Princeton Acceptance Rate: Admissions Statistics

Getting into Princeton University is not an easy task. With the Princeton acceptance rate currently at just 4.6%, the odds are tough. To put it bluntly, fewer than 5 out of every 100 applicants make it through, making Princeton one of the most selective schools in the country.

So, why does knowing the Princeton acceptance rate matter? Well, it gives you a clear picture of what you’re up against. It can help you strategize and figure out how to strengthen your application, whether you’re shooting for Regular Decision or thinking about taking your chances with Single-Choice Early Action.

Understanding these numbers is just the starting point. Let’s dig into what it really takes to be one of the lucky few who actually get that acceptance letter.

• What Is Princeton’s Acceptance Rate?
• Princeton Acceptance Rate Trends
• Princeton Regular Decision Acceptance Rate
• Princeton Early Action Acceptance Rate
• How to Get Accepted into Princeton
• Princeton Transfer Acceptance Rate
• Princeton Waitlist Acceptance Rate
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Is Princeton’s Acceptance Rate?

For the Class of 2028, 40,468 Princeton applications rolled in, and only 1,868 got the green light. That’s an acceptance rate of just 4.6%. For the Class of 2028, 40,468 Princeton applications rolled in, and only 1,868 got the green light. That’s an acceptance rate of just 4.6%. You can check out the latest Princeton admission statistics for more details. It puts Princeton right up there with heavyweights like Harvard, Stanford, and Caltech when it comes to competition.

Since 2021, though, Princeton stopped giving us a breakdown between Single-Choice Early Action and Regular Decision admits. Now, they just release the overall stats. So, while we know the total acceptance rate, the finer details are kept under wraps.

But even without that extra data, understanding these numbers can still help you plan. Knowing that Princeton accepts fewer than 5% of applicants sets a pretty clear (and high) bar. It can help you set realistic expectations and figure out how to make your application stand out.

Princeton yield rate

Another key number to know is Princeton’s yield rate. This metric tells you how many admitted students actually decide to enroll. For the Class of 2028, out of those 1,868 admitted students, 1,411 chose to attend, which gives Princeton a solid yield rate of around 76%.

That just shows how appealing Princeton is—most students offered a spot don’t think twice about accepting it. A high yield rate also means that Princeton is a top choice for many, which only adds to the already intense competition.

It’s no surprise, really—between the academics, the strong alumni network, and that Ivy League prestige, Princeton knows how to draw in committed students. Understanding both the acceptance rate and the yield rate can help you get a sense of just how competitive it is and the kind of driven peers you’ll be surrounded by if you do get in.

Princeton Acceptance Rate Trends

Over the past decade, the Princeton acceptance rate has stayed stubbornly low, which isn’t surprising for a school that’s known for being one of the toughest to get into. Let’s dig into how these numbers have shifted over the years:

For the Class of 2028, Princeton saw 40,468 applications, with an acceptance rate of just 4.6%. The year before, it was 4.5% out of 39,644 applicants. Go back a few more years, and you’ll see that for the Class of 2019, there were 27,290 applicants and a 7% acceptance rate.

Basically, while more and more students are applying—likely drawn by Princeton’s academic prestige, impressive faculty, and generous financial aid—the acceptance rate keeps slipping lower. Why? Well, there are a few reasons for this trend:

• Princeton went test-optional during the COVID-19 pandemic. Without the pressure of submitting SAT or ACT scores, applicants who might’ve been on the fence before felt they had a better chance. This shift was especially noticeable for the Class of 2026, when applications spiked to 38,019, and the acceptance rate hit 5.7%.
• Another factor? Princeton’s ramped-up financial aid program. The school’s commitment to making education more accessible definitely brings in more students, particularly those who might have otherwise been scared off by the hefty price tag.
• And, of course, their push to diversify the student body has likely inspired more applicants from all walks of life, which, in turn, tightens the competition.

In short, while the number of applicants keeps climbing, the Princeton acceptance rate continues to shrink, reflecting just how selective this Ivy League giant has become.

Princeton’s acceptance rate vs other Ivy League schools

Princeton isn’t the only Ivy feeling the squeeze when it comes to skyrocketing applications and shrinking acceptance rates. Let’s see how the Princeton acceptance rate holds up against its Ivy League rivals for the Class of 2028:

Harvard is leading the pack with the lowest acceptance rate at 3.6%. Yale isn’t far behind at 3.7%, and Columbia sits at 3.85%. Then there’s Princeton with its 4.6%, which is still on the lower end, but a tad higher than its closest competitors. Brown and Dartmouth hover around 5.2% and 5.3% respectively, while UPenn is at 5.4%. Cornell’s 8.4% might seem almost generous in comparison, but even they’ve been tightening the reins in recent years.

The truth is, every Ivy League school is feeling the heat. As more and more students apply, these already selective schools are becoming even pickier. It’s a trend across the board—more applications, fewer acceptances, and tougher competition.

For you, this means figuring out how to shine among thousands of equally high-achieving peers. Getting into Princeton, or any Ivy, these days is like threading a needle, so you’ve got to bring your A-game.

Princeton Regular Decision Acceptance Rate

Princeton has been keeping its Regular Decision (RD) stats under wraps lately, so getting specific numbers isn’t as easy as it used to be. But we can still dig into the last set of data they made public. For the Class of 2024, Princeton had 27,836 RD applicants, and only 1,032 were accepted. That works out to a pretty low acceptance rate of just 3.7%.

Looking back over the past decade, the Regular Decision acceptance rates have steadily declined, especially when compared to the overall numbers:

Unfortunately, for the Classes of 2025 through 2028, Princeton hasn’t released specific data, so we’re left to guess. But from what we do know, it’s clear that the RD acceptance rate has consistently been lower than the overall rate, thanks to the sheer volume of applications in that round.

If you look at the Class of 2024 as an example, the overall Princeton acceptance rate was 5.6%. But the Single-Choice Early Action (SCEA) applicants had a much higher shot, with a 15.8% acceptance rate. Compare that to the RD acceptance rate of just 3.7%, and it’s pretty obvious that applying early could give you a leg up. But keep in mind, those early applicants tend to have their stuff together—these are the students who are well-prepared and highly competitive.

It’s safe to say that the Regular Decision acceptance rate is probably still lower than the overall rate, given how many students flood in during the regular round. Plus, Princeton fills a good chunk of its class through early admissions, which means fewer spots left for RD applicants.

Princeton Regular Decision deadline and notification date

If you’re aiming for Regular Decision, you’ve got until January 1 to hit that submit button. Decisions typically come out in late March, and if you get in, you’ll need to lock in your spot by May 1. Keep these dates on your radar—they’re crucial if you want to stay on top of your application game.

Princeton Early Action Acceptance Rate

Princeton’s Single-Choice Early Action (SCEA) program gives you the chance to apply early and hear back before the Regular Decision crowd. But don’t confuse this with the typical Early Action programs other schools offer. Princeton’s version is a bit stricter—it’s non-binding (so you don’t have to commit if you’re accepted), but it does limit you from applying early to other private schools.

Lately, Princeton’s been pretty tight-lipped about its SCEA stats. The most recent numbers we have are from the Class of 2024. That year, around 5,000 early action applications came in, and 791 students got the nod, giving it an early action acceptance rate of 15.8%.

Taking a look at the trend over the years, it’s clear that applying early can give you a serious edge:

For the Class of 2024, the SCEA acceptance rate was a solid 15.8%, compared to a much tougher 3.7% for those applying in the RD round. Essentially, your chances of getting in were more than four times better if you applied early.

However, just because that acceptance rate is higher doesn’t mean it’s 100% guaranteed. The SCEA pool is stacked with super-prepared applicants who are sure that Princeton is their top choice and have their application materials polished well ahead of time. If you’re confident Princeton is where you want to be and you’ve got everything in order, applying through SCEA might just give you a leg up.

Princeton Early Action deadline and notification date

Princeton’s SCEA deadline is November 1, and you’ll typically hear back in mid-December. If you get accepted, you’ve got until May 1 to confirm. Remember, even though SCEA isn’t binding, you’ve got to make sure your application is spotless before that November deadline if you want to boost your odds in this ultra-competitive process.

How to Get Accepted into Princeton

So, you’re eyeing Princeton. You’ve got three options for how to apply: the Coalition Application, the Common Application, or the QuestBridge Application. Whichever route you choose, you’ll need to submit your academic records, essays, recommendation letters, and your extracurriculars. You can review Princeton’s application checklist to ensure you have all required materials before submission.

But the real trick to beating the Princeton acceptance rate is nailing those high standards and showing off a well-rounded profile. Let’s break down what you need to focus on to boost your chances:

Target GPA

For the Class of 2027, the average admitted GPA was a stellar 3.94 out of 4.0. Meaning? Most successful applicants are basically acing their classes.

But don’t panic if you’re not perfect—what matters is that your grades stay consistently strong, especially in tough courses like AP, IB, or honors classes. Admissions officers love seeing that you’ve challenged yourself. If your GPA is a bit lower, you can still make up for it by showing an upward trend or excelling in advanced courses.

Some quick advice for boosting that GPA: stay on top of your time management, ask for help early if you’re struggling, and consider teaming up with a tutor or study group if things get tough. And remember, Princeton’s test-optional policy is sticking around for 2024 and 2025, so you won’t necessarily be at a disadvantage if you skip the SAT or ACT.

Target test scores

Even though Princeton’s gone test-optional recently, strong SAT or ACT scores can still give your application a nice boost, especially if your GPA isn’t as sky-high as you’d like. For the Class of 2027, the middle 50% of admits scored between 1510 and 1560 on the SAT, and 34 to 35 on the ACT. If you’re aiming for that top tier, shoot for scores within or (preferably!) above this range.

To get there, take plenty of practice tests and zero in on your weak spots. It’s not just about hitting a high score but showing you’ve got what it takes to keep up with Princeton’s academic demands.

Other requirements

But if standardized tests aren’t your thing, don’t stress—focus on strengthening other parts of your application instead:

• Princeton wants to see applicants who’ve truly gone above and beyond in their extracurriculars. Whether it’s sports, music, community service, or research, they’re looking for passion, commitment, and leadership. Long-term dedication to your interests can really set you apart from the crowd.
• In addition to the personal statement you’ll submit through the Coalition or Common App, Princeton requires a few supplemental essays. These essays are your chance to let your personality, values, and motivations shine through. Don’t sleep on them—well-crafted essays can leave a lasting impression.
• When it comes to recommendation letters, Princeton expects three: two from teachers and one from your school counselor. Choose teachers who really know you—those who can vouch for your strengths, character, and work ethic. A glowing letter can highlight traits that your grades and test scores don’t capture.

If you’re looking for more detailed tips on crafting a standout Princeton application, check out our in-depth guide that breaks down each step of the process.

Princeton Transfer Acceptance Rate

Trying to transfer into Princeton? Brace yourself—the odds are even tougher than getting in as a first-year student. For the Class of 2027, Princeton received 1,588 transfer applications, but only 49 students got that coveted acceptance letter. That puts the Princeton transfer acceptance rate at a measly 3.1%. And, out of those who were accepted, just 33 chose to enroll.

Transferring to Princeton is a whole different ball game compared to applying as a freshman. Admissions officers want to know if you’ve flourished where you are now. They’ll be all over your college GPA, your completed coursework, and, most importantly, why you want to transfer. Your application needs to spell out exactly how Princeton can help you grow, especially if you’ve developed new academic interests since starting college.

Given how insanely low the transfer acceptance rate is, you need to bring your A-game. Successful transfer applicants show up with not just great grades, but also compelling personal statements and strong letters of recommendation. If you’re seriously thinking about transferring to Princeton, you’ve got to prove that Princeton is exactly where you belong, based on your goals and values.

Princeton Waitlist Acceptance Rate

If you find yourself on Princeton’s waitlist, it means the admissions committee liked what they saw in your application but simply ran out of room to offer you a spot right away.

For the Class of 2027, Princeton put 1,302 applicants on its waitlist, and 1,032 decided to stick it out. Only 52 of them, though, were eventually admitted. That means the Princeton waitlist acceptance rate was about 5%, which shows just how tough it is to move from “waitlist” to “accepted.”

And these rates can swing wildly from year to year. For the Class of 2026, no one got off the waitlist, while the Class of 2025 saw 150 students admitted with a higher acceptance rate of 15%.

If you end up on Princeton’s waitlist, don’t throw in the towel just yet. You’ve still got a shot, but you’ve also got to be realistic and explore other options. Here’s how you can keep your chances alive:

• First, if Princeton is still your dream school, accept your spot on the waitlist ASAP. Don’t leave them guessing about your interest.
• Next, consider sending a letter of continued interest. Be genuine and concise—let the admissions office know that you’re still all-in for Princeton and highlight why the school is the perfect fit for you.
• Got any new achievements or grades to brag about since you first applied? Send those updates in, but only if they’re substantial. Admissions officers don’t have time to sift through every little thing, so keep it impactful.
• At the same time, make sure you’re not putting all your eggs in one basket. Secure your spot at another school by the May 1 decision deadline just in case a Princeton spot doesn’t come through.

Getting off the waitlist isn’t easy, but it’s not totally out of reach either. Stay proactive, explore all your options, and keep moving forward—you never know where you might land.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Princeton’s latest overall acceptance rate?

For the Class of 2028, Princeton sifted through 40,468 applications and admitted just 1,868 students. That leaves the overall Princeton acceptance rate at a slim 4.6%. It’s a tough crowd, which shows just how fiercely competitive their admissions process is.

2. What is Princeton’s Early Action acceptance rate?

Princeton’s been pretty tight-lipped about their Early Action stats since 2021. The last time they shared numbers was for the Class of 2024. Back then, about 5,000 students went for the Single-Choice Early Action (SCEA) route, and 791 got in. That’s an early action acceptance rate of 15.8%.

3. What is Princeton’s Regular Decision acceptance rate?

Princeton hasn’t spilled any recent details on their regular decision rates. But, for the Class of 2024, 27,836 students applied during the regular round, with only 1,032 making the cut. That’s a regular decision acceptance rate of just 3.7%.

4. What is Princeton’s transfer acceptance rate?

Transferring into Princeton? Brace yourself—it’s even tougher. For the Class of 2027, they got 1,588 transfer applications and only 49 were accepted. That’s about a 3.1% transfer acceptance rate, making it one of the hardest paths to get in.

5. What is Princeton’s waitlist acceptance rate?

Princeton’s waitlist numbers are all over the place. For the Class of 2027, they offered spots to 1,302 applicants; 1,032 accepted the waitlist, but only 52 were eventually admitted, resulting in a waitlist acceptance rate of about 5%. Compare that to previous years: for the Class of 2026, zero students were admitted off the waitlist, while the Class of 2025 saw a higher rate of 15% with 150 students getting in.

Takeaways

Understanding the Princeton acceptance rate can really help you sharpen your application game. Here’s what you need to know:

• Princeton’s overall acceptance rate sits at a low 4.6%. So, fewer than 5% of applicants get the nod, which means you’re up against some serious competition.
• While it’s a bit higher than Harvard’s acceptance rate of 3.6%, Princeton is still tougher to crack than Brown (5.2%) or Cornell (8.4%), so you’re looking at some pretty steep odds.
• Princeton’s Early Action acceptance rate is much higher, clocking in at 15.8% (at least from the most recent data). Compare that to a Regular Decision acceptance rate of just 3.7%, and it’s clear that applying early could give you an edge—though it’s no guarantee.
• To be competitive, aim for a GPA close to 3.94 and shoot for a SAT score of 1560 and ACT score of 35. You’ll also need killer essays, solid extracurriculars, and recommendation letters that really capture who you are.
• Given how low Princeton’s acceptance rates are, it might be worth chatting with a college admissions expert. They can help you tighten up your strategy and give you the best shot at landing that elusive acceptance letter.