Princeton University, located in Princeton, New Jersey, is a prestigious private Ivy League research university. Established in 1746 as the College of New Jersey, it holds the distinction of being the fourth-oldest institution of higher education in the United States. Originally founded in Elizabeth, the university relocated to Newark in 1747 before settling in its current location in 1756. In 1896, it was officially designated as a university and renamed Princeton University.
1900: Establishment of the Graduate School
In 1900, Princeton University formally established its Graduate School.
1902: Resignation of President Francis Patton
Francis Patton resigned as president of Princeton University in 1902 due to dissatisfaction with his administration and changes in the board of trustees.
1903: Football Using Rugby Rules
In 1903, Princeton's football team was still playing using rugby rules, a practice that had been ongoing since 1877.
1905: Introduction of the Preceptorial System
Woodrow Wilson, president of Princeton University, introduced the preceptorial system in 1905. This innovative teaching method used small groups of students, called precepts, to engage with a single instructor, or preceptor, in their field of study.
1906: Creation of Lake Carnegie and Nonsectarian Status
Andrew Carnegie funded the creation of Lake Carnegie for Princeton University in 1906. The same year, Princeton officially became a nonsectarian institution.
1906: Lake Carnegie: A Gift with a Hope
In 1906, Andrew Carnegie funded the creation of Lake Carnegie, hoping it would encourage Princeton students to choose rowing over football.
1907: Recovering from Enrollment Decline
After a period of declining enrollment due to tightening academic standards, Princeton University saw enrollment numbers recover in 1907.
1911: Bronze Tigers Replace Lions at Nassau Hall
The year 1911 saw a symbolic change at Nassau Hall as bronze tigers, a gift from the Class of 1879, replaced the existing lion statues.
1912: Beatrix Farrand Begins Designing Princeton's Landscape
Beatrix Farrand began her influential work on Princeton's landscape design in 1912.
1912: John Grier Hibben Becomes President
John Grier Hibben became the president of Princeton University in 1912, marking the start of his two-decade tenure.
October 2, 1913: Dedication of the Princeton University Graduate College
On October 2, 1913, the Princeton University Graduate College was officially dedicated.
1917: Princeton University's Role in World War I
When the United States entered World War I in 1917, Princeton University, under President Hibben, dedicated its resources to supporting the government. The university provided military training and used its facilities for research and other war efforts.
1919: Establishment of the School of Architecture
Princeton University established the School of Architecture in 1919.
1919: Formation of the Tiger Band
The comedic scramble Tiger Band, a cherished part of Princeton's musical tradition, was formed in 1919. The band has been entertaining audiences at halftime shows and other campus events ever since.
1921: Establishment of the School of Engineering
In 1921, Princeton University founded its School of Engineering.
1922: Implementation of Selective Admission
Following a surge in enrollment after World War I, Princeton University's trustees implemented a system of selective admission in 1922.
1922: Commencement Ceremony Moves to Nassau Hall Lawn
In 1922, Princeton's commencement ceremony found a new home on the front lawn of Nassau Hall, weather permitting.
1923: Introduction of the Senior Thesis
As part of the 'New Plan of Study', President Hibben introduced the senior thesis requirement at Princeton University in 1923.
1924: Construction Begins on Princeton University Chapel
The first stones were laid for Princeton University Chapel in 1924, marking the beginning of its construction.
1928: Princeton University Chapel Completed
After four years of construction, Princeton University Chapel was finished in 1928.
1930: Establishment of the School of Public and International Affairs
Princeton University established the School of Public and International Affairs in 1930.
1930: Founding of the Institute for Advanced Study
The Institute for Advanced Study, created to accommodate the influx of European scientists, many fleeing Nazi Germany, was founded near Princeton University in 1930. This influx significantly boosted Princeton's reputation in physics and mathematics. Notably, Albert Einstein joined the Institute.
1936: Bruce M. Wright's Admission and Subsequent Dismissal
In 1936, Bruce M. Wright made history as the first African American to be admitted to Princeton University. However, his admission was a bureaucratic error, and upon his arrival on campus, he was asked to leave. This incident highlighted the deep-seated racial prejudice prevalent at the time.
1941: Formation of the Nassoons
The Nassoons, Princeton's oldest a cappella ensemble, emerged onto the campus music scene in 1941. Their harmonious tunes have been a beloved part of Princeton's tradition ever since.
1943: Beatrix Farrand Completes Her Work on Princeton's Landscape
After three decades, Beatrix Farrand completed her significant contributions to Princeton's landscape design in 1943.
1945: Princeton Implements V-12 Program, Paving the Way for Black Student Integration
In 1945, Princeton University took a pivotal step towards racial integration with the implementation of the V-12 program, a wartime initiative that allowed for the admission of Black students. This marked a turning point in the university's history.
1946: Formation of the Tigertones
The Tigertones, an all-male a cappella group, joined Princeton's vibrant music community in 1946. Their performances have entertained generations of students and alumni.
1947: John L. Howard Becomes Princeton's First Black Graduate
In 1947, John L. Howard, one of the first Black students admitted through the V-12 program, etched his name into Princeton's history by becoming the first Black student to graduate with a bachelor's degree. His accomplishment marked a significant milestone in the university's journey toward greater racial equality and inclusion.
1947: Female Library Staff Enroll in Russian Courses
In 1947, three female members of the Princeton University library staff enrolled in beginning Russian language courses. This decision was driven by a practical need to handle the growing collection of Russian literature in the library.
1948: Completion of Firestone Library at Princeton
In 1948, Princeton University completed the construction of Firestone Library, which serves as the main library on the university's campus. Housing a vast collection of over seven million bound volumes, it stands as one of the largest university libraries in the United States, with a particular focus on humanities and social sciences.
1948: Construction of Firestone Library
Princeton University completed the construction of Firestone Library in 1948, demonstrating the institution's increasing focus on research in the post-war years.
1951: Dick Kazmaier Wins Heisman Trophy
In 1951, Dick Kazmaier won Princeton its only Heisman Trophy, the last to come from the Ivy League.
1951: Launch of Project Matterhorn at Princeton
Project Matterhorn, a top-secret Cold War initiative with the goal of achieving controlled nuclear fusion, was initiated at Princeton University in 1951.
1955: Establishment of GFDL for Climate Research
The Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL) was established in 1955 to advance climate research and modeling.
1957: Establishment of Wilson Lodge
In 1957, Wilson Lodge, later renamed Wilson College and subsequently First College, was established as an alternative to the eating clubs. This marked the beginning of Princeton's residential college system.
1957: Continuous Ivy League Title Wins Begin
Since 1957, Princeton has won at least one Ivy League title every year, showcasing its consistent athletic prowess.
1959: Formation of the Footnotes
Another all-male a cappella group, the Footnotes, was established in 1959, further enriching Princeton's a cappella tradition. Their unique blend of harmonies has resonated with audiences over the years.
1960: End of an Era: Collegiate Gothic Architecture at Princeton
1960 marked the end of an era for Princeton's architecture, as the university moved away from its signature Collegiate Gothic style for new buildings.
1961: Admission of First Female Graduate Student
Princeton University admitted its first female graduate student, Sabra Follett Meservey, in 1961. At the time, Meservey was already a faculty member at Douglass College, a women's college affiliated with Rutgers University. Meservey went on to become the first woman to earn a master's degree from Princeton.
1961: Declassification of Project Matterhorn and Birth of PPPL
Project Matterhorn, a previously classified initiative, was declassified in 1961 and renamed the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL). With its new public status, the lab continued its mission of advancing fusion energy research and plasma physics.
1963: Five Women Study "Critical Languages"
In 1963, Princeton University welcomed five women to its campus for a year-long program in "critical languages." However, these women were not considered candidates for Princeton degrees, reflecting the institution's ongoing resistance to full coeducation at the time.
1964: First Woman Receives a Ph.D. from Princeton
T'sai-ying Cheng made history in 1964 by becoming the first woman to earn a Ph.D. from Princeton University, a significant accomplishment that challenged the institution's historically male-dominated academic environment.
1965: Founding of Students for a Democratic Society (SDS)
The year 1965 marked the establishment of the Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) chapter at Princeton, which went on to play a pivotal role in organizing numerous protests.
1966: Nassau Hall Achieves National Recognition
Nassau Hall, a building steeped in history, was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1966.
1966: SDS Pickets President Lyndon B. Johnson's Speech
In 1966, the SDS gained significant attention when they picketed a speech delivered by President Lyndon B. Johnson. This event garnered national coverage, landing on the front page of The New York Times, and solidified the SDS's presence on campus.
1967: Surge in African American Enrollment at Princeton
Beginning in 1967, Princeton University witnessed a substantial increase in African American student enrollment, rising from a mere 1.7% to a more representative 10%. This surge marked a significant step towards greater racial diversity on campus.
1967: Pete Carril's Coaching Era Begins
In 1967, Pete Carril began his tenure as head coach of Princeton's men's basketball team, leading the team to great success over nearly three decades.
1967: Discussions about Merging with Sarah Lawrence College
In 1967, Princeton University engaged in discussions with Sarah Lawrence College, a women's college, to explore the possibility of relocating Sarah Lawrence to Princeton and merging the two institutions. However, these discussions ultimately proved unsuccessful.
1967: SDS Defeats R.O.T.C. in Football
In a symbolic victory against military presence on campus, members of the SDS and their supporters triumphed over the campus R.O.T.C. chapter in a game of touch football in 1967.
1968: Relocation of GFDL to Princeton's Forrestal Campus
In 1968, the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL) was relocated to Princeton University's Forrestal Campus. This relocation facilitated greater collaboration between the lab's researchers and the university's faculty and students.
1968: Wilson Lodge Dedicated as Wilson College
Wilson Lodge was formally dedicated as Wilson College in 1968, solidifying its role as a pioneering experiment for the residential college system at Princeton University.
January 1969: Trustees Vote in Favor of Coeducation
In January 1969, Princeton University's board of trustees cast a vote of 24-8 in favor of adopting coeducation, marking a pivotal moment in the institution's history.
April 1969: Coeducation Plans Finalized
Princeton University finalized its plans for coeducation in April 1969, paving the way for the admission of women in the upcoming fall semester.
September 1969: First Female Students Enroll
September 1969 marked a historic milestone for Princeton University as it welcomed its first cohort of female students. A total of 101 female freshmen and 70 female transfer students enrolled, ushering in a new era of coeducation.
1969: Coeducation at Princeton University
Princeton University officially became a coeducational institution in 1969 during Robert Goheen's presidency.
1969: Admission of Women
In 1969, Princeton University ended its long-standing policy of excluding women, officially becoming a coeducational institution.
1970: Student, Faculty, and Staff Strike
Reaching a peak in 1970, activism at Princeton culminated in a significant strike involving students, faculty, and staff members. The strike aimed to pressure the university to take a firm stance against the Vietnam War, reflecting the widespread sentiment on campus.
1971: First Female Trustees
In 1971, Princeton University appointed its first female trustees, Mary St. John Douglas and Susan Savage Speers, marking a significant step towards greater gender diversity in the institution's leadership.
1971: Dedication of the Third World Center
The Third World Center, now known as the Carl A. Fields Center, was dedicated at Princeton University in 1971. This event coincided with a period of increasing diversity at the institution.
1971: Formation of the Tigerlilies
The Tigerlilies, an all-female a cappella group, graced Princeton's music scene in 1971, adding their voices to the university's diverse musical tapestry.
1972: End of Robert Goheen's Presidency
Robert Goheen's term as president of Princeton University ended in 1972. His tenure was marked by a more liberal approach, a rise in Black applicants, and the university's transition to coeducation.
1973: Formation of the Princeton Katzenjammers
Breaking barriers in the Ivy League, the Princeton Katzenjammers emerged as the oldest coed a cappella group in 1973. Their inclusive nature and exceptional musicality have made them a cherished part of Princeton's musical legacy.
1973: Conversion of Forrestal Campus Land
As scientific research declined at Princeton University's Forrestal campus, some of the land was repurposed for commercial and residential use in 1973.
1973: Start of Examined Period for Grade Inflation at Princeton
1973 marks the start of the time period when Princeton University began tracking a concerning upward trend in student grades, a phenomenon known as grade inflation.
1974: Elimination of Gender Quotas
Princeton University removed all quotas based on gender in 1974, signaling a commitment to equal opportunity in admissions.
1977: Start of Early Action Program at Princeton
Princeton University introduced an early action program for undergraduate admissions in 1977, providing an alternative application pathway for students seeking admission.
1979: Lawsuit Regarding Eating Clubs
A pivotal lawsuit was filed in 1979 challenging the all-male membership policies of Princeton University's eating clubs. This legal action set in motion a series of events that would eventually lead to the clubs becoming coeducational.
1979: Nude Olympics Goes Co-educational
In 1979, the Nude Olympics, an annual event that involved nude and partially nude activities, became co-educational, reflecting the changing social norms and the university's transition to coeducation.
1979: University Report Recommends Expansion of Residential Colleges
To address the increasing enrollment in the 1970s, a university report in 1979 recommended the establishment of five residential colleges. This recommendation laid the groundwork for the further development of Princeton's residential college system.
1981: Formation of the Tigressions
The Tigressions, another all-female a cappella group, joined Princeton's musical ranks in 1981. Their performances have captivated audiences and showcased the talent within Princeton's female vocalists.
1982: Rockefeller College Established
Rockefeller College was established in 1982 as part of Princeton's effort to expand its residential college system and provide a more intimate and supportive living-learning environment for students.
1982: Establishment of the Residential College System
Under the leadership of William G. Bowen, Princeton University formally established its residential college system in 1982.
1983: Formation of the Roaring 20
The Roaring 20, a coed a cappella group, added their vibrant energy to Princeton's music scene in 1983. Their performances have been a testament to the power of collaboration and musical talent.
1983: Mathey and Butler Colleges Established
Princeton University witnessed the establishment of two more residential colleges in 1983: Mathey College and Butler College. These colleges were part of a comprehensive plan to enhance the undergraduate residential experience.
1984: Forbes College Established
Forbes College was established in 1984, joining the growing number of residential colleges at Princeton University. These colleges aimed to foster a sense of community and provide students with a supportive academic and social environment.
1984: Bob Bradley Begins Coaching Men's Soccer
In 1984, Princeton alumnus Bob Bradley began coaching the men's soccer team, leading them to notable successes including two Ivy League titles.
1985: Jewish Student Representation at Princeton
In 1985, Jewish students constituted 16% of the student body at Princeton University. This data point provides a historical context for understanding the subsequent decline in Jewish enrollment.
1986: Institution of the Three-Point Line
In 1986, the three-point line was instituted in NCAA Division I basketball, a significant rule change that affected gameplay, including that of Princeton's team.
1987: Lyrics of "Old Nassau" Revised to Reflect Coeducation
Recognizing the changing demographics of the student body, Princeton University updated the gendered lyrics of its alma mater, "Old Nassau," in 1987. This change aimed to make the song more inclusive and reflective of the university's co-educational status.
1987: Formation of the Wildcats
The Wildcats, an all-female a cappella group, were formed in 1987, contributing to the rich tradition of female a cappella singing at Princeton. Their performances have been a testament to the power and beauty of women's voices.
1988: End of Bowen's Presidency
William G. Bowen's tenure as president of Princeton University concluded in 1988.
1990: Princeton University Aims to Reduce Carbon Emissions to 1990 Levels
Princeton University set an ambitious goal to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions back to the levels of 1990, without relying on market offsets.
1991: Eating Clubs Go Coeducational
After a protracted legal battle that reached the U.S. Supreme Court, Princeton University's eating clubs were mandated to become coeducational in 1991, ending their long-standing practice of excluding women.
1992: Men's Lacrosse Period of Success Begins
In 1992, Princeton's men's lacrosse program began a period of notable success, winning six national championships by 2001.
1993: Men's Soccer NCAA Final Four Appearance
In 1993, Princeton's men's soccer team, under the guidance of Bob Bradley, made an appearance at the NCAA Final Four.
1994: Formation of the Princeton Environmental Institute
In 1994, President Harold T. Shapiro spearheaded the establishment of the Princeton Environmental Institute, a multidisciplinary center dedicated to environmental research and education.
1994: Formation of Shere Khan
Shere Khan, a coed a cappella group, joined Princeton's musical community in 1994, bringing their unique sound and style to the university's diverse a cappella landscape.
1995: End of the Early Action Program at Princeton
After nearly two decades, Princeton University discontinued its early action program for undergraduate admissions in 1995. This decision marked a shift in the university's admissions policies.
1995: Bob Bradley Ends Coaching Tenure
In 1995, Bob Bradley ended his coaching tenure at Princeton, having led the men's soccer team to significant achievements, including an NCAA Final Four appearance.
1996: Carril's Final Victory at Princeton
In 1996, Pete Carril's final victory as Princeton's head coach came when the Tigers beat UCLA, the defending national champion, in the opening round of the NCAA tournament.
1996: Transition to Early Decision at Princeton
Princeton University transitioned from an early action program to an early decision program for undergraduate admissions in 1996, marking another shift in the university's approach to evaluating applicants.
1997: End of Examined Period for Grade Inflation at Princeton
By 1997, it became evident that there was a substantial increase in undergraduate grades at Princeton University. This marked the end of the period under examination for grade inflation and fueled concerns within the university.
1998: Princeton Administration Begins Addressing Grade Inflation
Concerns about grade inflation at Princeton were first voiced in 1998 following the publication of a university report that indicated a significant increase in undergraduate grades between 1973 and 1997.
1998: Benchmark Year for Grade Distribution at Princeton
The year 1998 serves as an important reference point in Princeton's history as it marks the beginning of the period when concerns about grade inflation were first raised and subsequently addressed through policy changes.
1999: Decline in Jewish Student Enrollment Raises Concerns
In 1999, Princeton University's Jewish student population stood at 10%, a figure notably lower than those at peer Ivy League institutions. This represented a significant decline from the 16% recorded in 1985. The drop sparked concern and prompted investigations into the reasons behind it.
2000: Restoration Begins on Princeton University Chapel
The year 2000 marked the beginning of a significant restoration project for Princeton University Chapel.
2000: Quennell Rothschild & Partners Introduce Landscape Changes
The year 2000 saw Quennell Rothschild & Partners implementing new changes to Princeton's landscape.
2000: Administration Bans Nude Olympics
Citing concerns related to sexual harassment and safety, the administration made the decision to ban the Nude Olympics in 2000. This decision sparked disappointment among some students who saw the event as a cherished tradition.
2001: Election of First Female President
In 2001, Princeton University celebrated a historic milestone with the election of its first female president, marking a significant advancement in gender equality within the institution.
2001: Men's Lacrosse Success Period Ends
In 2001, Princeton's men's lacrosse program concluded a decade of success during which it won six national championships.
2001: Shift in Financial Aid Policy and Election of First Female President
Princeton University underwent two significant transformations in 2001. The institution shifted its financial aid policy to a grant-based system, replacing loans and enhancing affordability. Furthermore, Shirley M. Tilghman was elected as Princeton's first female president, marking a historic moment for the university.
2002: Princeton University Chapel's Restoration Completed
Two years and $10 million later, the extensive restoration of Princeton University Chapel concluded in 2002.
2004: Implementation of Grade Deflation Policy at Princeton
In 2004, Nancy Weiss Malkiel, the dean of the college, implemented a grade deflation policy in response to the rising average GPA at Princeton. The policy was intended to address the perception that an 'A' grade was becoming less meaningful.
2004: Women's Soccer NCAA Semifinals
In 2004, Princeton's women's soccer team advanced to the NCAA Division I Women's Soccer Championship semi-finals, becoming the first Ivy League team to do so in a 64-team setting.
December 14, 2005: Tied Record for Fewest Points in Game
On December 14, 2005, Princeton's men's basketball team tied the record for the fewest points scored in a Division I game since the three-point line's institution in 1986–87, scoring only 21 points in a loss against Monmouth University.
2005: Princeton Appoints New Consulting Landscape Architect
In 2005, Michael Van Valkenburgh took on the role of consulting landscape architect for Princeton's 2016 Campus Plan.
September 2006: Princeton Ends Early Decision Admissions
Princeton University announced in September 2006 its decision to eliminate its early decision program for undergraduate admissions, starting with the Class of 2012. This change meant that all applicants would be evaluated together during a single admissions cycle.
2007: Consideration of Mascot Naming
In 2007, the Princeton administration considered naming its tiger mascot. However, the effort was dropped due to opposition from alumni and students.
2007: Whitman College Founded
Princeton University celebrated the founding and construction of Whitman College in 2007, a project that amounted to $100 million. This addition reflected Princeton's commitment to expanding its residential college system.
2008: Princeton University Launches Its First Sustainability Action Plan
In 2008, Princeton University took a significant step towards environmental responsibility by implementing its first formal Sustainability Action Plan.
2009: Butler College Undergoes Reconstruction
After the demolition of its original dorms in 2007, Butler College underwent a significant reconstruction project. The new complex was completed in 2009, providing modern and comfortable living spaces for students.
2009: Transparency on Princeton Transcripts about Grade Deflation
To provide transparency to external institutions, Princeton University began including a statement about their grade deflation policy on student transcripts starting in 2009.
February 2011: Princeton Reinstates Early Admissions
Following the decisions of peer institutions like the University of Virginia and Harvard University to reinstate early admissions, Princeton University announced in February 2011 that it would also bring back an early admissions option for undergraduate applicants. The university opted for a single-choice early action program, which is still in effect today.
2012: First Class Admitted Through Single Pool at Princeton
The year 2012 marked the graduation of the first undergraduate class at Princeton University that was admitted through a single-pool evaluation process, following the university's decision to end its early decision program in 2006.
2012: Retirement of Shirley M. Tilghman
In 2012, Shirley M. Tilghman stepped down from her role as president of Princeton University.
2012: Field Hockey National Championship
In 2012, Princeton's field hockey team became the first in the Ivy League to win a national championship.
2012: Diana Matheson Scores Game-Winning Goal
In 2012, Princeton alumna Diana Matheson scored the game-winning goal that earned Canada their Olympic bronze medal.
October 2013: Formation of Committee to Review Grade Deflation at Princeton
Princeton President Christopher Eisgruber formed a faculty committee in October 2013 to review the effectiveness and impact of the university's grade deflation policy.
2013: Election of Christopher Eisgruber
Christopher Eisgruber assumed the presidency of Princeton University in 2013, becoming the institution's 20th president.
2013: Christopher Eisgruber Becomes Princeton's 20th President
In 2013, Christopher Eisgruber was chosen by Princeton University's board of trustees to serve as the institution's 20th president.
August 2014: Recommendation to Remove Princeton's Grade Deflation Policy
In August 2014, a faculty committee at Princeton recommended the removal of the university's grade deflation policy in favor of developing standardized grading criteria across all departments.
October 2014: Princeton Removes Numerical Targets for Grade Deflation
Following a faculty vote, Princeton University removed the numerical targets associated with its grade deflation policy in October 2014. This decision was made in response to a report from a faculty committee that recommended alternative approaches to grading.
2014: Princeton University's Accreditation Reaffirmed
Princeton University underwent a reaffirmation of its accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) in 2014.
2016: Princeton's Campus Plan
Princeton's campus plan, for which Michael Van Valkenburgh was appointed as the landscape architect in 2005, was put into action in 2016.
2017: Launch of the Princeton & Slavery Project
Princeton University launched the Princeton & Slavery Project in 2017, a comprehensive public history and digital humanities initiative aimed at investigating and reckoning with the university's historical ties to slavery.
2017: Princeton's Pell Grant Eligibility Exceeds National Average
In 2017, Princeton University demonstrated its dedication to socioeconomic diversity, with 22% of its freshman class qualifying for federal Pell Grants. This figure surpassed the 16% average for the top 150 schools ranked by U.S. News & World Report, as well as the national average of 44%, underscoring Princeton's commitment to accessibility for students from all backgrounds.
2017: Princeton University's Research Expenditure Ranking
Based on data from 2017, Princeton University secured the 72nd position among 902 institutions for research expenditures, highlighting its significant investment in research and development.
April 2018: Naming of Public Spaces for Enslaved People
In April 2018, Princeton University's trustees made a significant decision to name two public spaces in honor of James Collins Johnson and Betsey Stockton. These individuals were enslaved people who lived and worked on Princeton's campus, and their stories were brought to light through the Princeton & Slavery Project.
2018: Princeton's National Academy Membership and Research Infrastructure
In 2018, Princeton University had a total of 126 members in the National Academy, placing it ninth in the nation. This recognition highlights the university's contribution to research and the presence of prominent scholars among its faculty. Additionally, Princeton houses 75 research institutes and centers and two national laboratories, solidifying its position as a research powerhouse.
2018: Jerome Powell Appointed as Chair of the U.S. Federal Reserve Board
In 2018, Princeton alumnus Jerome Powell was appointed as Chair of the U.S. Federal Reserve Board.
2018: Reinstatement of Princeton's Transfer Student Program
Princeton University reinstated its transfer student program in 2018 after a three-decade hiatus. The program aims to broaden access to a Princeton education for students from diverse backgrounds, including those from low-income families, military veterans, and community colleges.
2018: Last National Football Championship Win
Princeton's last national football championship win was in 2018, adding to its 12 Ivy League championships.
2018: Over 500 Ivy League Championships
By 2018, Princeton became the first university in its conference to win over 500 Ivy League athletic championships.
2019: Study Reveals Socioeconomic Diversity Trends at Princeton
A 2019 article published in The Daily Princetonian shed light on socioeconomic trends at Princeton University, revealing that while the university has made progress in diversifying its student body, challenges remain. The data indicated that 10% of students came from the wealthiest zip codes in the United States, as identified by Bloomberg's 2018 list of "100 Richest Places." The study also found that the top 20% of high schools sent a disproportionately high number of students to Princeton compared to the bottom 80% of high schools.
2019: Princeton University Unveils Its Second Sustainability Action Plan
Coinciding with Earth Day in 2019, Princeton University released its second Sustainability Action Plan.
2019: Kiplinger Ranks Princeton Fifth Best Value School
In 2019, Kiplinger magazine recognized Princeton University as the fifth best value school in a comprehensive ranking that considered private universities, private liberal arts colleges, and public colleges. The ranking highlighted Princeton's low average graduating debt of $9,005.
2019: Start of Academic Year with Graduate School Statistics at Princeton
The 2019-2020 academic year at Princeton saw a diverse graduate student body and marked a period of significant academic achievement.
2019: Start of Admissions Cycle for the Class of 2024 at Princeton
The 2019-2020 admissions cycle at Princeton University commenced, marking the beginning of the selection process for the undergraduate Class of 2024.
2019: Student Activism Regarding Title IX Policy
The year 2019 witnessed a resurgence of large-scale student activism at Princeton University. The focus of the activism was the university's implementation of federal Title IX policy concerning campus sexual assault. Students staged sit-ins as a form of protest in response to disciplinary actions taken against a student, sparking debate and calls for reform.
2020: End of Admissions Cycle for the Class of 2024 at Princeton
Princeton University concluded its admissions cycle for the undergraduate Class of 2024 with a highly competitive acceptance rate.
2020: Renaming of the Princeton Environmental Institute
The Princeton Environmental Institute, established in 1994, was renamed the High Meadows Environmental Institute in 2020.
2020: Princeton University's Initial Target for Carbon Emission Reduction
Princeton University had initially aimed to achieve its carbon emission reduction goals by 2020.
2020: End of Academic Year with Graduate School Statistics at Princeton
The 2019-2020 academic year at Princeton concluded with the awarding of 318 Ph.D. degrees and 174 final master's degrees.
2020: Princeton's Research Funding and Classification
In the 2020 fiscal year, Princeton University received a significant amount of funding for research, totaling approximately $250 million for its main campus and an additional $120 million for the Plasma Physics Lab. The university's research activities led to its classification as an "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity" institution.
2020: Princeton Achieves Top Spot in Undergrad Teaching Ranking
In 2020, Princeton University was recognized for its exceptional undergraduate teaching, achieving the top spot in the U.S. News rankings.
2020: Renaming of Wilson College to First College
In 2020, Princeton University made the decision to rename Wilson College to First College. This change was prompted by the nationwide reckoning on race and social justice following the deaths of Black individuals involving police brutality.
2020: Princeton University Chapel's Construction Cost Adjusted for Inflation
As of 2020, the construction cost of Princeton University Chapel, originally $2.3 million, is estimated to be around $40.8 million after adjusting for inflation.
2020: Analysis of Princeton's Undergraduate Grades After Policy Removal
In 2020, an analysis of undergraduate grades at Princeton showed that the removal of the grade deflation policy did not have any lasting effects on grade distribution.
2021: U.S. News & World Report Ranks Princeton Second for Best Value
In its 2021 rankings, U.S. News & World Report positioned Princeton University as the second-best value school in its category. This recognition underscored Princeton's commitment to providing students with a high-quality education and strong return on investment.
2021: Princeton University Divests from Fossil Fuel Investments
Responding to student activism, Princeton University made a significant decision in 2021 to divest from certain segments of the fossil fuel industry, including thermal coal and tar sands, as well as companies engaged in climate disinformation.
2021: Start of Graduate Admissions Cycle for 2021-2022 at Princeton
Princeton University's graduate admissions cycle for the 2021-2022 academic year began, signifying the start of the application and review process for prospective graduate students.
2021: Princeton's Consistent Excellence in U.S. News Rankings
Princeton University continued its reign at the top of the U.S. News rankings in 2021, securing the first position for the tenth year in a row. However, its ranking for undergraduate teaching dropped to fourth place from its leading position in 2020.
2021: Princeton Admits One of Its Most Diverse Freshman Classes
Princeton University celebrated a milestone in diversity in 2021 with the admission of one of its most diverse freshman classes ever. A remarkable 68% of the incoming students identified as students of color, highlighting the university's commitment to fostering an inclusive campus community.
2021: Exceptional Performance of Princeton's Graduate Programs in U.S. News Rankings
In 2021, Princeton University demonstrated its strength in graduate education with 13 of its 14 graduate programs securing positions within the top 10 of their respective categories in the U.S. News & World Report "Graduate School Rankings." Notably, seven programs ranked among the top 5, and both Economics and Mathematics programs achieved the top spot.
2021: Jewish Student Population at Princeton
As of 2021, the Center for Jewish Life on campus reported that Princeton University had approximately 700 Jewish students. This figure reflects the university's efforts to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment for students of all backgrounds.
2021: Notable Current Faculty Members
As of 2021, notable current faculty members at Princeton include Angus Deaton, Daniel Kahneman, Robert Keohane, Edward W. Felten, Anthony Grafton, Peter Singer, Jim Peebles, Manjul Bhargava, Brian Kernighan, Betsy Levy Paluck, and Robert P. George.
2021: National Football Championships Claim
As of 2021, Princeton claimed 28 national football championships, although the NCAA only recognizes 15 of these wins.
2021: Princeton University's Endowment Reaches $37 Billion
As of 2021, Princeton University possessed a substantial endowment of $37 billion, securing its position as having the largest per-student endowment globally, exceeding $4.4 million for each student.
September 2022: Princeton Opens Two New Residential Colleges: Yeh College and New College West
At the start of the academic year in September 2022, Princeton University inaugurated two new residential colleges: Yeh College and New College West. These additions aimed to accommodate the growing student population and enhance the residential experience.
September 2022: Princeton Announces Full Cost Coverage for Families Earning $100,000 or Less
In September 2022, Princeton University announced a significant expansion of its financial aid program, covering all costs for families with an annual income of $100,000 or less. This initiative aimed to enhance affordability and accessibility for students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.
2022: Princeton's Global Standing in University Rankings
Princeton University maintained a strong global standing in 2022, ranking seventh in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings and 20th in the QS World University Rankings.
2022: End of Graduate Admissions Cycle for 2021-2022 at Princeton
Princeton University's graduate admissions cycle for the 2021-2022 academic year came to a close, concluding the selection process for the incoming graduate student cohort.
2024: Princeton University Tops Wall Street Journal and College Pulse Ranking
Princeton University secured the top position in the "2024 Best Colleges in the U.S." ranking conducted by the Wall Street Journal and College Pulse, highlighting its continued excellence in higher education.
2024: Expected Graduation Year for Princeton's Class of 2024
The year 2024 represents the anticipated graduation year for the undergraduate students admitted to Princeton University during the 2019-2020 admissions cycle.
2026: Princeton University's Revised Target for Carbon Emission Reduction
Due to unforeseen circumstances, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Princeton University adjusted its target date for achieving 1990 carbon emission levels to 2026.
2046: Princeton University Sets Ambitious Goal for Net-Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Princeton University set its sights on achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2046, demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability.