Princeton’s Class of 2027 vs. Class of 2028: A Comparative Analysis

An in-depth comparison of Princeton’s Class of 2027 and Class of 2028, highlighting key changes in diversity, financial aid, and class size.

Princeton University’s Class of 2028 introduces key changes compared to the previous year's Class of 2027, especially in areas like racial diversity and undergraduate expansion.

This article delves into the primary differences between these two cohorts, analyzing how shifts in diversity and other factors are shaping the university's student body.

Enrollment and Class Size

• Class of 2027: 1,366 students
• Class of 2028: 1,411 students

The Class of 2028 includes 1,411 first-time, first-year students, marking a slight increase from the 1,366 students in the Class of 2027. This increase is part of Princeton’s multi-year expansion of its undergraduate student body, which aims to increase access to Princeton’s prestigious education.

The Class of 2028 also features 36 transfer students, the largest group since Princeton reinstated its transfer program in 2018. This expansion brings more students from community colleges and military backgrounds into Princeton’s academic community.

First-Generation College Students

• Class of 2027: 17%
• Class of 2028: 16.3%

The representation of first-generation college students saw a slight decline from 17% in 2027 to 16.3% in 2028. Despite this small decrease, Princeton continues to emphasize first-generation students as part of its ongoing efforts to make higher education accessible to underrepresented groups.

Financial Aid and Pell Grant Eligibility

• Class of 2027: 66% of students qualify for financial aid; 22% eligible for Pell Grants
• Class of 2028: 71.5% of students qualify for financial aid; 21.7% eligible for Pell Grants

One of the key differences between the two classes is the increase in the number of students receiving financial aid. In the Class of 2028, 71.5% of students qualify for financial aid, up from 66% in the Class of 2027. This reflects Princeton’s enhanced financial aid policies aimed at supporting students from a wide range of socioeconomic backgrounds.

SAT and ACT Scores: Maintaining High Standards

• Class of 2027:
  • SAT Math: 780-800
  • SAT ERW: 760-780
  • ACT Composite: 34-35
• Class of 2028:
  • SAT Math: 780-800
  • SAT ERW: 760-780
  • ACT Composite: 34-35

Both classes have similar middle 50% ranges for SAT and ACT scores, demonstrating Princeton’s commitment to academic excellence. These scores reflect the competitive nature of the university's admissions process, with the majority of incoming students performing at the highest levels on standardized tests.

Racial and Ethnic Diversity Breakdown

Princeton has consistently emphasized the importance of creating a diverse and inclusive campus, but the Class of 2028 saw minor changes in the racial composition compared to the Class of 2027. Below is a detailed comparison:

African American: The percentage of African American students slightly increased from 8.6% in 2027 to 8.9% in 2028.

Asian American: Asian American representation remained fairly stable, with a slight increase from 23.7% to 23.8%.

Latino/Hispanic: Latino/Hispanic representation decreased from 9.9% in 2027 to 9.0% in 2028.

Two or More Races: The proportion of students identifying as multiracial saw a small increase from 7.0% to 7.2%.

Native American and Pacific Islander: Native American representation stayed consistent at 0.1%, while Pacific Islander representation dropped to 0% in the Class of 2028.

Expansion of Transfer Students

Princeton’s commitment to enrolling more students from diverse educational and career backgrounds is evident in the increase in transfer students for the Class of 2028. With 36 transfer students joining the class, including 23 who served in the U.S. military, the university continues to broaden opportunities for non-traditional students. Many of these transfer students come from community colleges, such as Mercer County Community College and Bronx Community College.

A Commitment to Diversity and Access

The Class of 2028 represents Princeton's evolving admissions strategy, balancing academic excellence with an ongoing commitment to diversity and accessibility. Although there are slight changes in the racial composition of the student body, Princeton continues to emphasize inclusion, particularly through its generous financial aid programs.

The increase in students receiving financial aid and the growing transfer student population highlight Princeton’s dedication to providing opportunities for students from all backgrounds.

Princeton’s holistic admissions process, which considers a wide range of factors beyond standardized test scores, continues to be key in shaping the university’s student body, even as the national landscape changes. As Princeton expands its undergraduate program, future classes will likely reflect further progress in the university's mission to create a diverse and dynamic learning environment.