Princeton University

Princeton University

Princeton University is a private Ivy League research university located in Princeton, New Jersey. Founded in 1746 as the College of New Jersey, it is the fourth-oldest institution of higher education in the United States. Princeton offers undergraduate and graduate education across the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering, and is renowned for its emphasis on undergraduate teaching, its historic campus, and its distinctive residential college system. The university is home to notable alumni, including U.S. presidents, Supreme Court justices, Nobel laureates, and leaders in business, science, and the arts.

1 History

1.1 Founding and early years (1746–1800)

Princeton was founded in 1746 as the College of New Jersey by a group of Presbyterian ministers seeking to train clergy for the growing colonies. The original charter was granted by King George II, and the first classes were held in Elizabeth, New Jersey, under the leadership of President Jonathan Dickinson. In 1747, the college moved to Newark, and in 1756 it relocated to its permanent home in Princeton, where it occupied Nassau Hall, then the largest academic building in the colonies. During the American Revolution, Nassau Hall was briefly occupied by both British and American forces, and the college served as a meeting place for the Continental Congress in 1783. That year, Congress offered the building as a temporary capital, and George Washington received thanks from the assembled delegates in the hall.

1.2 19th century expansion

1.2.1 Campus growth and architecture

The 19th century saw Princeton expand its curriculum beyond theology and classical languages to include the natural and social sciences. Under President James McCosh (1868–1888), the college underwent a major physical and intellectual expansion. McCosh oversaw the construction of several new buildings, including the Chancellor Green Library and the first dormitories. The Gothic Revival style became a defining architectural feature, with later additions such as the University Chapel and the Graduate College mirroring this aesthetic. The college also established the School of Science and began awarding graduate degrees.

1.3 20th century developments

1.3.1 Coeducation and undergraduate expansion

Princeton remained all-male for most of its history. In 1969, after years of debate and a recommendation from a faculty committee, the university began admitting women as undergraduates. The first coeducational class graduated in 1973. This shift prompted the construction of new dormitories and the adaptation of existing facilities, including the residential college system, to accommodate a larger, more diverse student body.

1.3.2 Research university transformation

Under Presidents Woodrow Wilson (1902–1910) and Harold Dodds (1933–1941), Princeton transformed from a small liberal arts college into a major research university. Wilson introduced the preceptorial system, which brought small‑group tutorials to undergraduate teaching, and reorganized the curriculum. The 1930s saw the creation of the School of Public and International Affairs and the School of Engineering. The post‑World War II period brought federal research funding, particularly in the sciences, and the establishment of the Institute for Advanced Study (though it is independent of Princeton, it shares faculty and resources). The university also grew its graduate programs, especially after the founding of the Graduate School in 1901.

1.4 Modern era (21st century)

In the 21st century, Princeton has continued to expand its research enterprise and campus. Notable initiatives include the construction of the Lewis Science Library, the 2013 opening of the Andlinger Center for the Humanities, and the expansion of the School of Engineering. The university has also increased its commitment to financial aid, making tuition free for families earning under a certain income threshold. In 2021, Princeton announced plans to increase enrollment of undergraduates by 10 percent over several years, partly to address socioeconomic diversity.

2 Academics

2.1 Undergraduate programs

2.1.1 Department of Humanities

The Department of Humanities offers majors in classics, English, philosophy, religion, art and archaeology, languages (including French, German, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, and Japanese), and interdepartmental fields such as comparative literature and linguistics. Courses emphasize critical thinking, close reading, and writing. The A.B. degree is the standard undergraduate bachelor of arts.

2.1.2 School of Engineering and Applied Science

Princeton’s School of Engineering and Applied Science offers B.S.E. degrees in six departments: chemical and biological engineering, civil and environmental engineering, computer science, electrical and computer engineering, mechanical and aerospace engineering, and operations research and financial engineering. The school is known for its strong emphasis on fundamentals and for integrating humanities courses into the engineering curriculum.

2.1.3 School of Public and International Affairs

The School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) offers an undergraduate concentration (major) in public policy and international affairs. Students take courses in economics, statistics, political science, and ethics, and complete a policy task force in their junior year. The school also hosts the Woodrow Wilson School’s graduate programs, but the undergraduate program is highly selective.

2.1.4 School of Architecture

The School of Architecture offers an undergraduate A.B. degree in architecture, with a five‑year professional Master of Architecture program for graduate students. The curriculum blends design studios with coursework in architectural history, theory, and technology. The school is housed in the historic Architecture Building on the main campus.

2.2 Graduate programs

2.2.1 Graduate School

The Graduate School oversees all doctoral and master’s programs in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering. Admission is highly selective, and most Ph.D. students receive full financial support through fellowships and assistantships. The school also offers master’s degrees in select fields, such as mathematics, chemistry, and the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs’ M.P.P. and M.P.A.

2.2.2 Professional schools

Princeton does not have a law, medical, or business school in the traditional sense. Its only professional schools are the School of Public and International Affairs (offering graduate degrees) and the School of Architecture (offering the M.Arch). The university also offers professional master’s degrees through the Princeton School of Engineering and Applied Science and the Graduate School.

2.3 Academic calendar and degree requirements

Princeton follows a semester calendar, with fall and spring terms, plus a short “reading period” before final exams. Undergraduate A.B. candidates must complete a senior thesis and two independent work projects; B.S.E. candidates complete a senior design project. All undergraduates must fulfill a distribution requirement (writing, quantitative reasoning, language, and breadth in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering). Graduate students must pass a general examination and write a dissertation.

2.4 Libraries and research centers

2.4.1 Princeton University Library

The Princeton University Library system comprises over 10 million volumes across several buildings, including Firestone Library (the main research library), the Lewis Science Library, the Stokes Library (for SPIA), and the Mendel Music Library. The library also houses the Mudd Manuscript Library, which archives university and public policy papers.

2.4.2 Special collections

Special collections include the Rare Books and Special Collections division, which holds manuscripts by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the papers of Woodrow Wilson, and a notable collection of early American imprints. The library also holds the Elmer Adler Book Arts Collection and the Scheide Library, focused on the history of printing.

3 Campus and architecture

3.1 Main campus layout

The main campus covers about 500 acres in the town of Princeton, New Jersey. Its layout is roughly rectangular, with Nassau Street as its northern boundary, and is divided by a broad central lawn known as the “Front Campus.” The historic core clusters around Nassau Hall, while newer academic buildings and dormitories extend southward. The campus is notable for its Collegiate Gothic and modern architecture, with many buildings clad in gray stone.

3.2 Notable buildings

3.2.1 Nassau Hall

Built in 1756, Nassau Hall is the university’s oldest building and a National Historic Landmark. It houses the administrative offices of the president and other officials. The hall’s bell tower, originally a warning beacon, now rings hourly and plays a role in the university’s traditional “bell-striking” ceremonies.

3.2.2 Chapel

The Princeton University Chapel, built in 1928, is a Gothic revival structure with a 150‑foot tower and seating capacity of 2,000. Its interior features stained‑glass windows depicting scenes from religion and literature. The chapel is used for nondenominational services, concerts, and special events.

3.2.3 Firestone Library

Completed in 1948, Firestone Library is the main humanities and social science library, named for the Firestone family (founders of the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company). It contains reading rooms, a rare book vault, and the university’s archives. A major renovation in the 2010s added a new entrance and modern study spaces.

3.2.4 Whitman College

Whitman College, opened in 2007, is one of Princeton’s six residential colleges. Designed by Robert A.M. Stern, it features a combination of Gothic and modernist styles, with a circular courtyard and a 240‑seat dining hall. It provides housing and dining for about 500 students.

3.3 Gardens and green spaces

The campus includes several formal gardens and green spaces. The most notable is the 190‑acre Princeton Battlefield State Park (adjacent to campus) and the campus’s central lawns, such as the “Front Campus” and “Cannon Green.” The Princeton University Arboretum, established in the 19th century, features hundreds of tree species from around the world.

3.4 Satellite facilities (e.g., Forrestal Campus)

The Forrestal Campus, located about three miles north of the main campus, houses research facilities for the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (a U.S. Department of Energy facility), the Princeton Neuroscience Institute, and other science labs. The campus was originally a World War II naval training base and later converted to research use.

4 Student life

4.1 Residential college system

4.1.1 Six residential colleges

Princeton’s residential college system consists of six colleges: Baker, Butler, First, Mathey, Rockefeller, and Whitman. Each college houses a mix of first‑ and upper‑class students (with First College exclusively for first‑year students) and provides a dining hall, common rooms, study spaces, and a faculty head. The system is designed to foster community across academic disciplines.

4.1.2 Dining and social life

Each residential college has its own dining hall, offering three meals per day. Students eat with fellow college members, and each college hosts regular social events (movie nights, formals, study breaks). The dining halls vary in architecture and menu, but all serve a common menu of diverse cuisines.

4.2 Student organizations and clubs

4.2.1 Performing arts groups

Princeton has over 40 performing arts organizations, including a cappella groups (Tigertones, Nassoons, and others), orchestras (Princeton University Orchestra), theater groups (Princeton University Players, Triangle Club – the oldest college musical comedy group in the U.S.), and dance groups (Ballet Club, Hip‑Hop Collective). The Triangle Club, founded in 1891, produces an original musical each year.

4.2.2 Publications and media

The *Daily Princetonian* is the independent student newspaper, published since 1876. Other major publications include the *Princeton Alumni Weekly*, the *Princeton Progressive*, and literary magazines such as *Nassau Lit* (founded 1842). Student‑run radio station WPRB (103.3 FM) broadcasts alternative music, news, and sports.

4.3 Eating clubs

4.3.1 History and traditions

Eating clubs are exclusive social organizations that began in the late 19th century as alternatives to the college’s co‑operative dining system. They occupy large houses on Prospect Avenue and serve as social hubs for upper‑class students. Historically, eating clubs were male‑only until coeducation in the 1970s; today all are co‑educational.

4.3.2 Selective vs. non-selective clubs

Of the 11 active eating clubs, some are selective (requiring a “bicker” process of interviews and votes) and others are non‑selective (operating on a sign‑up basis). Selective clubs include Ivy and Cottage; non‑selective clubs include Terrace and Cloister. The system has been criticized for promoting socioeconomic stratification, and reforms have been implemented, such as early‑action “open” bicker and financial aid for club dues.

4.4 Athletics and sports

4.4.1 Princeton Tigers (NCAA Division I)

Princeton’s athletic teams, the Tigers, compete in NCAA Division I (FCS for football) as members of the Ivy League. The university fields 38 varsity teams, including football, basketball, hockey, lacrosse, rowing, and squash. Princeton has won team national championships in fencing, rowing, and squash.

4.4.2 Rivalries and traditions

Princeton’s primary rivalry is with the University of Pennsylvania for many sports, and with Harvard and Yale for crew and football. The annual football game against Dartmouth is known as the “Big Three” (with Harvard and Yale forming the older “Big Three” rivalry). A notable tradition is the “Bonfire” after a football victory over Harvard or Yale.

5 Traditions and culture

5.1 Commencement and Reunions

Commencement is held each June on the Front Campus near Nassau Hall. Graduates wear mortarboards, and the university awards honorary degrees. Immediately following, alumni return for Reunions weekend, a three‑day event featuring class parades, concerts, and food tents. Reunions is known for its “P‑rades” (see below) and the display of orange and black costumes by class years.

5.2 P-rades and bonfires

The P‑rade is the central event of Reunions: alumni march from Nassau Hall to the stadium, organized by graduation year, wearing class‑specific clothing and carrying banners. The “bonfire” is held after a football win over Harvard or Yale, with students building a large pyre on Cannon Green.

5.3 Nude Olympics (historical)

From the 1970s until 1999, Princeton students participated in the “Nude Olympics,” an informal, unsanctioned event held on the first night of snowfall, where students would run naked around Cannon Green. The tradition was ended by university administrators due to safety and decency concerns.

5.4 Cannon Green legend

Cannon Green is a lawn in front of Nassau Hall containing two cannons used during the American Revolution. A legend holds that if a virgin walks across the green at midnight, the cannons will fire. The story is widely told but regarded as a humorous myth.

5.5 University motto and seal

Princeton’s motto, *Dei Sub Numine Viget* (“Under God’s power she flourishes”), appears on the official seal. The seal depicts an open book with the words *Vet. Nov. Test.* (Old and New Testaments) above a crossed plume and dagger. The design has been used since the 18th century.

6 Notable people

6.1 Alumni

6.1.1 U.S. presidents and political leaders

Princeton has produced two U.S. presidents: James Madison (Class of 1771) and Woodrow Wilson (Class of 1879). Other political leaders include eleven Supreme Court justices (e.g., Samuel Alito, Sonia Sotomayor, and Elena Kagan) and numerous U.S. senators and governors.

6.1.2 Nobel laureates and scholars

Princeton alumni have won Nobel Prizes in several fields, including John Bardeen (physics, twice), Richard Feynman (physics), and Alice Munro (literature). Among academics, notable alumni include mathematician John Nash, economists Paul Krugman and Ben Bernanke, and historian Henry Louis Gates Jr.

6.1.3 Writers and artists

F. Scott Fitzgerald (Class of 1917, did not graduate), wrote *This Side of Paradise* about Princeton life. Other literary alumni include Toni Morrison (also a professor), Joyce Carol Oates, and Jodi Picoult. In the arts, actor Jimmy Stewart (Class of 1932) and composer Milton Babbitt are Princeton graduates.

6.1.4 Business and industry leaders

Princeton alumni in business include Jeff Bezos (B.S.E. 1986, founder of Amazon), Eric Schmidt (B.S.E. 1976, former Google CEO), and James Stewart (Class of 1908, founder of the Stewart & Company). The university also counts Mellody Hobson (Class of 1991, co‑CEO of Ariel Investments) among its notable business alumni.

6.2 Faculty and administrators

6.2.1 Notable professors

Princeton’s faculty has included Albert Einstein (at the Institute for Advanced Study, but he taught courses at Princeton), physicists John Wheeler and Freeman Dyson, mathematicians John von Neumann and Andrew Wiles, economists John Nash and Paul Samuelson, and novelists Toni Morrison and John McPhee.

6.2.2 Presidents of Princeton

Notable presidents include Jonathan Dickinson (first president), John Witherspoon (signer of the Declaration of Independence), Woodrow Wilson (later U.S. president), Harold Dodds (who oversaw coeducation), and Shirley M. Tilghman (1991–2013, the first woman president). The current president is Christopher L. Eisgruber (since 2013).

7 In popular culture

7.1 Films and television

Princeton University has been featured as a setting in numerous films. The 1996 film *The Mirror Has Two Faces* included scenes shot on campus. The 2001 film *A Beautiful Mind* portrayed mathematician John Nash, a former Princeton professor and alumnus. The 2010 film *The Social Network* shows a Harvard‑centric narrative but includes Princeton references. In television, *The Office* featured a Princeton graduate (Jim Halpert). The 2020 Netflix series *The Queen’s Gambit* used Princeton as a stand‑in for the University of Kentucky.

7.2 Literature and media references

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s *This Side of Paradise* is set at Princeton, capturing the social atmosphere of the early 20th century. The university appears in works by John Berendt (*Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil*), John McPhee’s *The Princeton Project*, and in the comic strip *Doonesbury* (where character Mike Doonesbury’s daughter visits Princeton). The university’s library is mentioned in David Foster Wallace’s *Infinite Jest*.

7.3 Internet memes and lighthearted depictions

Princeton is sometimes the subject of lighthearted internet memes, particularly about its perceived wealth, “lazy” students (the “Princeton” stereotype in *The Office*), and its aesthetic campus. A recurring meme on social media contrasts Princeton’s Gothic architecture with Harvard’s brick buildings, often using the tag “#PrincetonEscape” for stressed students. The “Nude Olympics” tradition has been referenced in Twitter jokes about snow days. The university’s “Eating Clubs” are occasionally parodied as comically exclusive, especially in online lists comparing Ivy League dining. The “Cannon Green” legend about virgins and cannons is a popular campus meme among students. None of these depictions are accurate, but they contribute to the university’s public image.