The Princeton School of Public & International Affairs, formerly known as the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs until June 2020, was established in 1930 as the School of Public and International Affairs. It became one of the world's premier professional schools for training future leaders in public policy, international relations, and development. The school was renamed to remove Woodrow Wilson's name due to his segregationist views, reflecting Princeton's commitment to inclusion and equity.
Princeton SPIA is consistently ranked among the top schools for public policy and international affairs globally. The school is renowned for its rigorous analytical training, interdisciplinary approach, and emphasis on both domestic and international policy. Faculty include Nobel laureates, former government officials, and leading scholars who bring real-world experience to the classroom. The school's programs combine quantitative methods, economics, and political science with hands-on policy workshops and internship opportunities.
The school fosters a collaborative and intellectually vibrant community where students engage with pressing global challenges from climate change to economic inequality. Graduate students benefit from small cohorts, close faculty mentorship, and extensive networking opportunities with alumni in government, international organizations, NGOs, and the private sector. The undergraduate program offers a certificate (minor) in Public Policy or a concentration within the Politics department, providing rigorous training in policy analysis and research.
| Type | Private Research |
| Location | Princeton, New Jersey |
| Founded | 1930 |
| Total students | 400 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 5:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 8% |
| Graduation rate | 98% |
| Average starting salary | $85,000 |
| In-state tuition | $57,410 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $57,410 |
| Room & board | $18,910 |
| Average financial aid | $62,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 62% |
| SAT range | 1460-1570 |
| ACT range | 33-35 |
| Average GPA | 3.95 |
| Regular deadline | January 1 |
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.