A Community of Learning

Chartered in 1746, Princeton is the fourth-oldest college in the nation. The ambience of its earliest days is palpable in historic landmarks on campus, most notably Nassau Hall, which in 1783 was the temporary capitol of the United States. From such a distinctive beginning grew something great-a community of learning that continues to evolve, providing abundant opportunities to talented students from around the world.

Today, more than 700 faculty members, who are leaders in their respective disciplines, instruct Princeton's 4,600 undergraduate students and 2,000 graduate students. Hailing from all 50 states and more than 60 countries, Princeton's students represent a wide variety of economic, racial, ethnic, social, cultural, and religious backgrounds. These students enrich the campus community with their ideas and experiences and, above all, their desire to learn.

Teaching and Research

Princeton simultaneously strives to be one of the leading research universities and the most outstanding undergraduate college in the world. As a research university, it seeks to achieve the highest levels of distinction in the discovery and transmission of knowledge and understanding, and in the education of graduate students. At the same time, Princeton is distinctive among research universities in its commitment to undergraduate teaching. All faculty members at Princeton are expected to teach as well as engage in scholarly research.

The University provides its students with academic, extracurricular, financial, and other resources-in a residential community committed to diversity in its student body, faculty, and staff-that help them achieve at the highest scholarly levels and prepare them for positions of leadership and lives of service in many fields of human endeavor. Through the scholarship and teaching of its faculty, and the many contributions to society of its alumni, Princeton seeks to fulfill its informal motto: "Princeton in the Nation's Service and in the Service of All Nations."

Working at Princeton

With an overall workforce of 5,500 benefits-eligible employees, Princeton University is the largest private employer in Mercer County and one of the largest in central New Jersey.

The employees of Princeton University are one of its most valuable resources-the campus is full of talented and dedicated people who together make important contributions to the life and fabric of the community. The human resources of Princeton are remarkably diverse, including master glassblowers, program and budget analysts, Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winners, skilled office specialists, carpenters, and electricians.

Princeton offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits program that is responsive to the needs of its diverse staff. Princeton's comprehensive benefits program includes health and life insurance coverage, pension benefits, flexible spending accounts, income protection in the event of short- and long-term disabilities, and benefits for employee education and children's tuition grants and loans.

A Vibrant Neighborhood

The town of Princeton, which has a population of approximately 30,000 residents, has tree-lined streets, specialty shops, restaurants, parks, and a friendly and safe atmosphere. It is located midway between New York City and Philadelphia. An excellent transportation network of bus, rail, and highways puts Princeton within easy reach (an hour or less) of these major urban centers.

Princeton's main campus consists of more than 6 million square feet of space in 160 buildings on 500 acres.

Part of Princeton's history as a community is its tradition of serving as a congenial, stimulating haven for study and research for scholars from all parts of the world. Neighbor institutions include the Princeton Theological Seminary and the renowned Institute for Advanced Study. Walking paths and bicycle trails thread through their grounds and by Lake Carnegie, through Herrontown Woods, Marquand Park, and along the Delaware and Raritan Canal.

The community offers a resident repertory theater, three orchestras, ballet, chamber music, and several choral groups. Princeton is ideally situated to host traveling art shows, dance and musical groups, and solo performers, in addition to visiting academicians and dignitaries from the world of public affairs.

While maintaining its identity as a university town, Princeton's location has attracted a number of major corporations that have located primary research or corporate offices in the area. The proximity of scholars, writers, artists, scientists, and business professionals promotes a stimulating intellectual climate.