Princeton Graduate School: What You Need to Know Before Applying

Princeton Graduate School is one of the most competitive and respected institutions in the U.S., ranked highly in four programs and more than 10 specialties. With rigorous programs, faculty support, and fully funded doctoral tracks, it’s a top destination for aspiring academics and public leaders.

If you’re thinking of taking a leap at Princeton Graduate School, it helps to know what you’re up against. From program options and acceptance rates to requirements and what sets it apart, here’s what you need to know.

• Princeton Graduate School Acceptance Rate
• What Graduate Programs Are Offered at Princeton?
• Fields of Study at Princeton Graduate School
• How to Get into Princeton Graduate School
• Why Is Princeton a Top Choice for Graduate Study?
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

Princeton Graduate School Acceptance Rate

Getting into Princeton Graduate School is highly competitive. In the 2024–2025 academic cycle alone, nearly 20,000 students applied—and only about 7.4% were accepted.

Here’s a closer look at how the numbers have shifted in recent years:

As the table shows, as application numbers continue to rise, the Princeton Graduate School acceptance rate has steadily declined. The school now admits fewer than one in 13 students—a clear sign of how hard it is to get into Princeton graduate school.

As more students seek its top-ranked research programs and fully funded Ph.D. tracks, knowing what’s required can help you prepare early and stand out in a competitive field.

What Graduate Programs Are Offered at Princeton?

Princeton Graduate School offers a focused selection of graduate programs designed for different academic goals. While most applicants pursue a Ph.D., the university also offers a few professional master’s programs, joint degrees, and certificate options that can support your main course of study.

Each option has different goals, timelines, and admissions expectations:

Each path attracts a different kind of applicant. Here’s how to tell which one might be right for you:

• If you’re early in your career and looking for focused, professional training, a master’s program may be a good fit.
• If your goal is a long-term career in research or academia, a Ph.D. program is likely your best route.
• If you want to combine fields—like law and public policy—a joint degree could offer more flexibility.
• If you’re already in a program and want to expand your expertise, a graduate certificate can help you go deeper in a specific area.

Fields of Study at Princeton Graduate School

Princeton’s graduate programs cover a broad range of disciplines—from the humanities and social sciences to engineering and public policy. While known for its research strength, Princeton Graduate School also supports work in emerging areas of study.

Princeton Ph.D. programs

If you’re planning to pursue original research in your field, Princeton’s Ph.D. programs offer deep, discipline-specific training across 45 departments and programs in the following fields of study:

Princeton’s Ph.D. programs support independent study and connect you with world-class faculty. As Princeton Graduate School’s core graduate offering, earning a Ph.D. places you in a research-driven community focused on advancing knowledge and solving real-world problems.

Princeton master’s programs

While offered, master’s programs at Princeton Graduate School are limited and available only in select fields. In some departments, you can pursue a master’s degree on its own or as part of a Ph.D. track:

These Princeton graduate programs give you access to expert faculty, strong academic resources, and a focused, high-level curriculum. That experience is key in deepening your expertise, preparing for research, or building toward a leadership role in your field.

Joint degree and interdepartmental programs

If you’re interested in exploring a field from multiple academic angles, Princeton Graduate School offers a number of joint degree and interdisciplinary programs. These are available in select fields, allowing you to blend research with professional training across departments:

If your interests don’t fit neatly into one discipline, these Princeton graduate programs let you shape a more flexible academic path. They’re a strong fit if you’re aiming to work across sectors, conduct applied research, or take on complex policy or societal issues.

Graduate certificate programs

If you want to expand your academic focus, Princeton Graduate School offers certificate programs in a range of interdisciplinary topics. Some appear on your official record, while others do not—but both give you a chance to explore areas that complement your main degree:

These certificate programs give you the chance to customize your graduate experience and strengthen your academic profile. They’re especially useful if you’re working across disciplines or preparing for research with broader, real-world applications.

How to Get into Princeton Graduate School

While each program at Princeton Graduate School has its own specific expectations, most share a core set of application requirements. These common elements help the admissions committee evaluate your academic background, potential, and fit—no matter which program you are applying to:

• A bachelor’s degree. Required for all graduate programs. It must be from an accredited institution and equivalent to a four-year U.S. degree if earned internationally.
• Completed application form. A core Princeton graduate program requirement submitted through the Graduate School portal to kickstart your application process.
• Transcript with fall semester grades. Required only if you’re currently enrolled and fall grades are available. If not, you don’t need to submit them.
• Academic statement of purpose. A 1,000-word essay where you explain your academic interests, research goals, and fit for the program.
• Personal statement. This 250-word personal essay reveals your experiences, values, and motivations—and why you’re a strong fit for Princeton Graduate School.
• Resume or CV. Highlights your academic background, research, and work experience to give admissions a clear picture of your preparation for graduate study.
• Letters of recommendation. Most programs ask for three, typically from academic or research mentors who can speak to your potential.
• Standardized test scores (if required). GRE scores are optional or required depending on the department; some, like the Department of Finance, may also accept the GMAT. To stay competitive, aim for GRE scores in the 160+ range on both the Verbal and Quantitative sections.
• English language proficiency (if required). TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores are required if English isn’t your native language or wasn’t the main language of your undergraduate instruction.

If you’re not sure how your program type affects what you need, let’s break it down with this side-by-side look:

Having your requirements in order—and aligned with your chosen department or program—early in the process can give you a clear edge. After all, that kind of preparation matters when applying to Princeton’s highly selective graduate programs.

Why Is Princeton a Top Choice for Graduate Study?

Beyond academic rigor, Princeton Graduate School stands out for its resources, research environment, and student support—making it one of the most respected graduate institutions in the country. If you’re still weighing your options, here are a few reasons why so many students choose to pursue their graduate programs at Princeton:

• Fully funded Ph.D. programs. Nearly all Ph.D. students receive full tuition support, plus a generous stipend for living expenses.
• Top-tier faculty and mentorship. Work with renowned faculty who are active researchers, published authors, and respected mentors in fields from engineering to public policy.
• Access to world-class facilities. From state-of-the-art labs to dedicated graduate housing, the campus is designed to support focused, advanced study.
• Prestige and global ranking. Ranked 22nd in the QS World University Rankings 2025 for research output, selectivity, and academic strength, Princeton remains one of the world’s top universities.
• Global research network. Through institutes like the Princeton Institute for International and Regional Studies (PIIRS), you’ll take part in globally relevant, high-impact research.

These factors show why Princeton Graduate School remains a top choice for advanced academic and professional development.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Princeton Graduate School hard to get into?

Yes, Princeton Graduate School is highly competitive. Its acceptance rate dropped to just 7.4% in the 2024–2025 cycle—down from 9.2% the year before. That sharp decline shows how hard getting into Princeton Graduate School has become. That’s why you’ll need strong academics, clear research goals, and well-rounded materials that align with Princeton’s graduate program requirements to stand out.

2. Does Princeton have an MBA program?

No, Princeton Graduate School doesn’t offer a traditional MBA. Instead, it emphasizes interdisciplinary graduate study, with strong programs in public affairs, economics, policy, and engineering that intersect with leadership and innovation. If you’re interested in business-related study within a research-driven environment, there are still meaningful paths at Princeton.

3. Do I need a master’s degree to apply to a Ph.D. program at Princeton?

No, most departments accept Ph.D. applicants who hold only a bachelor’s degree. Princeton Graduate School does not require a master’s unless a specific program states otherwise. This makes many Princeton graduate programs accessible earlier in your academic path.

4. Is there an age limit for admission into Princeton’s graduate programs?

No, there’s no age limit. Princeton Graduate School considers applicants based on academic readiness and fit, not age. As long as you meet the Princeton University graduate programs requirements, you’re eligible to apply at any age or career stage.

5. Can I apply to more than one program at Princeton Graduate School?

No—you can only apply to one graduate program per cycle. Princeton Graduate School encourages you to focus your application on the department that best matches your academic goals and interests. So, researching your options carefully is key to submitting a strong application.

Takeaways

When considering your application for Princeton Graduate School, here’s everything you’ll want to keep in mind to stay prepared and competitive:

• Princeton offers a focused range of graduate programs, with most students pursuing Ph.D. tracks. Depending on the department, you may also find professional master’s and certificate programs fit for your academic goals.
• Getting into Princeton Graduate School is highly competitive. With an acceptance rate of 7.4% in the 2024-2025 cycle, you’ll need strong academics and a clear research focus to stand out.
• While requirements vary by program, most applicants need a bachelor’s degree, statements of purpose, essays, recommendations, and GRE scores if required.
• Beyond academics, Princeton stands out for its fully funded doctoral programs, access to renowned faculty, and opportunities for high-impact, interdisciplinary research.
• Need help making your Princeton Graduate School application stand out? An experienced admissions expert can guide you—from choosing the right program to shaping a strong graduate-school ready application.