Princeton University has received a record 27,259 applications for admission to the Class of 2019. The number, which includes 3,850 candidates who applied last fall through single-choice early action, is now the largest applicant pool in the University's history.
The number increased in recent days as previously incomplete applications were processed and added to the total.
Many of the applicants also applied for Princeton's generous financial aid program, which meets the full need of all admitted students and provides students who qualify for aid with grants that do not need to be repaid. Approximately 60 percent of all undergraduate students receive financial aid, and the average grant per year is more than $40,000. As a result, 75 percent of Princeton students graduate debt free.
"The University's academic excellence and generous financial aid continue to attract outstanding students with diverse backgrounds from across the nation and around the world," Dean of Admission Janet Rapelye said earlier this month. "We read and evaluate every application very carefully. We look forward to the review and expect it will be a challenging and ultimately rewarding experience to select the next freshman class."
The admission process is need-blind for both domestic and international students, and all of them may apply for financial aid.
The University's undergraduate admission office offered admission to 767 of the early applicants in mid-December. Candidates deferred during the early action process will be reconsidered with the regular decision applicants.
Applicants will be notified of admission decisions by late March. About 1,300 freshmen will enroll in the fall of 2015.