Our comprehensive approach to financial support is built on a foundation of full, tailored Ph.D. funding that creates new academic possibilities. The Graduate School 12-month enrollment and funding calendar is comprised of two five-month academic terms and a two-month summer term. This 10 + 2 annual model aligns with the university academic calendar and begins August 1st. The fall term is comprised of five months, beginning August 1 and ending December 31 The spring term is comprised of five months, beginning January 1 and ending May 31 Summer is comprised of June and July Students receiving university stipend or salary receive pay at the end of the month in which it is earned per the university payroll schedule. New incoming graduate students will be paid their first fellowship stipend in full for the month of August. Annual university rate adjustments are effective August 1 with the start of the new academic year. Tuition is incurred for each month of enrollment. Tuition support through the 10-month academic year includes student health plan coverage that continues in the summer. Base Fellowships At Princeton, we ensure that all Ph.D. students in regular enrollment have complete support as they pursue their intellectual passion. Our funding guarantee begins with full first-year fellowships for all, and includes tuition, our 12-month Student Health Plan, and a base stipend that covers living expenses. Continued Support The funding mix after the first year varies by division and term, but typically includes a blend of internal fellowships, assistantships in research or instruction, and external fellowships that together cover tuition, the student health plan, and full stipend throughout regular program enrollment. (Ph.D. program length is typically four or five years. Learn more in our Fields of Study section.) Princeton Fellowships Explore funding that enables you to focus on your studies and dissertation research. Assistantships Gain valuable teaching and research experience along with tuition and stipend support for your studies. External Fellowships Bolster your base support with external awards that offer academic flexibility and prestige. Additional Funding & Support Find additional sources of support targeted to your needs, including loans and VA or Americorps benefits. Typical Funding Patterns Doctoral Students As the funding mix shifts, the tuition and stipend components of the financial package are adjusted to ensure continued support. While every student’s path is unique, there are typical funding patterns in the humanities & social sciences and natural sciences & engineering. Visit those pages to learn more. DCE / In Absentia & Master’s Degree Students Funding varies for Master’s students and those with DCE or in absentia status; however, there are many opportunities to explore. Refer to the guidance in this section for details. International Students Our financial support model applies to all Ph.D. students, regardless of nationality. However, there are a few things to consider when it comes to extended funding: Loans & work-study: The federal government restricts international students from the federal loan and work-study programs. Private loans may be available. Student employment: On-campus employment may be an option, in accordance with federal regulations. DCE enrollment: Student visas are tied to regular program length, and a new I-20 must be completed for each departmentally approved year of DCE status. External funding: Opportunities for international students or those without permanent residency are frequently highlighted by Immigrants Rising. It is essential to understand regulations related to taxes, social security, visas, and other issues. For tailored guidance, consult with the Davis International Center. Visit the Academics section for details regarding non-enrolled status. Non-Degree Students Nondegree students receive many of the same benefits as degree-seeking students at Princeton. Funding Calendar Financial support follows the academic and enrollment calendar: Fall Term: August 1 - December 31 Spring Term: January 1 - May 31 Summer Term: June 1 - July 31 First-year and newly awarded Princeton fellowships begin in August with the start of the new academic year. Assistantships in Instruction begin at the start of the respective five-month term: August 1 in fall, January 1 in spring. Princeton twelve-month fellowship awards run from August 1 through July 31; ten-month awards run from August 1 through May 31. Note that pay is provided at the end of each month in which the support is earned per the university payroll cycle. By the Numbers: 2023-24 effective August 1, 2023 Tuition & Fees The standard, fully covered tuition rate is paid over 10 months. It is the same for all students during regular enrollment, and includes the 12-month Student Health Plan (SHP) fee. Visit the DCE and In Absentia pages for tuition costs associated with those enrollment statuses. Regular Enrollment Amount Tuition - Regular 59,710 SHP Fee 3,150 TOTAL 62,860 Student Health Plan Under the graduate school's academic and enrollment calendar, the Student Health Plan (SHP) plan enrollment year begins August 1 and includes 12 months of coverage. Visit University Health Services for more information about SHP coverage. Cost of Living Living Expenses 10 Months 12 Months Housing (on- or off-campus) 12,933 15,520 Food 8,354 10,025 Personal Expenses 7,325 8,790 Books & Supplies 1,888 2,265 TOTAL 30,500 36,600 Stipend Rates Fellowship Stipends & Assistantship Salaries Amount University Fellowship (12 months) 47,880 First Year Fellowship in Natural Sciences and Engineering (10 months) 42,000 Assistantship in Research (10 months) 42,000 Assistantship in Instruction (10 months) 44,100 Financial Shopping Sheet The University strives to offer transparency about costs and the aid available to meet those costs so that students can make informed decisions on financing their graduate degree. The Financial Shopping Sheet outlines expected financial obligations associated with graduate study at Princeton as well as support options available to you. FAQs Graduate Student Financial Support Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) can be found in the Princeton Service Portal.
