Princeton Academic Calendar

Princeton University, located in Princeton, New Jersey, operates on a semester-based academic calendar, consisting of two main terms: fall and spring. The fall semester typically begins in early September and concludes in mid-December, while the spring semester starts in late January or early February and ends in mid-May. A notable feature of Princeton’s calendar is its structured intersession break in late January, which provides students with a unique opportunity for independent study, research, or travel before spring classes commence. Additionally, the university incorporates reading periods before final exams to support focused preparation, reflecting its commitment to academic rigor.

• Fall Semester Start: September 2, 2025 (estimated, based on typical schedules). Classes begin after Labor Day, aligning with regional norms.
• Thanksgiving Break: November 27–30, 2025 (estimated). A short break for the national holiday, with classes resuming the following Monday.
• Fall Final Exams: December 15–20, 2025 (estimated). Includes a reading period prior to exams for preparation.
• Winter Break: December 21, 2025–January 25, 2026 (estimated). A long break encompassing holiday periods.
• Spring Semester Start: February 2, 2026 (estimated). Follows the intersession period for independent projects.
• Spring Break: March 14–22, 2026 (estimated). A mid-semester break for students and faculty.
• Commencement: May 25, 2026 (estimated). Celebrates graduation for the Class of 2026.

• Single-Choice Early Action Deadline: November 1, 2025 (estimated). Non-binding option with decisions typically released by mid-December.
• Regular Decision Deadline: January 1, 2026 (estimated). Final application date for the Class of 2030, with decisions released by early April.
• Financial Aid Deadline: February 1, 2026 (estimated). Required for need-based aid consideration, coinciding with admission applications.
• Decision Notification (Early Action): Mid-December 2025 (estimated). Applicants receive decisions before the regular decision cycle.
• Decision Notification (Regular Decision): Early April 2026 (estimated). Final decisions for the majority of applicants.
• Commitment Deadline: May 1, 2026 (estimated). National deadline for accepted students to confirm enrollment.

Princeton’s academic calendar aligns closely with national norms for Ivy League institutions, with semesters mirroring those of peer universities in the Northeast. Its extended winter break and intersession period offer flexibility for international students, who may use this time for travel or research. The scheduling of breaks around major U.S. holidays like Thanksgiving and spring break ensures accessibility for domestic and international students alike. Additionally, the university’s emphasis on reading periods and structured exam schedules reflects its focus on balancing academic intensity with student well-being, a hallmark of its educational approach.