This fall, the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs welcomed a diverse group of graduate and undergraduate students whose personal and professional experiences embody the mission of the School: a dedication and commitment to service to make a positive difference in the world.
This year’s graduate student body comprises 62 new MPA students, 19 new MPP students, and five new doctoral students. The School once again saw a record number of applications for the MPP and Ph.D. programs, as well as a nearly identical application rate for the MPA program when compared to the previous admissions cycle.
Of the newest graduate members of the SPIA community:
- 35% are international, hailing from 20 different countries
- They speak 35 different languages
- 30% are first-generation college students
“This new cohort of students comes to us from a wide variety of careers where they have been working towards the public good by thoughtfully engaging with complex policy issues at home and abroad,” said Vivian Slee, associate director of graduate admissions. “The variety and depth of career experiences and perspectives that they bring to our community is a huge source of inspiration."
For the undergraduate students, 139 rising juniors officially begin their time at Princeton SPIA after declaring their major in April. They are joined by 136 returning seniors who begin their final chapter at the School before embarking on their future endeavors.
Of the undergraduate population:
- 85 are student athletes
- 45 are first-generation college students
- 16 are Residential College Advisers
- 3 are Peer Career Advisers
“The beginning of the fall semester is always a great time to reflect on where you’ve been and where you plan to go next,” said Amaney Jamal, dean of the School. “This incoming group of students has demonstrated a commitment to helping solve today’s most pressing global challenges. I’m excited to see them take the first step toward that goal in the classroom and am thrilled to welcome them to Princeton SPIA.”
Photo by Melissa Kelly