Thrive Together
Pathways and experiences for Princeton’s transfer, veteran, and non-traditional students.
YOU BELONG
MADE STRONGER BY OUR DIFFERENCES
At Princeton, our inclusive community is made stronger by our differences. Students come from all over the country and the world and add their unique skills, perspectives and experiences to a culture that embraces diversity in all its forms.
Princeton’s transfer program looks for a small group of exceptionally well-prepared students from a range of backgrounds, and we particularly encourage applications from students from lower income backgrounds, community college students and U.S. military veterans.
“Stories like ours matter. Having non-traditional backgrounds... not just so that we can further our own careers, but so we can help other people who come from similar backgrounds … believe in yourself and how far you can go, because you have a place at this university.”
THOMAS EMENS ’25, PRINCETON TRANSFER ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT, MIDDLESEX COLLEGE TRANSFER
Watch: “From Community College to Princeton”
“Just from speaking to my peers the veteran community at Princeton I felt a lot more at home here. That was a huge factor in my choice. I wanted to go somewhere that I would know veterans that I would have people I would relate to.”
SARAH
PAYNE ’26, U.S. MARINE CORPS VETERAN
Watch: “From U.S. Military to Princeton Undergraduate Student”
Students gather at the annual Transfer & Veteran Graduation Gala.
U.S. MILITARY SERVICEMEMBERS AND VETERANS
SERVICE IS CENTRAL TO OUR EDUCATIONAL MISSION
At Princeton, service is central to our mission, as reflected in our informal motto, “Princeton in the nation’s service and the service of humanity.” That’s why we encourage all students, faculty and alumni to think about how their research, education and lives will benefit the nation, the world and all of society at large — while giving them the support and resources they need to actually make it happen. We are proud partners with:
YELLOW RIBBON PROGRAM Proud Participant
IT’S POSSIBLE TO LIVE AND STUDY AT PRINCETON FOR FREE — WITHOUT THE USE OF VA BENEFITS OR LOANS
You can graduate from Princeton with little to no debt. U.S. military and veteran applicants are not required to use veterans benefits for undergraduate study at Princeton, as they may be eligible to be replaced by financial aid grants. Princeton’s need-based financial aid program can supplement or even replace the use of veterans benefits toward the total cost of attendance.
“A lot of my mentees ask me ask me if they really feel like they can fit in here on campus. I tell them ‘100% yes, you do belong, you can fit in, and it’s very attainable.’”
JIM WELLS ’26, U.S. MARINE CORPS VETERAN
Watch: “From Military to Princeton”
U.S. MILITARY SERVICEMEMBERS AND VETERANS CONTINUED
HOW TO APPLY
U.S. military-affiliated students apply through the same process as other prospective undergraduate students. You can determine whether to apply through the transfer or first-year application program based on the parameters described in the Eligibility section of our website. If you have specific questions about the application process for U.S. military applicants, such as whether to apply as a first-year or transfer student, please contact Alex Bustin, senior associate dean and director of military/veteran admission at abustin@princeton.edu.
“As the proud sibling of a U.S. army infantry veteran, I really enjoy working with our servicemembers and veterans. This process is individualized and has a lot of layers. We understand this and meet students where they are. We encourage students to reach out and get in touch with us.”
ALEX BUSTIN, SENIOR ASSOCIATE DEAN AND DIRECTOR OF MILITARY/VETERAN ADMISSION
“One of the challenges our students face is going from the regimented structured schedule of military life into Princeton University where they do have that freedom to do whatever they would like to do. We help them with finding their own path and also structuring themselves so they’re successful towards that goal and that path.”
MOHAMED SIAM, VETERAN COORDINATOR, EMMA BLOOMBERG CENTER FOR ACCESS & OPPORTUNITY, U.S. MARINE CORPS VETERAN
Student veterans and their families gather for the annual military community tailgate before the homecoming football game.
PRINCETON IS AFFORDABLE
MEETING YOUR FINANCIAL NEED
Princeton is attainable, accessible and affordable and you can graduate with little to no debt. Our no-loan financial aid policy replaced student loans with grants that do not need to be paid back. In fact, Princeton is often less expensive than your state college or university.
ATTAINABLE, ACCESSIBLE AND AFFORDABLE
We are committed to making a Princeton education affordable to all. Since 2001, grants have replaced student loans in the Princeton financial aid package for all aid recipients. The Princeton Financial Aid Application (PFAA) is free and easy to use for both U.S. and international applicants. Our generous financial aid program allows undergraduates to graduate from Princeton with little to no debt.
“Princeton is extremely generous with their financial aid. It’s all in grants so we don’t have to take out any loans... that’s a really big deal.”
SUSAN MCLERNON ’27, U.S. ARMY VETERAN Watch: “Transferring to Princeton”
“I earned my GED and enrolled in community college… as an older student at Princeton, I was concerned as to how [I] was going to be received by the traditional undergraduate student body, and so far, it’s been nothing but camaraderie… I already know they will be long-lasting friendships.”
CHRISTOPHER ST. HILAIRE ’26, CENTRAL PIEDMONT COMMUNITY COLLEGE TRANSFER
69% OF UNDERGRADUATES ARE RECEIVING AID FOR 2025-2026
100% OF THE AVERAGE GRANT COVERS 100% OF TUITION
90% OF RECENT SENIORS GRADUATED DEBT FREE
FAMILY WITH INCOMES UP TO $150,000 A YEAR WILL PAY NO TUITION, HOUSING, FOOD OR PERSONAL EXPENSES.
APPROXIMATELY 30% OF UNDERGRADUATES PAY NOTHING TO ATTEND
STUDENT RESOURCES
HOUSING
Princeton is committed to securing housing for all students through the full term of their enrollment. Transfer students and military veterans are not bound by Princeton’s residency requirement, which requires traditional undergraduates to live and dine within the residential college system for their first two years of enrollment. This allows transfers and veterans who wish to commute from off-campus to do so from their first term. However, the overwhelming majority of transfers and veterans continue to live on campus for their full undergraduate career.
STUDENT HEALTH PLAN
Students are eligible to enroll in the Student Health Plan, as are legally married spouses. Dependent children under the age of 26 can be enrolled in the student health plan.
STUDENT GROUPS
CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
With more than 500 student organizations and Division I sports, there are endless opportunities for students to actively pursue their passions. Spouses, children, and dependents may participate in select events and activities in the residential colleges, as appropriate and for free, with the approval of the college head, dean, or assistant dean.
CAREER SERVICES
The Center for Career Development supports all students and their career goals. They offer a diverse range of opportunities and services that empower students to pursue paths they find personally meaningful.
“Our students can come and find us whenever they need us... we’re here for them... and we really intend to maintain that feel and tight-knit community well into the future as the [transfer] program grows even more.”
DR. JORDAN REED, DIRECTOR OF TRANSFER AND VETERAN INITIATIVES, EMMA BLOOMBERG CENTER FOR ACCESS & OPPORTUNITY (EBCAO)
Follow student groups on Instagram at: Princeton Transfer Association @princetontransfers Princeton Student Veterans @princeton_veterans
SUPPORT
SERVICES
Emma Bloomberg Center For Access and Opportunity: https://access.princeton.edu Transfer & Veteran Program: https://tvn-ebcao.princeton.edu
TRANSFER APPLICATION PROCESS
TRANSFER ELIGIBILITY
Students may transfer if they have the equivalent of one or more years of fulltime postsecondary transferable credit by the spring prior to enrollment.
DATES AND DEADLINES
Transfer application dates for the 2025–26 application cycle
FALL 2025
Transfer Application Available: Common Application plus Princeton-specific questions.
EARLY MARCH 2026
Transfer Application and Princeton-specific questions due
Princeton Financial Aid Application due.
END OF MARCH 2026
For the 2025–26 cycle, standardized tests are not required for an application to be rendered complete. However, those who choose to sit for a test should do so by the end of March.
MID-MAY 2026
Transfer decision notification.
LATE MAY 2026
Transfer candidate’s reply deadline.
Scan the QR code to find out more about transferring to Princeton.
APPLICATION CHECKLIST
✔ Common Application
✔ Princeton-specific Questions
✔ Graded Written Paper
✔ College Report Submitted by School Official
✔ Official High School and College Transcripts
✔ Two Academic Recommendations —one must be a college instructor
✔ Additional Recommendations (optional)
✔ Applicable Test Scores
✔ Application Fee or Fee Waiver
VISIT US!
MILITARY MONDAYS AND TRANSFER TUESDAYS
Princeton University appreciates the diverse perspectives and experiences transfer students bring to our campus. We seek applications from community college students and U.S. military veterans, and we especially encourage first-generation, low-income students to apply.
Join us for one of our upcoming Military Monday or Transfer Tuesday events to learn more about Princeton and the admissions process.
We also host information sessions and campus tours throughout the year for all interested applicants.
NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
In compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other federal, state and local laws, Princeton University does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, religion, national or ethnic origin, disability or veteran status in any phase of its employment process, in any phase of its admission or financial aid programs, or other aspects of its educational programs or activities. The vice provost for institutional equity and diversity is the individual designated by the University to coordinate its efforts to comply with Title IX, Section 504 and other equal opportunity and affirmative action regulations and laws. Questions or concerns regarding Title IX, Section 504 or other aspects of Princeton’s equal opportunity or affirmative action programs should be directed to the Office of the Vice Provost for Institutional Equity and Diversity, Princeton University, 205 Nassau Hall, Princeton, NJ 08544 or (609) 258-6110.
CREDITS
Photographs by the Office of Communications: Denise Applewhite, Gavin Baker, Greg Carroccio, Mitchell Shields, Nick Barberio, Nick Donnoli
Additional photographs and images provided by: Sameer A. Khan / Fotobuddy
Printed on recycled paper
Copyright © 2025 by The Trustees of Princeton University
In the Nation’s Service and the Service of Humanity
Office of Admission P.O. Box 430 Princeton, NJ 08542-0430