Princeton Today
Recognized globally for academic excellence, Princeton University today is a vibrant community of scholarship and learning. As President Shirley M. Tilghman noted in a recent Commencement address:
“The specific components of a Princeton education have evolved over time, but our central aim has remained the same: to instill in each graduate those qualities of mind and character necessary for good citizenship and wise leadership. They include a broad intellectual curiosity that embraces open-mindedness coupled with critical thinking; respect for our moral and cultural inheritance coupled with a capacity for innovation and change; an appreciation of the shared destiny and common humanity of all peoples; and core principles of responsibility, integrity and courage.”
There are many features that define a Princeton education, but what is most distinctive is the emphasis on providing students with ample opportunity to explore and then deepen their academic interests. It is not uncommon to hear students talk about "finding their passion" as a Princeton student—and this passion later informs choices about what to do after graduation.