] culminating in the university’s transition to coeducation in 1969. [112] During this period of growing diversity, the Third World Center, now known as the Carl A. Fields Center, was dedicated in 1971. [113] Goheen also oversaw substantial campus expansion, with the total square footage increasing by 80 percent. [114]

The 1960s and 1970s were marked by unprecedented student activism at Princeton, largely centered on opposition to the Vietnam War . [115] [116] While initial protests were relatively subdued compared to those at other institutions, [115] they gained momentum with the establishment of a local chapter of Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) in 1965, which subsequently organized many of the campus demonstrations. [115] In 1966, the SDS achieved significant campus visibility following their picketing of a speech by President Lyndon B. Johnson , an event that garnered front-page coverage in The New York Times. [117] [118] A focal point of campus contention was the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA), which was the subject of numerous protests, [115] some of which necessitated police intervention. [119] In 1967, SDS members humorously defeated the campus R.O.T.C. chapter in a game of touch football . [120] As the decade progressed, the scope of the protests broadened to encompass issues such as investments in South Africa, environmental concerns, and women’s rights. [115] [121] In response to these evolving demands, the Council of the Princeton University Community (CPUC) was established to provide a formal channel for greater student input in university governance. [122] The peak of activism occurred in 1970 with a strike involving students, faculty, and staff, advocating for the university to become an “institution against expansion of the war.” [123] [b] Princeton’s protests gradually subsided later that year, with The Daily Princetonian noting that “Princeton 1970–71 was an emotionally burned out university.”

The residential college system was formally instituted in 1982 under William G. Bowen , Goheen’s successor, who served until 1988. [124] [125] During his presidency, Princeton’s endowment grew from $625 million to $2 billion, and a major fundraising initiative, “A Campaign for Princeton,” was launched. [125] President Harold T. Shapiro followed Bowen and remained in office until 2001. Shapiro continued to grow the endowment, expand academic programs, enhance student diversity, and oversee the most extensive renovations in Princeton’s history. [126] One of Shapiro’s key initiatives was the establishment of the multidisciplinary Princeton Environmental Institute in 1994, which was subsequently renamed the High Meadows Environmental Institute in 2020. [127] [128] In 2001, Princeton revised its financial aid policy, replacing all student loans with grants. [129] That same year, Princeton elected its first female president, Shirley M. Tilghman . [130] Prior to her retirement in 2012, Tilghman expanded financial aid offerings and oversaw the completion of several significant construction projects, including the Lewis Center for the Arts and a sixth residential college. [131] She also championed initiatives for global programs, established an office of sustainability, and increased investment in the sciences. [132]

Princeton’s 20th and current president, Christopher Eisgruber , assumed office in 2013. [133] In 2017, Princeton University initiated a comprehensive public history and digital humanities investigation into its historical ties to slavery , known as the Princeton & Slavery Project. This endeavor resulted in the publication of numerous primary sources, 80 scholarly essays, a scholarly conference, a series of short plays, and an art project. [134] In April 2018, university trustees announced the naming of two public spaces in honor of James Collins Johnson and Betsey Stockton , formerly enslaved individuals who lived and worked on Princeton’s campus, whose stories were brought to light by the project. [135] In 2019, widespread student activism resurfaced concerning the university’s implementation of federal Title IX policies pertaining to campus sexual assault . [136] [137] This activism manifested as sit-ins in protest of a student’s disciplinary ruling. [138]

In April 2024, Princeton students joined protests and encampments at campuses across the United States, demonstrating against the Gaza war and the alleged genocide of Palestinians in Gaza. [139] [140] [141] Protesters called for divestment from Israel , [142] initiated a hunger strike, and garnered support from faculty members. [143] [144] [ better source needed [/Wikipedia:NOTRS] ] The sit-in at Clio Hall resulted in arrests by law enforcement. [145] [142] [146] Activism and protests continued into the new academic year beginning in September 2024, with administrators facing calls for resignation from faculty members. [147] [148]

Coeducation

Princeton maintained a strict policy of excluding women from admission from its founding in 1746 until 1969. Lacking an affiliated women’s college, it was often referred to as a “monastery” by members of the university community, both affectionately and critically. [149] [150]

For approximately a decade, from 1887 to 1897, the nearby Evelyn College for Women operated, primarily serving the daughters of Princeton professors and the sisters of Princeton undergraduates. While no official connection existed, many Princeton professors taught at Evelyn, and several Princeton administrators, including Francis Patton, served on its board of trustees. The college ceased operations in 1897 following the death of its founder, Joshua McIlvaine . [151]

In 1947, three female members of the library staff enrolled in introductory Russian courses to manage the increasing volume of Russian literature. [112] Princeton admitted its first female graduate student, Sabra Follett Meservey, in 1961, [149] who subsequently became the first woman to earn a master’s degree from Princeton. [112] At the time of her admission, Meservey was already a faculty member at Douglass College, which is affiliated with Rutgers University. The dean of the graduate school issued a statement clarifying that Meservey’s admission was an exception, and that Princeton “may permit other women in the future as special cases, but does not plan to make general admissions of women graduate students.” [152] The student-run Daily Princetonian dedicated four articles to Meservey in a single issue, [152] [153] [154] [155] including an editorial that lamented the potential “far reaching implications” of her admission, concluding, “Princeton is unique as an undergraduate men’s college and must remain so.” [155] The following year, eight more women were admitted to the Graduate School. [149] T’sai-ying Cheng became the first woman at Princeton to receive a Ph.D. in 1964. In 1963, five women attended Princeton for a year to study “critical languages” as undergraduates, though they were not degree candidates. [112] Following unsuccessful discussions with Sarah Lawrence College in 1967 regarding a potential relocation and merger with Princeton, [156] the administration commissioned a report on the feasibility of admitting women. The final report, issued in January 1969, supported the proposal. [112] That same month, Princeton’s trustees voted 24–8 in favor of coeducation and began preparations for the transition. [157] The university finalized these plans in April 1969 and announced that coeducation would commence in September. [158] Ultimately, 101 female freshmen and 70 female transfer students enrolled at Princeton in September 1969. [159] [c] These initial female students were housed in Pyne Hall, a relatively isolated dormitory; security measures were installed but were deliberately disabled by the women within a day. [161]

Mary St. John Douglas and Susan Savage Speers became the first female trustees in 1971, [112] and by 1974, quotas for male and female admissions were eliminated. [162] Following a lawsuit filed in 1979, the eating clubs were mandated to become coeducational in 1991, after their appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court was denied. [163] In 2001, Princeton appointed its first female president. [130]

Campus

The eastern side of the Washington Road Elm Allée , an entrance to the campus.

Princeton’s main campus encompasses over 200 buildings spread across 600 acres (2.4 km²) within Princeton, New Jersey. [5] The James Forrestal Campus, a smaller site primarily designed as a research and instruction complex, is divided between nearby Plainsboro Township, New Jersey and South Brunswick, New Jersey . Both campuses are conveniently located about an hour’s train ride from both New York City and Philadelphia. [164] The university also owns more than 520 acres (2.1 km²) of land in West Windsor Township, New Jersey , [5] where plans are underway to construct a graduate student housing complex named “Lake Campus North.” [165]

Nassau Hall, the university’s oldest structure, was completed in 1756 and is situated at the northern edge of the campus, facing Nassau Street. [166] The campus experienced steady expansion around Nassau Hall throughout the early and mid-19th century. [167] [168] The presidency of James McCosh (1868–88) saw the construction of numerous buildings in the High Victorian Gothic and Romanesque Revival styles; however, many of these have since been removed, leaving the remaining few somewhat out of place architecturally. [169] Towards the end of the 19th century, the architecture firm Cope and Stewardson , comprised of professors from the University of Pennsylvania who also designed significant portions of Washington University in St. Louis and the University of Pennsylvania , established the Collegiate Gothic style that has become synonymous with Princeton. [170] Initially implemented by William Appleton Potter [170] and later overseen by the university’s supervising architect, Ralph Adams Cram , [171] the Collegiate Gothic aesthetic remained the standard for all new campus construction until 1960. [172] [173] A surge in construction projects during the 1960s introduced several new buildings on the south side of the main campus, many of which were met with criticism. [174] More recent additions have featured contributions from prominent architects such as Frank Gehry (Lewis Library), [175] I. M. Pei (Spelman Halls), [176] Demetri Porphyrios (Whitman College , a Collegiate Gothic project), [177] Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown (Frist Campus Center, among others), [178] Minoru Yamasaki (Robertson Hall), [179] and Rafael Viñoly (Carl Icahn Laboratory). [180]

Scattered across the campus is the Putnam Collection of Sculpture, a group of 20th-century works including pieces by Alexander Calder (Five Disks: One Empty), Jacob Epstein (Albert Einstein), Henry Moore (Oval with Points), Isamu Noguchi (White Sun), and Pablo Picasso (Head of a Woman). [181] Richard Serra ’s The Hedgehog and the Fox is situated between Peyton and Fine halls, adjacent to Princeton Stadium and the Lewis Library. [182]

At the southern perimeter of the campus lies Lake Carnegie, an artificial lake named in honor of Andrew Carnegie. Carnegie funded the lake’s construction in 1906 at the request of an alumnus friend and his brother. [183] Carnegie expressed hope that the opportunity to engage in rowing would divert Princeton students from football , which he considered “not gentlemanly.” [184] The Shea Rowing Center on the lake’s shore continues to serve as the primary facility for Princeton’s rowing programs. [185]

Princeton’s grounds were meticulously designed by Beatrix Farrand between 1912 and 1943. Her significant contributions were recently acknowledged with the naming of a courtyard in her honor. [186] Subsequent landscape modifications were introduced by Quennell Rothschild & Partners in 2000. In 2005, Michael Van Valkenburgh was appointed as the consulting landscape architect for Princeton’s 2016 Campus Plan. [187] Lynden B. Miller was subsequently invited to collaborate with him as Princeton’s consulting gardening architect, focusing on the 17 gardens distributed throughout the campus. [188]

Buildings

Nassau Hall , the university’s oldest building and a former capitol of the United States. Cannon Green is pictured in front.

Nassau Hall, the venerable oldest building on campus, commenced construction in 1754 and was completed in 1756. [189] It served as the initial seat of the New Jersey Legislature in 1776, [190] played a role in the Battle of Princeton in 1777, [191] and hosted the Congress of the Confederation , thus functioning as the capitol of the United States, from June 30 to November 4, 1783. [192] Since 1922, the main entrance has been adorned with two bronze tigers, a generous gift from the Princeton Class of 1879, which replaced the original lions donated in 1889. [193] Commencements have been held on the front lawn of Nassau Hall, weather permitting, since 1922. [194] In 1966, Nassau Hall was officially designated a site on the National Register of Historic Places . [195] Today, it houses the office of the university president and various other administrative departments. [196] [197]

South of Nassau Hall lies Cannon Green, a courtyard of historical significance. [198] At its center, buried in the ground, rests the “Big Cannon,” a relic left behind by British troops retreating after the Battle of Princeton. [199] The cannon remained in Princeton until the War of 1812 , when it was relocated to New Brunswick, New Jersey . [199] In 1836, the cannon was returned to Princeton and initially placed at the eastern edge of town. Two years later, under the cover of night, Princeton students moved it onto campus, and in 1840, it was buried in its present location. [200] A second, smaller cannon, known as the “Little Cannon,” is buried on the lawn in front of the nearby Whig Hall. This cannon, also potentially captured during the Battle of Princeton, was famously stolen by students from Rutgers University in 1875, sparking the infamous Rutgers–Princeton Cannon War . A compromise brokered by the presidents of both universities brought an end to the conflict and secured the Little Cannon’s return to Princeton. [200] The protruding cannons are periodically painted scarlet by Rutgers students, a continuation of their traditional rivalry. [201] [202]

Art Museum

The Princeton University Art Museum , housing a collection of over 112,000 objects.

While art has been collected at the university since its inception, the Princeton University Art Museum was formally established in 1882 by President McCosh. Its creation was driven by a desire to provide students with direct access to original artworks for the study of art history, a pedagogical approach common in European universities at the time. The museum’s mission was defined as offering “exposure to original works of art and to teach the history of art through an encyclopedic collection of world art.” [203]

With a collection exceeding 112,000 objects, the museum’s holdings span from antiquity to contemporary periods, with significant representation from Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. [204] The museum’s art is organized into ten distinct curatorial departments. [205] These include a notable collection of Greek and Roman antiquities , featuring ceramics, marble sculptures, bronzes, and Roman mosaics recovered from faculty excavations in Antioch , alongside artifacts from the ancient Egyptian, Byzantine Empire , and Islamic cultures. [206] The non-Islamic coins in the collection were meticulously cataloged by [Dorothy B. Waage]. [207] Medieval Europe is represented through its collection of sculpture, metalwork, and stained glass. The European paintings collection showcases works from the early Renaissance up to the 19th century, featuring pieces by masters such as Monet , Cézanne , and Van Gogh , [208] and is actively expanding its holdings of 20th-century and contemporary art, including iconic works like Andy Warhol ’s Blue Marilyn. [209]

The museum also boasts a distinguished collection of Chinese and Japanese art, encompassing bronzes, tomb figurines, paintings, and calligraphy , as well as significant collections from Korea, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia. [210] Its collection of pre-Columbian art includes remarkable examples of Mayan and Olmec artistry, while its indigenous art collection spans from Chile to Alaska to Greenland. [211] The museum maintains extensive collections of old master prints and drawings, [212] along with a comprehensive photography collection numbering over 20,000 works. [213] Approximately 750 works of African art are also represented. [214] The museum also oversees the outdoor John B. Putnam Jr., Memorial Collection of Sculpture . [215]

University Chapel

Completed in 1928, the Princeton University Chapel has a seating capacity of 2,000.

Located on the north side of campus, near Nassau Street, the Princeton University Chapel was constructed between 1924 and 1928 at a cost of $2.3 million, equivalent to approximately $42.1 million in 2020 values. [216] Ralph Adams Cram, the university’s supervising architect, designed the chapel, considering it the crowning achievement of the Collegiate Gothic architectural theme he championed for the campus. [217] At the time of its construction, it was the second-largest university chapel globally, surpassed only by King’s College Chapel, Cambridge . [218] The chapel underwent a significant two-year restoration project, costing $10 million, between 2000 and 2002. [219] With seating for around 2,000 individuals, it serves as a venue for religious services and various campus celebrations. [220]

The chapel’s exterior measures 277 feet (84 m) in length, 76 feet (23 m) in width at its transepts , and reaches a height of 121 feet (37 m). [221] The exterior is constructed from Pennsylvania sandstone , accented with Indiana limestone , while the interior is fashioned from limestone and Aquia Creek sandstone . [221] The architectural design intentionally evokes the characteristics of English churches of the Middle Ages . [221] The intricate iconography, rendered in stained glass, stonework, and wood carvings, consistently emphasizes the thematic connection between religion and scholarship. [217]

Sustainability

The Sustainability Action Plan, published in 2008, marked the university’s first formal commitment to sustainability. [222] It established objectives for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving resources, and advancing research, education, and civic engagement in sustainability over a ten-year period. [223] [224] Since the initial plan, Princeton has aimed to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions to 1990 levels without relying on market offsets , projecting to meet this goal by 2026 (the original target of 2020 was delayed due to COVID-19 restrictions). [225] On Earth Day 2019, Princeton released its second Sustainability Action Plan, setting a primary goal of achieving net zero campus greenhouse gas emissions by 2046, alongside other objectives building upon the 2008 plan. [224] [225] In response to student protests in 2021, the university agreed to divest from the thermal coal and tar sands sectors of the fossil fuel industry, as well as from companies engaged in climate disinformation. [226] Princeton is an active member of the Ivy Plus Sustainability Consortium, participating in best-practice sharing and collaborative efforts to develop campus sustainability solutions with other member institutions. [227]

Princeton’s Sustainability Action Plan also includes a commitment to achieving zero waste through comprehensive recycling programs, sustainable procurement practices, and the implementation of behavioral and operational strategies. [228]

Organization and administration

Governance and structure

Christopher Eisgruber , the 20th and current president of the university.

Princeton’s 20th and current president, Christopher Eisgruber, was appointed by the university’s board of trustees in 2013. [133] The board holds ultimate responsibility for the university’s strategic direction. It comprises no fewer than 23 and no more than 40 members at any given time, with the university president and the governor of New Jersey serving as ex officio members . The board’s purview includes approving operating and capital budgets, overseeing the investment of the university’s endowment, and guiding campus real estate and long-range physical planning. Furthermore, trustees exercise prior review and approval over significant policy changes, including those related to instructional programs, admissions, tuition and fees, and faculty appointments. [229]

The university is structured into the Undergraduate College, the Graduate School , the School of Architecture , the School of Engineering and Applied Science , and the School of Public and International Affairs . [230] The Bendheim Center for Finance offers specialized education in finance, functioning in lieu of a dedicated business school . [231] Princeton previously operated a Princeton Law School for a limited period, but it closed in 1852 due to insufficient revenue. [232] The university’s emphasis on undergraduate education is often cited as a reason for its lack of certain professional schools. [233]

Princeton maintains collaborative ties with the Institute for Advanced Study , [234] the Princeton Theological Seminary , Rutgers University, and the Westminster Choir College of [Rider University]. [235] The university is a member of the Association of American Universities , [236] the [Universities Research Association], [237] and the [National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities]. [238] Princeton is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), with its most recent accreditation reaffirmation in 2014. [239]

Finances

As of 2021 figures, Princeton University’s endowment stood at $37 billion, ranking it as the fourth-largest endowment in the United States. [240] It also held the distinction of having the highest per-student endowment globally, exceeding $4.4 million per student. [241] [242] The endowment is sustained through ongoing donations and is managed by investment advisors. [243] Princeton’s annual operating budget surpasses $2 billion, with allocations distributed as follows: 50% to academic departments and programs, 33% to administrative and student service departments, 10% to financial aid departments, and 7% to the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory . [244]

Academics

Undergraduate

Princeton adheres to a liberal arts curriculum, [233] offering two bachelor’s degrees: the Bachelor of Arts (A.B.) and the Bachelor of Science in Engineering (B.S.E.). [230] Typically, A.B. students declare their major (known as a concentration) at the end of their sophomore year, while B.S.E. students make this declaration by the end of their freshman year. [245] Graduation requirements for both degrees include the completion of distribution requirements, departmental requirements, and independent work. [233] [230] A.B. students must fulfill distribution requirements in areas such as literature and the arts, science and engineering, social analysis, cultural difference, epistemology and cognition, ethical thought and moral values, historical analysis, and quantitative and computational reasoning. Proficiency in a foreign language is also mandatory. [230] Furthermore, they are required to complete two independent work papers during their junior year, known as the junior papers, and a senior thesis, both directly related to their chosen concentration. [246] [247] B.S.E. majors engage in fewer humanities and social science courses, instead focusing on requirements in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and computer programming. [230] They also complete independent work, typically in the form of a design project or senior thesis, but are not required to submit junior papers. [246] [248] A.B. majors must complete 31 courses, whereas B.S.E. majors are required to complete 36 courses. [249]

Students may choose from 37 majors (previously referred to as concentrations) or propose their own. The university also offers over 60 minors and interdisciplinary certificate programs. [230] [250] Course structures are determined by individual instructors and departments. Class formats vary, ranging from intimate seminars to medium-sized lectures and large lecture courses. [251] The latter two formats typically include precepts , which are supplementary weekly discussion sessions led by either the professor or a graduate student. [251] [252] The average class meeting time is between 3–4 hours per week, though this can differ based on the course. [251] The student-faculty ratio stands at 5:1, [252] with a majority of classes having fewer than 20 students. [247] The Fiske Guide to Colleges describes the academic culture as “tight-knit, extremely hardworking, highly cooperative, and supportive.” [71]

Undergraduates commit to upholding an academic integrity policy known as the Honor Code. Under this code, examinations are not proctored by faculty; instead, students monitor each other and are expected to report any suspected violations to an undergraduate Honor Committee. [253] The Committee investigates reported violations and convenes a hearing if deemed necessary. An acquittal results in the destruction of all records pertaining to the hearing; a conviction leads to the student’s suspension or expulsion. [254] Violations concerning all other academic work fall under the purview of the Faculty-Student Committee on Discipline. [255] Undergraduates are required to sign a pledge on their written work, affirming their adherence to principles of academic honesty and the avoidance of plagiarism . [256]

Grade deflation policy

Concerns regarding grade inflation at Princeton first emerged in 1998 with a university report indicating a consistent rise in undergraduate grades between 1973 and 1997. [257] [258] Following subsequent reports and discussions, the university administration, under Dean of the College Nancy Weiss Malkiel , implemented a grade deflation policy in 2004 to address these findings. [259] Malkiel’s rationale was that the grade of A was becoming devalued as a larger proportion of the student body achieved it. [259] Following the policy’s introduction, the number of A grades and the average GPA on campus decreased, although A’s and B’s remained the most frequently awarded grades. [258] [260] The policy garnered mixed reactions from both faculty and students upon its initial implementation. [257] [261] Criticism of grade deflation persisted over the years, with students arguing that it fostered increased competition and discouraged the selection of challenging courses. [259] [262] Concerns were also raised regarding the impact on job market and graduate school prospects; however, Malkiel countered by stating that she had disseminated approximately 3,000 letters to various institutions and employers to provide context. [258] [259] In 2009, transcripts began to include a statement clarifying the policy’s existence. [263]

In October 2013, Princeton President Christopher Eisgruber established a faculty committee to review the deflation policy. [263] In August 2014, the committee released a report recommending the removal of the policy and advocating for the development of consistent grading standards across academic departments instead. [264] Following a faculty vote in October 2014, the numerical targets were rescinded in accordance with the report’s recommendations. [265] An analysis conducted in 2020, examining undergraduate grades after the removal of the policy, indicated no lasting negative effects, with the percentage of students receiving A’s actually higher than in 1998. [266]

Graduate

The Cleveland Tower , part of the Princeton University Graduate College .

During the 2019–2020 academic year, the Graduate School enrolled 2,971 students. Approximately 40% of these students identified as female, 42% were international, and 35% of domestic students belonged to a U.S. minority group. The average duration for completing a doctoral degree was 5.7 years. [267] For the 2019–2020 academic year, the university awarded 318 Ph.D. degrees and 174 terminal master’s degrees. [267]

The Graduate School offers degrees in 42 academic departments and programs, spanning the humanities , social sciences , natural sciences , and engineering. [267] [230] Doctoral education is available in all departments, while master’s degrees are offered exclusively in the architecture, engineering, finance, and public policy departments. [268] Doctoral studies emphasize original, independent scholarship, whereas master’s programs are more oriented toward career preparation in both public service and professional practice. Graduate students also have the option to pursue interdisciplinary programs and earn a certificate. [230] Joint degrees are available for several disciplines, as are dual M.D./Ph.D. or M.P.A./J.D. programs. [230] [d]

Graduate students can participate in regional cross-registration agreements, domestic exchanges with other Ivy League institutions and similar universities, and international partnerships and exchange programs. [269]

Rankings

Princeton is recognized globally as a leading research university , consistently ranking at the forefront of national university rankings. In 2024, it held the top position in the U.S. News & World Report rankings for the ninth consecutive year, and also topped comparable lists published by Forbes and The Wall Street Journal . [278] [279] [280]

Research

Princeton is classified among institutions with “R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity.” [281] According to data from the 2020 fiscal year, the university received approximately US$250 million in sponsored research funding for its main campus. The sources of this funding were predominantly government (81.4%), followed by foundations (12.1%), industry (5.5%), and private and other sources (1.0%). An additional $120 million in sponsored research was allocated to the Plasma Physics Laboratory, bringing the combined total for sponsored research to $370 million. [282] Based on 2017 data, the university ranked 72nd out of 902 institutions in terms of research expenditures. [283]

In 2018, Princeton had 126 members in the National Academy , ranking ninth nationally in this metric. [284] The university hosts 75 research institutes and centers, in addition to two national laboratories. [285] Princeton is also a member of the New Jersey Space Grant Consortium . [286]

Library system

The Princeton University Library system comprises over 11 million holdings across 11 buildings, [287] including seven million bound volumes, making it one of the largest university library systems in the United States. [15] Firestone Library, the primary library on the main campus, was constructed in 1948 and serves as the central repository for humanities and social sciences collections. [287] Its holdings include the original autographed manuscript of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby [288] and George F. Kennan’s influential Long Telegram . [289] In addition to Firestone Library, specialized libraries cater to architecture, art and archaeology, East Asian studies, engineering, music, public and international affairs, public policy and university archives, and the sciences. [290] The library system provides students with access to a vast array of subscription-based electronic resources and databases. [291]

National laboratories

The Department of Energy ’s Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) originated from Project Matterhorn , a top-secret Cold War initiative established in 1951 with the objective of achieving controlled nuclear fusion . [292] Lyman Spitzer, a Princeton astrophysics professor, served as the project’s first director and continued in that role until the lab’s declassification in 1961, when it was renamed. [292] Today, PPPL functions as a leading institute for fusion energy research and plasma physics studies. [293]

Established in 1955 and relocated to Princeton’s Forrestal Campus in 1968, the NOAA ’s Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL) is dedicated to climate research and modeling. [294] [295] Princeton faculty, research scientists, and graduate students actively participate in research collaborations with the laboratory. [294]

Admissions and financial aid

Admissions

Princeton offers multiple application platforms: the Common Application , the Coalition Application , and the QuestBridge Application . [298] [299] The Princeton application necessitates several writing supplements and the submission of a graded written paper. [298]

Princeton’s undergraduate program is highly selective, admitting 5.8% of applicants for the 2019–2020 admissions cycle (for the Class of 2024). [4] The middle 50% range for SAT scores was 1470–1560, for ACT composite scores it was 33–35, and the average high school GPA was 3.91. [4] For graduate admissions in the 2021–2022 academic year, Princeton received 12,553 applications and accepted 1,322 applicants, with a yield rate of 51%. [267]

In the 1950s, Princeton implemented an ABC system as an early admissions program, where admissions officers visited feeder schools and assigned ratings (A, B, or C) to students. [300] [e] From 1977 to 1995, Princeton utilized an early action program, transitioning to an early decision program in 1996. [301] In September 2006, the university announced a shift to a single applicant pool for all admissions, effectively ending its early decision program. [302] In February 2011, following the decisions of the University of Virginia and Harvard University to reinstate their early admissions programs, Princeton announced the reintroduction of a single-choice early action option for applicants, [301] which it continues to employ. [298]

Princeton reinstated its transfer students program in 2018 after a three-decade hiatus, actively encouraging applications from individuals from low-income backgrounds, the military, and community colleges. [303] [304]

Costs and financial aid

As of the 2021–2022 academic year, the total cost of attendance was $77,955. [305] Sixty-one percent of all undergraduates receive financial aid, with the average grant amounting to $57,251. [4] Tuition, room, and board are provided free of charge for families earning up to $65,000 annually, and financial aid is available for families with incomes up to $180,000. [306] In 2001, building upon previous reforms, Princeton became the first university to eliminate student loans from its financial aid packages, replacing them with grants. [129] [71] Furthermore, all admissions are need-blind , and the university guarantees to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need. [307] Princeton does not offer academic or athletic merit scholarships. [308] In September 2022, Princeton announced that it would cover all costs for families earning $100,000 or less per year, with adjusted costs for higher-income families as well. [309]

In 2019, Kiplinger magazine ranked Princeton as the fifth-best value school in a combined assessment of private universities , private liberal arts colleges , and public colleges , noting that the average debt burden for graduating students was $9,005. [310] For its 2021 rankings, U.S. News & World Report placed Princeton second in its “Best Value Schools” category. [311]

Student life and culture

Residential colleges

Princeton guarantees housing for all four years for its students, [312] with over 98% of undergraduates residing on campus. [313] Freshmen and sophomores are required to live on campus, specifically within one of the university’s seven residential colleges . Upon entering a residential college, students are assigned an upperclassman residential college adviser to assist with their adjustment to college life and a faculty academic adviser for academic guidance. [314] Upperclassmen have the option to continue living within their residential college or to move into other upperclassman dormitories; [313] they remain affiliated with their college even if they reside elsewhere. [71]

Each residential college possesses a unique architectural style and layout. [314] Additionally, each college is overseen by its own faculty head, dean, director of studies, and director of student life. The colleges offer a range of amenities, including dining halls, common rooms, laundry facilities, academic support spaces, and resources for arts and entertainment. Three of the colleges accommodate both undergraduates and graduate students, while four house only undergraduates, and one is exclusively for graduate students. [315] The current residential colleges are:

• Rockefeller College
• Mathey College
• Butler College
• Forbes College
• Whitman College
• Yeh College
• New College West
• Graduate College

Princeton’s residential college system originated from a proposal by university president Woodrow Wilson for the creation of quadrangles. [84] Although this plan was initially vetoed, it was later revived with the establishment of Wilson Lodge (now First College ) in 1957 as an alternative to the eating clubs. [316] Wilson Lodge was formally designated Wilson College in 1968, serving as an experimental model for the residential college system. In 2020, Princeton University decided to rename Wilson College to First College, a decision made in the wake of recent incidents involving police brutality against Black individuals. [317] With increased enrollment in the 1970s, a university report in 1979 recommended the establishment of five residential colleges. [318] Funding was secured within a year, [319] leading to the development of Rockefeller College (1982), Mathey College (1983), Butler College (1983), and Forbes College (1984). [316] Whitman College was constructed in 2007 at a cost of $100 million. [320] Butler College’s dormitories were demolished in 2007 and a new complex was built in 2009. [321] Butler and Mathey, formerly designated for underclassmen only, transitioned to four-year colleges in the fall of 2009. [322] Princeton completed and opened two new residential colleges—Yeh College and New College West —at the commencement of the academic year in September 2022. [323] [f] The university has plans to construct a new residential college, to be named Hobson College, on the current site of First College. [325]

Princeton’s sole graduate residential college, the Graduate College , is situated on a hill approximately half a mile from the main campus. [326] [g] Its location was the result of a disagreement between Woodrow Wilson and the then-Dean of the Graduate School, Andrew Fleming West . Wilson favored a central campus location for the college, while West advocated for greater separation from the undergraduate population, a position that ultimately prevailed. [328] The Graduate College features a prominent Collegiate Gothic complex crowned by Cleveland Tower , [326] a memorial tower dedicated to former Princeton trustee Grover Cleveland . [329] [330] The tower houses 67 carillon bells, making it one of the largest carillons in the world. [331] The adjacent New Graduate College presents a modern architectural contrast to the gothic style of the Old Graduate College. [332] Graduate students also have the option to reside in student apartments. [333]

• Forbes College (established 1984)
• Mathey College (established 1983)
• Rockefeller College (established 1982)
• Whitman College (established 2007)

Eating clubs and dining

Founded in 1879, Ivy Club is the oldest and most affluent eating club on campus.

Each residential college operates its own dining hall, offering varied environments and menus. [334] [335] Upperclassmen not residing in a college have several options: they can join an eating club and participate in a shared meal plan; join a dining co-op, where groups of students collectively prepare and cook meals; or make their own dining arrangements. [334] The university provides kosher dining through the Center for Jewish Life and halal dining options for Muslim students within the dining halls. [334]

Social life is predominantly campus-centered and strongly associated with one’s residential college or eating club. [312] [164] Residential colleges host a diverse array of social events and activities, ranging from outings to Broadway productions to regular barbecues. [314] Eating clubs, while independent of the university, function as co-educational social centers, hosting events and inviting guest speakers. [336] [71] They also serve as vital community hubs for upperclassmen. [336] [164] Five of the clubs operate on a “sign-in” basis for first-time memberships, while six clubs employ a selective process known as “bicker,” which involves an interviewing process for prospective members. [337] Membership fees for each eating club range from approximately $9,000 to $10,000. Consequently, Princeton enhances financial aid for upperclassmen, and the eating clubs also provide their own financial assistance. [339] [340] Collectively, ten clubs are situated on Prospect Avenue—Cannon , Cap and Gown , Charter , Cloister , Colonial , Cottage , Ivy , Quadrangle , Tiger , and Tower —with one additional club, Terrace , located on Washington Road. [341] [337] Sixty-eight percent of upperclassmen are members of a club, with each club typically comprising 150 to 200 students. [337]

Campus organizations

Princeton hosts approximately 500 recognized student organizations and several campus centers. [313] The Undergraduate Student Government (USG) serves as Princeton’s official [student government]. [342] The USG is responsible for funding student organization events, sponsoring campus-wide activities, and representing the undergraduate student body in discussions with faculty and administration. [342]

Whig Hall, home to the American Whig-Cliosophic Society .

Founded around 1765, the American Whig-Cliosophic Society holds the distinction of being the nation’s oldest collegiate society dedicated to politics, literature, and debate, [343] [164] and is the largest and oldest student organization on campus. [344] The Whig-Clio Society encompasses several subsidiary organizations focused on specific areas of political engagement: the Princeton Debate Panel, the International Relations Council, Princeton Mock Trial, and Princeton Model Congress. [345] The International Relations Council organizes two Model United Nations conferences: the Princeton Diplomatic Invitational (PDI) for collegiate participants and the Princeton Model United Nations Conference (PMUNC) for high school students. [346]

Several publications and a radio station operate on campus. Established in 1876, The Daily Princetonian , often referred to as The Prince, is the second-oldest daily student newspaper in the United States. [347] [348] Other publications include The Nassau Literary Review, [349] The Princeton Tory , a campus journal of conservative thought, [350] The Princeton Diplomat, the sole student-run magazine focusing on global affairs, [351] the Princeton Political Review, the only multi-partisan political publication on campus, [352] and the recently revived Princeton Progressive, the sole left-leaning political publication on campus, [353] [354] among others. Princeton’s radio station, WPRB (103.3 FM), holds the distinction of being the oldest licensed college radio station in the nation. [164]

McCarter Theatre , venue for the [Princeton Triangle Club]’s annual Triangle Show. [355]

Princeton is a hub for a variety of performing arts and music ensembles. Many of these groups are represented by the Performing Arts Council. [356] Dating back to 1883, the Princeton Triangle Club is recognized as America’s oldest touring musical-comedy theater troupe. [357] [358] It premieres its annual Triangle Show each fall at the 1,000-seat McCarter Theatre, [359] [355] and also stages original musical comedies , revues , and other productions across the campus. [358] Princeton’s oldest choir, the Glee Club , was founded in 1874. [360] The comedic scramble ensemble, the Tiger Band , was formed in 1919 and performs at halftime shows and other university events. [361] Additional ensembles include the Princeton University Orchestra , established in 1896 as the principal symphony orchestra, [362] and the [Princeton Symphony Orchestra], [363] both of which perform at Alexander Hall . [364] [362]

A cappella groups are a prominent feature of campus life, hosting concerts, informal performances, and “arch sings” (performances held within the university’s gothic arches). The oldest a cappella ensemble, the Nassoons , was founded in 1941. Among the all-male groups are the Tigertones (1946) and the Footnotes (1959); all-female groups include the Tigerlilies (1971), Tigressions (1981), and Wildcats (1987). The Princeton Katzenjammers (1973) hold the distinction of being the oldest co-ed a cappella group in the Ivy League, followed by the Roaring 20 (1983) and Shere Khan (1994). [365]

Princeton offers several campus centers that provide resources and information for students with specific identities. These include the Center for Jewish Life, the Davis International Center, the Carl A. Fields Center for Equality and Cultural Understanding, the Women’s Center, and the LGBT Center. The Frist Campus Center and the Campus Club are additional facilities available to the entire campus community, hosting a variety of activities and events. [313]

Princeton hosts 15 chaplaincies and numerous religious student organizations, representing a diverse range of faiths including Baha’i , Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Judaism, Islam, Sikhism , and [Unitarian Universalism]. [366]

Traditions

FitzRandolph Gates , through which, by tradition, undergraduates do not pass until graduation.

Princeton students observe a wide array of campus traditions, both historical and contemporary. [367] Current traditions include the ceremonial bonfire, held on Cannon Green behind Nassau Hall, which occurs only if Princeton defeats both Harvard University and Yale University in football within the same season. [368] Another enduring tradition involves the use of traditional college cheers at events and reunions, such as the “Locomotive,” which dates back to before 1894. [369] [370] Princeton students adhere to the tradition of never exiting the campus through the FitzRandolph Gates on Nassau Street until they graduate. According to lore, anyone passing through the gates before graduation will not graduate. [371] [372] A more controversial tradition is Newman’s Day , during which some students attempt to consume 24 beers within a 24-hour period on April 24. According to The New York Times, “the day got its name from an apocryphal quote attributed to Paul Newman : ‘24 beers in a case, 24 hours in a day. Coincidence? I think not.’” [373] Newman himself publicly spoke out against this tradition. [373] One of the most significant annual traditions is Reunions , which are large gatherings of alumni. During Reunions, a traditional parade of alumni and their families, known as the “P-rade,” proceeds through the campus. [375]

Princeton also has several traditions that have faded into history. One such tradition was “clapper theft,” an act involving climbing to the top of Nassau Hall to steal the bell clapper, which traditionally signaled the start of classes on the first day of the academic year. For safety reasons, the clapper was permanently removed. [376] Another was the “Nude Olympics,” an annual event involving nude and partially nude frolicking in Holder Courtyard that traditionally took place during the first snowfall of winter. Initiated in the early 1970s, the Nude Olympics became co-educational in 1979 and gained considerable notoriety in the American press. Due to concerns about sexual harassment and safety, the administration banned the event in 2000, much to the disappointment of students. [377] [378]

Alma mater

“Old Nassau ” has served as Princeton University’s official song since 1859, when it was written by freshman Harlan Page Peck. It was first published in the Nassau Literary Magazine, where it won the magazine’s prize for best college song. After an unsuccessful attempt to set it to the melody of Auld Lang Syne , Karl Langlotz, a Princeton professor, composed the music for it. [379] In 1987, the university revised the gendered lyrics of “Old Nassau” to reflect the co-educational nature of its student body. [380]

Transportation

The Tiger Transit system provides bus service for the university, largely accessible to the public and connecting various university campuses and surrounding areas of Princeton. [381] Routes are periodically updated based on community feedback. The service averages approximately 3,500 daily boardings on weekdays and 1,100 on weekends. [382] NJ Transit operates bus services on routes 600 , 606 , and 609 , as well as rail service via the Dinky , a short commuter train connecting to the Princeton Junction Station . [383] [Coach USA], through its subsidiary Suburban Transit , offers bus services to New York City and other destinations within New Jersey. [383]

Student body

Princeton has made notable progress in diversifying its student population in recent years. The admitted freshman class of 2021 was among the most diverse in the university’s history, with 68% of students identifying as students of color . [385] The university has actively worked to increase enrollment among first-generation and low-income students. [386] The median family income of Princeton students is $186,100, with 72% of students originating from the top 20% highest-earning families. [387] In 2017, 22% of freshmen qualified for federal Pell Grants, a figure higher than the 16% average for the top 150 schools ranked by U.S. News & World Report; nationally, the average was 44%. [388] According to a 2019 analysis by The Daily Princetonian, 10% of students are from Bloomberg’s 2018 list of “100 richest places,” and the top 20% of high schools send as many students to Princeton as the bottom 80%. [389]

In 1999, Jewish students comprised 10% of the student body, a decrease from 16% in 1985, prompting The Daily Princetonian to investigate the reasons behind this decline. The New York Observer noted that Princeton had “long been dogged by a reputation for [antisemitism],” suggesting that this history, coupled with Princeton’s elite status, contributed to a heightened sensitivity within the university community regarding the decrease in Jewish student enrollment. The Observer proposed several theories for this trend, including campus culture, shifts in admission policies, and broader national patterns. [390] As of 2021, the Center for Jewish Life reported approximately 700 Jewish students on campus. [391] By 2024, Hillel International reported around 450 Jewish undergraduates at Princeton, constituting roughly 8.6% of the undergraduate student body. Additionally, approximately 250 Jewish graduate students are enrolled, making up about 7.9% of the graduate student population. [392] Given that American Jews represent 2.4% of the total U.S. population, Jewish students are the best-represented minority group at Princeton, with 358% more Jews among Princeton students than in the general U.S. population.

Since 1967, African American enrollment has increased from 1.7% to 10%, but has remained relatively stagnant since then. [393] Bruce M. Wright was admitted in 1936 as the first African American ; however, his admission was reportedly an error, and he was asked to leave upon arrival. Three years later, when Wright inquired about his dismissal, the dean suggested that “a member of your race might feel very much alone” at Princeton University. [394] Princeton did not admit its first Black students until 1945, when it implemented the V-12 Navy College Training Program on campus. [395] In 1947, John L. Howard, one of the four naval cadets admitted through the program, became the first Black graduate to earn a bachelor’s degree. [396] [397]

Athletics

Princeton’s mascot is the tiger.

Princeton supports organized athletics across three tiers: varsity intercollegiate, club intercollegiate, and intramural . It also provides “a variety of physical education and recreational programs” for members of the Princeton community. [398] The majority of undergraduates participate in athletics at some level. [399] Princeton’s official colors are orange and black. [400] The university’s athletes are known as the Tigers, and the mascot is indeed a tiger. [400] [401] While the Princeton administration considered renaming the mascot in 2007, the initiative was abandoned due to strong opposition from alumni and students. [402]

Varsity

Princeton sponsors 37 men’s and women’s varsity sports programs. [399] As an NCAA Division I institution, Princeton competes within the Ivy League conference. [400] Its rowing teams participate in the Eastern Association of Rowing Colleges , and its men’s volleyball team competes in the Eastern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association . [403] Princeton’s sailing team, although classified as a club sport, competes at the varsity level within the MAISA conference of the Inter-Collegiate Sailing Association . [404]

Princeton’s football team competes in the Football Championship Subdivision of NCAA Division I, alongside the rest of the Ivy League. [405] On November 6, 1869, Princeton played Rutgers University in what is recognized as the first intercollegiate football game in the U.S. ; Rutgers emerged victorious in that inaugural contest. [406] From 1877 through at least 1903, Princeton’s football games were played under rugby rules. [407]

As of 2021, Princeton claims 28 national football championships, a figure that would make it the most decorated school in this regard, although the NCAA officially recognizes only 15 of these victories. [408] [409] With its most recent championship title in 2018, Princeton has secured 12 Ivy League championships. [410] In 1951, Dick Kazmaier became Princeton’s sole recipient of the Heisman Trophy , the last Ivy League player to achieve this honor. [411]

The men’s basketball program is particularly noted for its success under coach Pete Carril , who led the team from 1967 to 1996. During his tenure, Princeton captured 13 Ivy League titles and made 11 appearances in the NCAA tournament . [412] Carril developed the [Princeton offense], an offensive strategy that has since been adopted by numerous college and professional basketball teams. [412] [413] Carril’s final victory at Princeton occurred in the opening round of the 1996 NCAA tournament when the Tigers defeated UCLA, the reigning national champion. [412] On December 14, 2005, Princeton tied the record for the fewest points scored in a Division I game since the introduction of the three-point line in 1986–87, scoring just 21 points in a loss against Monmouth University . [414]

Princeton’s women’s soccer team reached the semifinals of the NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer Championship in 2004, marking the first time an Ivy League team achieved this feat in a 64-team bracket. [415] [416] The men’s soccer team was coached from 1984 to 1995 by Princeton alumnus and future United States men’s national soccer team manager Bob Bradley , who guided the Tigers to two Ivy League titles and an appearance in the NCAA Final Four in 1993. [417] Princeton’s men’s lacrosse program experienced a period of remarkable success between 1992 and 2001, securing six national championships during that span. [418] In 2012, the field hockey team became the first in the Ivy League to win a national championship. [419]

Princeton has maintained a streak of winning at least one Ivy League title every year since 1957 and became the first university in its conference to achieve over 500 Ivy League athletic championships. [419] From 1896 to 2018, 113 Princeton athletes competed in the Olympics , earning a total of 19 gold medals, 24 silver medals, and 23 bronze medals. [420]

Club and intramural

In addition to its varsity sports programs, Princeton hosts 37 club sports teams, open to students of all skill levels. [421] These teams compete against other collegiate squads both regionally in the Northeast and nationally. [421] The intramural sports program is also available on campus, organizing competitions among residential colleges, eating clubs, independent groups, students, and faculty and staff. [313] [422] Various leagues catering to different levels of competitiveness are offered. [423]

During the fall semester, freshmen and sophomores participate in the intramural athletic competition known as Cane Spree . While the event’s centerpiece is cane wrestling, freshmen and sophomores also compete in other sports and contests. This tradition commemorates an incident in the 1870s when sophomores, angered by freshmen displaying ostentatious canes, stole the canes and proceeded to strike the freshmen with them. [424]

Notable people

• For a more comprehensive list, see List of Princeton University people and List of Nobel laureates affiliated with Princeton University as alumni or faculty .

Alumni

The Princeton University Class of 1879 included notable figures such as Woodrow Wilson , Mahlon Pitney , Daniel Barringer , and [Charles Talcott].

U.S. Presidents James Madison and Woodrow Wilson , along with Vice Presidents Aaron Burr , George M. Dallas , and John Breckinridge , graduated from Princeton. [425] Additionally, Michelle Obama , the former First Lady of the United States , is an alumna. [426] Former Chief Justice of the United States Oliver Ellsworth is among the alumni, as are current U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justices Samuel Alito , Elena Kagan , and Sonia Sotomayor . [427] Alumnus Jerome Powell was appointed Chair of the U.S. Federal Reserve Board in 2018. [428] Pete Hegseth , the 29th U.S. Secretary of Defense, graduated from Princeton in 2003. [429]

Princeton graduates played a significant role in the American Revolution , including Philip Johnston , [430] the first and last Colonels to fall on the Patriot side, and Nathaniel Scudder , [431] as well as David Mathews , the highest-ranking civilian leader on the British side. [432]

Distinguished graduates from Princeton’s School of Engineering and Applied Science include Apollo astronaut and commander of Apollo 12, [Pete Conrad]; [433] Amazon CEO and founder [Jeff Bezos]; [434] former chairman of Alphabet Inc. , [Eric Schmidt]; [435] and Lisa P. Jackson , former Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency . [436]

Actors [Jimmy Stewart], [437] [Wentworth Miller], [438] [José Ferrer], [439] [David Duchovny], [440] and [Brooke Shields] [441] are Princeton alumni, as are composers [Edward T. Cone] and [Milton Babbitt]. [442] Soccer player Diana Matheson, an alumna, scored the game-winning goal that secured Canada’s bronze medal in the 2012 Olympics . [443] Declan Farmer, a 2020 graduate, has achieved multiple gold medals in the Paralympic Games and is the first U.S. sledge hockey player to surpass 200 career goals. [444]

Archival record from the Graduate School detailing Alan Turing ’s academic journey.

Writers [Booth Tarkington], [445] [F. Scott Fitzgerald], [446] and [Eugene O’Neill] [447] attended Princeton but did not graduate. Writer [Selden Edwards] [448] and poet [W. S. Merwin] [449] are graduates. American novelist [Jodi Picoult] [450] and author [David Remnick] [451] also graduated from Princeton. Pulitzer Prize -winning journalists [Barton Gellman] [452] and [Lorraine Adams], [453] as well as Nobel Peace Prize laureate [Maria Ressa], [454] are Princeton alumni. [William P. Ross], Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation and founding editor of the Cherokee Advocate, graduated in 1844. [455]

Notable graduate alumni include [Allen Shenstone], [456] [Pedro Pablo Kuczynski], [457] [Thornton Wilder], [458] [Richard Feynman], [459] [Lee Iacocca], [460] [John Nash], [461] [Alonzo Church], [462] [Alan Turing], [463] [Terence Tao], [464] [Edward Witten], [465] [John Milnor], [466] [John Bardeen], [467] [Steven Weinberg], [468] [John Tate], [469] and [David Petraeus]. [470] Members of royal families such as [Prince Moulay Hicham of Morocco], [471] [Prince Turki bin Faisal Al Saud], [472] and [Queen Noor of Jordan] [473] attended Princeton.

Faculty

As of 2021, prominent current faculty members include [Angus Deaton], [474] [Robert Keohane], [475] [Edward W. Felten], [476] [Anthony Grafton], [477] [Peter Singer], [478] [Jim Peebles], [479] [Manjul Bhargava], [480] [Brian Kernighan], [481] [Betsy Levy Paluck] [482] and [Robert P. George]. [483] Notable former faculty members encompass [John Witherspoon], [484] [Walter Kaufmann], [485] [John von Neumann], [486] [Ben Bernanke], [487] [Paul Krugman], [488] [Joseph Henry], [489] [Toni Morrison], [490] [Joyce Carol Oates], [491] [Michael Mullen], [492] [Andrew Wiles], [493] [Jhumpa Lahiri], [494] [Cornel West], [495] [Daniel Kahneman], [496] and alumnus [Woodrow Wilson]. [425]

Albert Einstein, although affiliated with the Institute for Advanced Study rather than directly with Princeton University, became closely associated with the university through frequent lectures and campus visits. [497]

In popular culture

Princeton University is widely regarded as an institution that cultivates and produces some of society’s most distinguished individuals. Its esteemed reputation has led to frequent references in media.

• This Side of Paradise (1920): In F. Scott Fitzgerald ’s debut novel, the narrator, Amory Blaine, recounts his experiences at Princeton, exploring his literary pursuits and unrequited romances.

• A Beautiful Mind (2001): This biographical film centers on the life of the acclaimed mathematician John Nash , depicting his doctoral studies at Princeton in the initial part of the narrative.

• A Cinderella Story (2004): The film’s romantic lead, Austin Ames, harbors aspirations of becoming a writer and is accepted into Princeton.

• The Rule of Four (2004): A thriller novel by Ian Caldwell and Dustin Thomason, this story follows four Princeton seniors—Tom, Paul, Charlie, and Gil—as they attempt to unravel the mystery of a coded manuscript.

See also

• Big Three (colleges)
• Higher education in New Jersey
• Princeton University Department of Physics
• The Princeton University Summer Journalism Program

Notes

• ^ Princeton holds the distinction of being the fourth institution of higher learning to receive a collegiate charter, commence classes, or grant degrees, based on dates that are generally undisputed. Both Princeton and the University of Pennsylvania claim the fourth-oldest founding date; Penn initially cited 1749 as its founding year, placing it fifth, but its trustees adopted a resolution in 1899 asserting 1740 as its founding date. [11] [12] Further complicating the dating comparison, the Log College , operated by Presbyterian ministers William and Gilbert Tennent in Bucks County, Pennsylvania , existed from 1726 to 1746. It was once common to assert a formal connection between the Log College and the College of New Jersey, which would have supported Princeton’s claim to a 1726 founding date. However, Princeton has never adopted this interpretation, and a Princeton historian maintains that the available facts “do not warrant” such a conclusion. [13] Columbia University was chartered and began collegiate classes in 1754, considering itself the fifth institution of higher learning in the United States based on its 1754 charter date versus Penn’s 1755 charter date. [14]
• ^ The strike was part of the broader Student Strike of 1970 .
• ^ A total of 505 women applied for admission to Princeton’s freshman class. [160]
• ^ The M.D./Ph.D. program is offered in collaboration with the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and the [Rutgers–New Brunswick Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences]. The M.P.A./J.D. program is a joint initiative with Columbia Law , New York University Law , Stanford Law , and Yale Law . [230]
• ^ Representative feeder schools visited included Phillips Exeter Academy , Phillips Academy Andover , and Groton School , among others. An ‘A’ rating generally indicated likely admission, a ‘B’ suggested possible admission, and a ‘C’ indicated unlikely admission.
• ^ College 7 was initially slated to be named Perelman College; however, due to the Perelman Family Foundation’s failure to meet payment deadlines, the naming rights were withdrawn. Consequently, neither College 7 nor College 8 has an official designation. [324]
• ^ The term “Graduate College” refers specifically to the residential and dining facilities, while “Graduate School” pertains to the academic programs. [327]
• ^ “Other” encompasses students identifying as Multiracial Americans and those who prefer not to disclose their race.
• ^ This represents the percentage of students who received an income-based federal Pell grant , which is designated for low-income students.
• ^ This indicates the percentage of students who belong, at minimum, to the American middle class .