Princeton’s generous financial aid program includes a provision that gives students more choice in how they spend the summer. Through the offer of replacement aid, described in more detail below, participation in an unpaid summer service program becomes a viable option for aid students.

Although a summer savings expectation is a standard part of almost all financial aid packages, replacement aid can be requested in the fall. This aid typically consists of one-half University grant and one-half self-help aid. (Self-help aid can be an interest supported student loan, an increase in academic year earnings, or some combination of the two.) Students who are unable to save the amount expected from a summer job can request the replacement aid in September by making an appointment to speak with a financial aid counselor.

The typical summer savings expectations for 2009-10 will be $2000. Some students may have a lower expectation because of outside scholarships which reduce student earning expectations. Regardless, the maximum loan a student would need to borrow to cover half of a summer savings shortfall would be $1000.

Students also have the option of accepting only the grant portion of the replacement aid. Since summer savings are generally used to cover books and personal expenses, it may be that your own expenses are such that you don’t need to replace the entire shortfall and opt to take only the grant.

We encourage you to speak to a financial aid counselor to talk about your own specific circumstances.

Students who have Federal Work-Study included as part of their financial aid award may receive payment for community service while working with public or private nonprofit organizations in areas such as education, health care, housing and neighborhood improvement, literacy training, and other activities specified in the Community Service Act. The Student Employment Office works directly with the student and organization and must approve all summer Federal Work-Study contracts. For information, contact the the Student Employment Office or the Undergraduate Financial Aid office. The deadline is in early May.

(Note: Not all students with a job in their aid package are eligible for FWS. Your award letter will specifically state "Federal Work-Study" if you are eligible.)

Undergraduate Financial Aid
Box 591, 220 West College
Princeton, New Jersey 08542-0591
Telephone: (609) 258-3330 Fax: (609) 258-0336
faoffice@princeton.edu