Stand up for Princeton’s groundbreaking financial aid
As Princetonians of all ages prepare to celebrate Reunions and Commencement over the next week, we give three cheers for the University’s generous financial aid program, which enables students, regardless of financial circumstances, to embrace the power and possibility of a Princeton education. And don’t forget that the impact of Princeton aid lasts far beyond graduation, as nearly 90% of students graduate debt-free, freeing them to pursue lives of leadership and service without worries about loan payments.
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Opportunity. Possibility. Empowering. University students share what “Princeton is” to them and how the University has opened doors and inspired them to become leaders prepared to stand up for what they believe.
Financial aid opens doors
- Matthew Trotter ’22: An “unparalleled” financial aid package makes a dream a reality
Matthew Trotter grew up in Union Dale, Pennsylvania, population 239. “Everyone knows each other and helps each other. But at the same time, there’s not always a lot of opportunity for people to live out their dreams.” The imposing costs of college loomed over Trotter’s own dreams until he received a “yes” from Princeton. “I accepted as soon as I saw the financial aid package. The package that I was given was unparalleled — it gave me momentum to follow my dreams.” Four years after Princeton, Trotter graduated from Sidney Kimmel Medical College and will soon begin his family medicine residency near Philadelphia. “Through the doors opened for me by Princeton, I look forward to helping serve the community as a doctor,” he said. - Autumn Shelton ’24: A heart for service in rural America
Autumn Shelton grew up in Lamar, Missouri, a small town in the southwestern part of the state. She hadn’t considered applying to Princeton until visiting for an arts and humanities seminar during her senior year. Her time at the University inspired a passion to serve humanity, particularly in rural areas like Lamar. “I realize how unique and important my hometown and culture are, and I want to go back to rural America and be one of the people who are working to protect it and make it better.” After graduation, Shelton joined the staff at Camp McDowell in Alabama where she farms and teaches children hands-on agricultural skills. She plans to start law school in the fall and return to rural America following graduation. - Taraje Whitfield ’22: A first-generation college student paves the way for his family
A varsity athlete from Millersville, Pennsylvania, Taraje Whitfield overcame the complications of remote learning during the pandemic, not only maintaining his studies online, but also supervising and tutoring his youngest siblings. “I helped them out a lot growing up, and now it brings me so much joy to hear them talk about wanting to go to Princeton when they grow up. I haven’t had anyone in my family that I could go to for counsel about college, but I think it’s a huge blessing that I could be the person who paves the way for a new standard where college is normal for the generations of family behind me.” Since graduating in 2022, Whitfield earned a master’s in biomedical science at the University of Connecticut and is finishing his first year in the Medical Scientist Training Program at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, where he was elected class president. “Princeton played a major role in my getting to where I am now, and I will forever be grateful to the University for its support of me, and the doors it opened.”
Stand Up at Reunions and Commencement
Join us at these events during Reunions and Commencement to take your photo in front of the Stand Up backdrop. Post online and tag @Princeton to show your support for higher education!
Friday, May 22: Alumni Council Annual Meeting Luncheon (tent outside Richardson)
Saturday, May 23: P-rade (Stand Up signs available)
Monday, May 25: Class Day (Alexander Beach)
Tuesday, May 26: Commencement (Weaver Track)
Support financial aid at Princeton
You can stand up for Princeton’s distinctive commitment to college opportunity and affordability by participating in this year’s Annual Giving campaign. If you are interested in learning more about making a gift to support scholarships and fellowships at Princeton, please contact the Office of Advancement at 609-258-6160.
Scholarships and fellowships change lives, as Masha Shpolberg of the Class of 2010 shared in a recent letter. “The Peckerman Scholarship transformed my life, and attending Princeton opened so many doors for me. I came over from Ukraine at age 8 with my mom and grew up in public housing. I am now a professor at Bard College, where I’d like to think I ‘do good’ on the promise of my scholarship. I see that scholarship gift as a gesture of tremendous optimism and trust — of faith that human nature is, on the whole, good and that most people like to pass on the kindness they’ve been shown.”
Read more
“In stark contrast to the public’s perception,” findings in a new Brookings Institution survey show that costs of attending college have decreased since 2019.
Fact sheet: Princeton’s financial aid expands access
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