Princeton University
Princeton University maintains robust financial health with billions in assets and consistent revenue surpluses.
EIN: 210634501 · Princeton, NJ · NTEE: B430 · Updated: 2026-03-28
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Revenue | $3.1B |
| Total Expenses | $2.6B |
| Program Spending | 85% |
| Net Assets | $36.2B |
| Transparency Score | 90/100 |
Is Princeton University Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
Princeton University directs 85% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About Princeton University
Princeton University (EIN: 210634501) is a nonprofit organization based in Princeton, NJ, classified under NTEE code B430. The organization reported total revenue of $3.1B and total assets of $42.8B according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Princeton University's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
Princeton University is a major nonprofit that has been operating for 42 years, with 13 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2011–2023). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of 7.0%.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $3.6B |
| Total Expenses | $2.6B |
| Surplus / Deficit | +$981.1M |
| Total Assets | $41.5B |
| Total Liabilities | $5.3B |
| Net Assets | $36.2B |
| Operating Margin | 27.2% |
| Debt-to-Asset Ratio | 12.8% |
| Months of Reserves | 189.6 months |
Financial Health Grade: A
In 2023, Princeton University reported a surplus of $981.1M with revenue exceeding expenses, holds 189.6 months of operating reserves (strong position), has a debt-to-asset ratio of 12.8% (very low leverage).
Financial Trends
Over 13 years of filings (2011–2023), Princeton University's revenue has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.0%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | -28.1% | +11.0% | -3.4% |
| 2022 | +3.3% | +10.1% | -1.5% |
| 2021 | +129.2% | +0.5% | +34.4% |
| 2020 | -30.6% | +2.1% | +3.1% |
| 2019 | +2.6% | +3.8% | +1.3% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 2170 |
| IRS Ruling Date | 1984 |
Classification data from ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. Additional BMF data may be available after enrichment.
AI Transparency Report
Mission Effectiveness Score
NonprofitSpending's AI analysis rates Princeton University with a Mission Score of 90 out of 100 (Excellent). This score reflects the organization's overall financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance indicators derived from IRS 990 public filings.
Spending Breakdown
- admin: 10%
- programs: 85%
- fundraising: 5%
According to IRS 990 filings, Princeton University allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 10%, programs: 85%, fundraising: 5%. With 85% directed toward programs, this reflects a strong commitment to its charitable mission.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
- The organization reported a surplus of $981.1M, with revenue exceeding expenses.
- Debt-to-asset ratio: 12.8%.
Executive Compensation Analysis
The IRS 990 filings consistently report 'Officer Comp=0%', which indicates that executive compensation is either not reported in this specific section or is accounted for differently within the university's broader operational expenses, rather than being zero for an organization of this size.
Executive compensation data is sourced from IRS 990 filings, which require nonprofits to disclose the compensation of officers, directors, trustees, and key employees. NonprofitSpending analyzes this data relative to the organization's total revenue and sector benchmarks to assess whether executive pay is reasonable.
Red Flags
The following concerns were identified during AI analysis of Princeton University's IRS 990 filings:
- Officer compensation consistently reported as 0% in 990 filings, which may obscure actual executive pay details.
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for Princeton University:
- Exceptional asset base, reaching $41.55 billion in 2023, providing long-term financial stability.
- Consistent revenue surpluses, with 2023 revenue of $3.61 billion exceeding expenses of $2.63 billion.
- Strong financial growth over the decade, with assets increasing from $25.57 billion in 2014 to $41.55 billion in 2023.
- High capacity to fulfill its educational mission due to substantial financial resources.
Frequently Asked Questions about Princeton University
Is Princeton University a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Princeton University (EIN: 210634501) some concerns. Mission Score: 90/100. 1 red flag identified, 4 strengths noted.
How does Princeton University spend its money?
Princeton University directs 85% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.
Are donations to Princeton University tax-deductible?
Princeton University is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 210634501). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
What percentage of Princeton University's spending goes to programs?
Princeton University directs 85% to programs, 5% to fundraising. This exceeds the 65% industry benchmark for efficient nonprofits.
How does Princeton University compare to similar nonprofits?
With a transparency score of 90/100 (Excellent), Princeton University is above average for NTEE category B430 nonprofits. The score reflects financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance quality based on IRS 990 data.
Where is Princeton University located?
Princeton University is headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey and files with the IRS under EIN 210634501. It is classified under NTEE code B430.
How many years of IRS 990 filings does Princeton University have?
Princeton University has 13 years of IRS 990 filings on record at NonprofitSpending. This extensive filing history provides a strong basis for evaluating long-term financial trends. The most recent filing shows $3.1B in total revenue.
Is Princeton University a good charity?
As a major educational institution, Princeton University is generally considered a highly effective organization in fulfilling its mission. Its substantial assets ($41.55 billion in 2023) and consistent revenue surpluses demonstrate strong financial management and capacity to deliver on its educational objectives.
How does Princeton University manage its vast assets?
Princeton University manages its vast assets, which reached $41.55 billion in 2023, through its endowment, which supports its operational budget, research, and student aid. The consistent growth in assets over the years, from $25.57 billion in 2014, indicates effective investment and financial stewardship.
What is the trend in Princeton University's revenue and expenses?
Princeton University's revenue has shown significant fluctuations, with a peak of $5.02 billion in 2022 and $4.86 billion in 2021, while expenses have steadily increased from $1.69 billion in 2014 to $2.63 billion in 2023. Despite expense growth, revenues have generally outpaced expenses, leading to consistent surpluses.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Princeton University showing financial trends over 13 years of public records:
Over 13 years of IRS 990 filings (2011–2023), Princeton University's revenue has grown by 124%, moving from $1.6B to $3.6B. Total assets increased by 104.4% over the same period, from $20.3B to $41.5B. Total functional expenses rose by 81.1%, from $1.5B to $2.6B. In its most recent filing year (2023), Princeton University reported a surplus of $981.1M, with revenue exceeding expenses. The organization holds $5.3B in liabilities against $41.5B in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 12.8%), resulting in net assets of $36.2B.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $3.6B | $2.6B | $41.5B | $5.3B | — | — |
| 2022 | $5.0B | $2.4B | $43.0B | $5.3B | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $4.9B | $2.2B | $43.7B | $5.0B | — | View 990 |
| 2020 | $2.1B | $2.1B | $32.5B | $4.6B | — | — |
| 2019 | $3.1B | $2.1B | $31.5B | $4.0B | — | View 990 |
| 2018 | $3.0B | $2.0B | $31.1B | $4.2B | — | View 990 |
| 2017 | $3.1B | $2.1B | $29.0B | $4.6B | — | View 990 |
| 2016 | $2.5B | $1.9B | $27.1B | $4.7B | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $3.0B | $1.8B | $27.6B | $4.6B | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $2.3B | $1.7B | $25.6B | $4.3B | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $162.4M | $1.5B | $22.3B | $4.0B | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $1.6B | $1.5B | $20.8B | $3.9B | — | View 990 |
| 2011 | $1.6B | $1.5B | $20.3B | $3.5B | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $3.6B, expenses of $2.6B, and assets of $41.5B (revenue -28.1% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $5.0B, expenses of $2.4B, and assets of $43.0B (revenue +3.3% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $4.9B, expenses of $2.2B, and assets of $43.7B (revenue +129.2% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $2.1B, expenses of $2.1B, and assets of $32.5B (revenue -30.6% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $3.1B, expenses of $2.1B, and assets of $31.5B (revenue +2.6% year-over-year).
- 2018: Revenue of $3.0B, expenses of $2.0B, and assets of $31.1B (revenue -3.1% year-over-year).
- 2017: Revenue of $3.1B, expenses of $2.1B, and assets of $29.0B (revenue +23.0% year-over-year).
- 2016: Revenue of $2.5B, expenses of $1.9B, and assets of $27.1B (revenue -16.2% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $3.0B, expenses of $1.8B, and assets of $27.6B (revenue +30.7% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $2.3B, expenses of $1.7B, and assets of $25.6B (revenue +1303.6% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $162.4M, expenses of $1.5B, and assets of $22.3B (revenue -89.6% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $1.6B, expenses of $1.5B, and assets of $20.8B (revenue -3.4% year-over-year).
- 2011: Revenue of $1.6B, expenses of $1.5B, and assets of $20.3B.
View Individual Filing Years
Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for Princeton University:
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Princeton University is generated by NonprofitSpending's AI analysis engine. The data is sourced from publicly available IRS 990 filings accessed through the ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer API and IRS electronic filing records. The Mission Score, spending breakdown, and other analytical insights are produced by artificial intelligence and should be used as one of multiple factors when evaluating a nonprofit organization.
IRS 990 forms are annual information returns that most tax-exempt organizations must file with the IRS. These forms provide detailed financial information including revenue, expenses, assets, liabilities, and compensation of officers. NonprofitSpending processes this data to provide accessible transparency reports for donors, researchers, and the general public.
Disclaimer
AI-generated analysis based on IRS public records. Not financial or legal advice. Verify information directly with the organization.