Scholarships at Princeton University

The Moses Taylor Pyne Honor Prize, established in 1921, is Princeton University's highest general undergraduate distinction. It is awarded annually to one or more seniors who have most clearly manifested excellent scholarship, strength of character, and effective leadership in support of the University. Any current senior may be nominated. Recipients are recognized at Alumni Day. Princeton awards no merit-based admission scholarships; this prize honors enrolled undergraduates for outstanding achievement.

The Boyce Batey Senior Thesis Award from the Princeton Neuroscience Institute supports undergraduate senior thesis research. Named for a Princeton alumnus, the award provides funding for students conducting neuroscience-related independent work, including laboratory research during the summer before the senior year. Recipients are selected by the institute based on research merit and project needs. The award helps cover research expenses tied to the senior thesis.

The Frederick Douglass Service Award, established in 1969, is given annually to a senior who has exhibited courage, leadership, intellectual achievement, and a willingness to contribute unselfishly toward a deeper understanding of the experiences of racial minorities, reflecting the tradition of service embodied in a Princeton education. Any current senior is eligible to be nominated. Recipients are honored at Class Day alongside other major university service prizes.

The Caroline M. Picard Prize in Politics was established in 1985 by her family in memory of Caroline M. Picard, Class of 1986. It is awarded annually to the junior or juniors in the Department of Politics who, in the judgment of the faculty, present the most promising senior thesis project that needs summer thesis support. The prize helps fund summer research before the senior year. Faculty nominate juniors based on proposed thesis plans.