Housing & Cost of Living
The Graduate School provides University housing for about 78 percent of the graduate students in residence. New students have first priority.
The Graduate College and Annexes dormitory housing rates for students without dependents in Princeton range from $3,409 to $5,891. With meal contracts they range from $2,969 (seven meals per week) to $4,526 (20 meals per week).
Unfurnished apartments are available for graduate students and their families. Rent for apartments range from $664 to $1,236 per month. Only admitted students may apply for housing. Housing information and an application are included with the offer of admission. The information provided above reflects the 2006–07 academic year. University housing costs and meal plans increase approximately 4 to 6 percent per year.
It is imperative that your housing application be received by Princeton on or before April 15 in order to be assured housing. More information on University housing can be found on their
website.
Cost of Living at Princeton
Living expenses vary according to individuals, but a single student should plan an income of at least $1,646 per month for the academic year (in addition to tuition and the required health plan fee) to pay for housing, books, supplies, clothing, and travel. Students with dependents will require at least $2,933 per month, and an additional $828 per month for each child. By careful budgeting, single students may expect to cover most of their basic living costs from a combination of University financial awards and non-University support described in the section on financial support. Students with dependents, especially those with children, will find it difficult to meet expenses from these awards alone. Married international students may face the additional expense of establishing a household, and should consider the inability of the spouse to accept employment in the U.S. All students must use their personal resources to meet expenses not covered by their University awards.