Princeton Financial Aid: The Complete Guide for Polish Students 2026

In Nassau Hall (Princeton’s oldest campus building, which briefly served as the seat of the U.S. Congress) hangs a portrait of James Madison, a member of the Class of 1771. Madison wrote most of the American Constitution. Two hundred and fifty years later, in the same building, students from 90 countries around the world receive diplomas from an institution that consistently ranks first in the U.S. News & World Report among national universities. Many of these students, including those from Poland, paid not a single dollar out of their own pockets for their education.

This is not an exaggeration or a recruitment slogan. Princeton University operates the most generous financial aid program among American universities: it covers 100% of the demonstrated financial need of every admitted student exclusively through grants – without loans. What’s more, Princeton is one of only a few universities in the world that applies a need-blind admissions policy to international applicants, meaning your financial situation has no bearing on the admission decision. Family earning below $65,000 annually? Tuition, housing, dining, textbooks – all covered. Family earning below $100,000? The family contribution is just a few thousand dollars per year.

In this guide, I will walk you step-by-step through the entire process of obtaining financial aid at Princeton: from what “need-blind” exactly means and why it’s a game-changer, through the PFAA form and required documents, to realistic financial scenarios for Polish families. We’ll also discuss how Princeton compares to Harvard, Yale, and MIT, what a Polish high school graduate’s (a student taking the Matura exam) chances of admission are, and what you can do to maximize them. If you’re considering studying in the USA with a scholarship, this article is your starting point.

What “Need-Blind” Means and Why It Changes Everything

Before we delve into the details of forms and documents, you need to understand one thing that places Princeton in an entirely different league than 99% of universities worldwide. Most American universities (even top-tier ones) apply a need-aware policy to international applicants. What does this mean in practice? It means that if you indicate on your application that you require financial aid, the admissions committee will take this into account and might admit a candidate with a similar profile who does not need support instead of you. This is brutal math that eliminates many talented students from lower-income countries.

Princeton does something radically different. The university applies a need-blind admissions policy to all applicants, including international ones. The admissions committee makes its decision without knowing anything about your financial situation. Your application goes to one team, your financial aid application to an entirely different one. These two processes do not communicate with each other. Only after an admission decision has been made does the financial aid office prepare a support package tailored to your needs.

There are only a few universities in the world that apply need-blind admissions for international applicants and simultaneously commit to covering 100% of demonstrated financial need: Princeton, Harvard, Yale, MIT, Amherst, Dartmouth, and Bowdoin. It’s a short list. For a Polish high school graduate (a student taking the Matura exam) from an average-income family, this policy means you apply on the same terms as the child of a Wall Street banker – your financial capacity is literally invisible to the committee.

However, it must be said directly: need-blind does not mean it’s easy to get in. Princeton admits approximately 3.5% of applicants – one of the lowest acceptance rates in the world. From over 54,000 applications (Class of 2029), about 1,900 individuals were admitted. From Poland, probably zero to a few people get into Princeton each year. This is not a reason not to apply, but it is a reason to apply simultaneously to several universities with generous financial aid and treat Princeton as a “reach school.” You can read more about application strategy in our guide to the US application process.

How Financial Aid at Princeton Works – Step-by-Step

Princeton’s financial aid system is based on one principle: the university assesses how much your family can afford to pay (Expected Family Contribution, or EFC), and the difference between your EFC and the full cost of attendance is covered by a grant. Not a loan, not a student credit, not work-study – a grant that you do not have to repay. Princeton eliminated student loans in 2001 as the first university in the USA and since then, every admitted student receives only non-repayable aid.

How does Princeton calculate your EFC? The financial aid office analyzes the income and assets of both parents (even if divorced), the number of children in the family, living costs in your country, real estate, savings, and other factors. For a Polish family with typical incomes (say, 8,000–15,000 PLN net per month for both parents, without significant assets) the EFC will be very low, likely from $0 to a few thousand dollars annually. This means Princeton will cover practically the entire cost of attendance, which without aid would be approximately $86,700 annually (tuition $62,400 + housing $11,910 + board $8,340 + fees and books ~$4,050 USD).

The average annual grant at Princeton is approximately $64,000 – more than the annual salary of many Americans. For students from families with incomes below $65,000 annually (~260,000 PLN, or approximately $64,500 USD at 4.03 PLN/USD), Princeton covers 100% of costs, including tuition, housing, dining, textbooks, and university fees. For incomes between $65,000 and $100,000 USD, the family contribution is typically $4,000–$12,000 annually. Even families earning $150,000–$200,000 USD pay significantly less than the full rate.

Crucially, Princeton considers the purchasing power of the currency and the cost of living in your country. A Polish family with an income of 120,000 PLN annually (approx. $30,000 USD) will be treated differently than an American family with the same dollar income, because the cost of living in Poland is lower. This works to your advantage – the financial aid office understands that $30,000 USD in Poland is a completely different situation than $30,000 USD in New Jersey.

Documents Required from Polish Applicants

The financial aid application process requires submitting several forms and documents. Here is the full list:

1. Princeton Financial Aid Application (PFAA) – a free online form on finaid.princeton.edu. This is a primary document; you complete it after submitting your college application.
2. CSS Profile (College Board) – the College Scholarship Service form available at cssprofile.collegeboard.org. The fee is several tens of dollars, but Princeton may waive it as part of a fee waiver.
3. Parents’ Tax Returns – Polish tax forms PIT-36 or PIT-37 for year n-2 (e.g., for the 2026/2027 academic year – PIT for 2024). Original documents and certified English translations are required.
4. Income Certificates from Employers – the equivalent of an American W-2 form. If a parent runs a business, company documents are required.
5. Statement of No Tax Obligation – if one of the parents does not file a Polish tax form (PIT), a written statement with an explanation is required.
6. Noncustodial Parent Form – if parents are divorced or separated, the noncustodial parent completes a separate form (international version available).
7. Additional Explanations – optional but recommended: a letter explaining special circumstances (e.g., illness, job loss, care for siblings).

Important note: unlike many universities, Princeton does not require international applicants to complete the ISFAA (International Student Financial Aid Form). Instead, it uses its own PFAA plus the CSS Profile. This simplifies the process compared to some other institutions.

Realistic Financial Scenarios for Polish Families

Let’s be specific, because this section really matters. Below, I present approximate scenarios of what Princeton might look like financially for various Polish families. Remember that each case is assessed individually – the values below are estimates based on publicly available data and Princeton’s general policies.

Scenario 1: Family with income up to ~260,000 PLN/year (~65,000 USD). This includes most Polish families where both parents work full-time with a combined net income of up to approximately 16,000 PLN per month. In this scenario, Princeton covers 100% of costs: tuition, on-campus housing, dining (meal plan), textbooks, and even partially travel expenses. Family contribution: $0. Four years of study at one of the world’s best universities for free.

Scenario 2: Family with income 260,000–400,000 PLN/year (~65,000–100,000 USD). This includes families with higher earnings or one parent running a successful business. Princeton covers tuition in full and most living costs. Estimated family contribution: $4,000–$12,000 annually (approx. 16,000–48,000 PLN). This is still immense aid, as the cost without support would be $86,700 USD.

Scenario 3: Family with income 400,000–600,000 PLN/year (~100,000–150,000 USD). These are more affluent Polish families. Princeton still offers aid: the estimated family contribution is $12,000–$25,000 annually. The university still covers over $60,000 USD in costs.

Scenario 4: Family with income above 600,000 PLN/year (~150,000+ USD). Even in this range, many students receive aid, albeit less. Princeton assesses individually, taking into account the number of children, obligations, and assets. Family contribution: $25,000–$40,000+ annually, depending on the full financial picture.

Crucially: Princeton does not expect students to take out loans or work in exchange for financial aid. The Student Contribution program (previously requiring work-study) was modified in 2023. First-year students are not required to work, and in subsequent years, work is optional and not tied to the aid package. If you choose to work (e.g., as a research assistant or in the library), your earnings are yours and do not reduce your grant.

Compare this to the situation at European universities: at Cambridge or Oxford, tuition for non-UK students ranges from 28,000–45,000 GBP annually, with limited scholarships. At ETH Zurich, tuition is low (730 CHF/semester), but living costs in Zurich are 2,000+ CHF per month with no guaranteed support. Princeton, paradoxically, may prove to be cheaper than most top European universities, as it covers not only tuition but the entire cost of attendance.

Princeton Admissions – What Are They Looking For?

A scholarship alone isn’t enough if you don’t get into the university. And Princeton admits ~3.5% of applicants. I won’t pretend it’s easy. This is one of the most challenging admissions processes in the world. But understanding what the committee is looking for is the first step to preparing a competitive application.

Princeton employs a holistic review of applicants. There isn’t one magic SAT score or GPA that guarantees admission. The committee considers:

• Academic performance is fundamental. Princeton expects you to be one of the top students in your school. For a Polish high school graduate (Matura exam taker), this means the highest scores on advanced-level exams: 90%+ in key subjects. A school report with grades of 5 and 6 in the Polish system, which are equivalent to A’s or excellent marks. If you attend an IB program, you’ll need 40+ points.
• SAT or ACT – Princeton requires standardized test scores (test-required since 2024, after a test-optional period during COVID). The typical range for admitted students is SAT 1500–1570 or ACT 34–36. Prepare thoroughly on okiro.io, which offers adaptive SAT practice tests. More about SAT requirements can be found in our detailed guide to the SAT exam.
• TOEFL or IELTS – for Polish applicants, proof of English proficiency is essential. Princeton does not state an official minimum, but realistically you’ll need TOEFL iBT 105+ or IELTS 7.5+. Prepare with prepclass.io, which offers full practice tests with AI feedback. You can find a comparison of tests in our TOEFL vs IELTS guide.
• Extracurricular activities – Princeton doesn’t want to see a list of 20 superficial activities. It looks for deep engagement in 2–3 areas where you have demonstrated leadership, initiative, and impact. Academic Olympiads (especially international ones), research projects, significant volunteering, national or international athletic or artistic achievements are distinguishing factors that catch the committee’s attention.
• Essays – The Princeton Supplement includes several additional essays in addition to the main Common App essay. This is your chance to show who you are beyond grades and test scores. The best essays are personal, specific, and authentic, not generic or AI-generated. The committee reads tens of thousands of essays and will recognize insincerity immediately.
• Recommendations – two letters from teachers plus a letter from your school counselor. In the Polish system, recommendation letters are less common than in the USA, so start discussing this with your chosen teachers at least a semester in advance. The best recommendation isn’t from the teacher who gives you the highest grade, but from the teacher who knows you best and can tell specific stories about your thinking, character, and potential.

Princeton in the Ivy League – Why It’s Worth It

Princeton stands out within the Ivy League in several key dimensions that are directly relevant to a Polish student considering studying in the USA. Firstly, Princeton is the only university in the “big three” (Princeton-Harvard-Yale) that does not have professional graduate schools. There is no law school, medical school, or business school (MBA) here. The consequence? All of the university’s attention, its resources, and its best professors are focused on undergraduate and doctoral students. At Harvard, a professor might dedicate a lion’s share of their attention to MBA or law students. At Princeton, that same professor leads a seminar for 12 undergraduate students.

The preceptorial system (introduced by President Woodrow Wilson in 1905) means that in addition to lectures, you have regular small-group meetings (3–6 people) with a professor or preceptor, during which you discuss texts and develop critical thinking. The student-to-faculty ratio at Princeton is 5:1, one of the best in the world. In practice, this means professors know your name, remember your essays, and actively engage in your intellectual development. This is a completely different quality than auditoriums of 300 people, typical for the first year at many European universities.

In rankings, Princeton consistently holds the #1 spot in U.S. News Best National Universities. It has maintained this position for over a decade. In the QS World University Rankings 2025, it ranks 22nd globally. In Times Higher Education 2025, it is 4th in the world. In departmental rankings, Princeton shines particularly brightly in Mathematics (top 5 globally), Physics (top 10), Economics (top 3), Philosophy (top 5), History (top 5), and Engineering (top 15). It is a university where 69 Nobel laureates have conducted research or taught, including John Nash (Mathematics/Economics), Toni Morrison (Literature), and recently Syukuro Manabe (Climate Physics).

Princeton’s campus in New Jersey (an hour by train from New York City and Philadelphia) is a self-contained, safe world: Gothic architecture, manicured lawns, Firestone Library with 7 million volumes, and an art museum designed by Frank Gehry (opened in 2024). The “residential colleges” system (modeled after Oxbridge) divides students into six colleges, each with its own traditions, dining hall, and community. It’s not just a place of study; it’s a lifestyle that shapes you for four years.

You can find more about majors at Princeton for Polish students and detailed costs of study in our dedicated guides.

External Scholarships for Polish Students

Princeton’s financial aid should be your primary source of funding, but there are also external scholarships that can supplement support or cover additional costs (flights, insurance, pocket money):

• Fulbright Scholarship – the most prestigious Polish-American exchange program. The Polish-U.S. Fulbright Commission (fulbright.edu.pl) offers full cost coverage, including tuition, living expenses, flights, and health insurance. Note: the Fulbright program for undergraduate students is limited; most scholarships are for master’s and doctoral studies. Check the commission’s website for current programs.
• The Kosciuszko Foundation (thekf.org) supports educational and cultural exchange between Poland and the USA. It offers various scholarship programs, though primarily for master’s and doctoral students. It’s worth monitoring announcements for new programs.
• NAWA Program (Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange) – Polish government scholarship programs offering partial funding for studies abroad. The scope and availability change annually.
• Local Polish-American organizations in the USA – The Polish American Club, Polish National Alliance, and other Polonia organizations offer smaller scholarships ($1,000–$5,000 USD), but every dollar counts. Many of them require documentation of Polish heritage.

Important rule: Princeton coordinates external aid with its own package. If you receive an external scholarship, Princeton will not reduce its grant by that amount. Instead, it will reduce your Expected Family Contribution. In other words, external scholarships genuinely reduce your costs, rather than replacing Princeton’s aid. This is a rare and very beneficial policy. You can find more about scholarship options in our detailed guide to scholarships for studying in the USA.

Student Life and What Awaits a Polish Student

Princeton is not a university in the center of a large city. It’s a university town in New Jersey, with a campus that is a world unto itself. Approximately 97% of undergraduate students live on campus for all four years, one of the highest rates in the USA. The residential colleges system (Butler, Mathey, Rockefeller, Whitman, Forbes, Yeh) divides first- and second-year students into communities with their own traditions, dining halls, and cultural programs.

The campus is beautiful: the Gothic architecture of Blair Hall and Holder Hall intertwines with modernist buildings by Frank Gehry (Lewis Arts Center) and Rafael Moneo (Lewis Library). Firestone Library, the main library, is open 24/7 during exam periods. Popular meeting spots include Prospect Garden (a rose garden), Wawa (an iconic convenience store where students go at 2 AM), and Lake Carnegie (a lake for rowing).

Princeton’s traditions are legendary: Reunions (the annual alumni gathering, considered the largest outdoor party in the USA), P-rade (a parade of alumni from the oldest to the newest classes), Dean’s Date (the deadline for all written assignments, celebrated with a bonfire and music), Princeton-Harvard-Yale football, and eating clubs. The elite eating clubs on Prospect Avenue form the center of social life for upperclassmen.

For a Polish student, adaptation will take time. The culture of American universities is more extroverted and network-oriented than what you might be used to in a Polish high school. But Princeton actively supports international students. The International Center organizes orientation, mentorship programs, and cultural events. The Polish community at Princeton is small but present, and the broader Polish diaspora in the New Jersey/New York area is one of the largest in the world.

If you’re interested in other Ivy League universities, check out our guides on life in the Ivy League and careers after graduating from the Ivy League.

Summary – Your Path to Princeton

Princeton University offers something that, in the context of global education, sounds almost too good to be true: some of the best education in the world, for which most Polish families will not pay a single zloty. The need-blind policy for international applicants, 100% coverage of demonstrated financial need exclusively through grants, and no student loans create a system where the only barrier is your application, not your family’s wallet.

Let’s be realistic, however. Princeton admits ~3.5% of applicants. This is not a university you “just apply to.” It’s a university you prepare for months for, with the best grades, the strongest essays, and the most authentic profile you can build. The statistics are unforgiving, but they are not a reason not to try. They are a reason to try smarter. Apply to Princeton, but simultaneously apply to 8–12 other universities with generous financial aid. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.

Next Steps

1. Check the financial aid calculator on Princeton’s website (finaid.princeton.edu). Enter your family’s approximate financial data to see an estimated support package.
2. Take the SAT (1500+) – prepare with okiro.io, which offers adaptive practice tests with error analysis. More about the required score can be found in our guide to a good SAT score.
3. Take the TOEFL (105+) or IELTS (7.5+) – prepare with prepclass.io with AI feedback. Check out our TOEFL vs IELTS guide.
4. Gather financial documents – parents’ Polish tax forms (PITs) for year n-2, income certificates, asset information. Order certified English translations.
5. Write your essays – start the summer before your final year of high school. Be specific, personal, and authentic.
6. Submit your application – Common App + Princeton Supplement + PFAA + CSS Profile. REA Deadline: November 1. RD Deadline: January 1.
7. Apply to other universities as well – check out our guide to studying in the USA for free and detailed guide to scholarships in the USA.

Also check out our other guides to Princeton: majors for Polish students, costs and tuition, campus location. Good luck, and remember that every Princeton student walking the campus in Princeton, NJ today once submitted this application with trembling hands.