Princeton University continues to be placed in a leading position by national and international college and university rankings for its strength of academic programs, student experience and overall value.
Princeton University was ranked No. 1 overall in the Best National Universities category in the "U.S. News 2015 America's Best Colleges" by U.S. News & World Report. It was ranked No. 2 in the most recent list of the 100 "Best Values in Private Colleges" by Kiplinger's Personal Finance and No. 4 in the Forbes ranking of the nation's 650 best undergraduate institutions in "America's Top Colleges."
U.S. News & World Report also ranked the University as the top school for its commitment to undergraduate teaching, and recognized Princeton in other academic categories including its engineering curriculum, the economic diversity of its student body and the outstanding opportunities for undergraduate students to participate in research. Princeton topped the list for low student debt among all national universities.
Princeton was the first university in the United States to offer a comprehensive no-loan financial aid program that provides need-based aid in the form of grants, making it possible for students to graduate without debt. About 60 percent of Princeton undergraduates receive grants, and the average grant for a student receiving aid this academic year is expected to be almost $43,000.
In international surveys, Princeton was ranked No. 6 in the Shanghai Jiao Tong ranking, officially known as the Academic Ranking of World Universities; ranked No. 6 in the latest Times Higher Education's World University Rankings; and in the top 10 among 800 institutions across the globe by the QS World University Rankings.
"We are pleased that the University's outstanding academic quality and commitment to providing an affordable education continue to be recognized both nationally and abroad," Princeton officials said.
The Princeton Review education service recognized the University in multiple categories in its "Best 379 Colleges - 2015 Edition" list, including a No. 3 ranking for "Great Financial Aid" and high rankings in the "best-run colleges," "students study the most" and "most beautiful campus" categories. The Princeton Review is a private firm not affiliated with the University and ranked schools based on student survey responses to various elements of campus life.
Surveys that measure other areas of student experience and outcomes continue to rank Princeton highly in multiple areas, including as a favorable campus climate for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students; student satisfaction; entrepreneurial programs; and for an education providing a stronger return on investment relative to other universities. The University was also recognized for the service of its students, and was listed among medium-sized institutions contributing the greatest number of graduating seniors to Teach For America.
"Service is an essential component of the Princeton experience, and students continue to embody the University's unofficial motto, 'In the Nation's Service and in the Service of All Nations,'" Princeton officials said. "The University's Bridge Year Program, which offers students the opportunity to live abroad while performing service projects before they begin their studies at Princeton, is one of many service experiences students can pursue."
Princeton's many sustainability efforts both inside and outside the classroom earned the University a place in the 2014 edition of "Princeton Review's Guide to 332 Green Colleges," which features the nation's most environmentally responsible campuses.
"While rankings offer valuable information, we encourage students to explore as many sources as they can to determine which university or college may be the best match for them," said Princeton officials.
Additional resources are available for students interested in learning more about Princeton including the University's websites, social media accounts, admission materials and campus tours.