Overview
Did you know that Stanford University is home to the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, one of the world's leading research facilities for particle physics? Located in Stanford, California, the university is renowned for its innovation and research. Notable alumni include Google co-founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page, and former U.S. President Herbert Hoover.
There are currently 7,841 undergraduates at Stanford and the school’s acceptance rate is 4%. The tuition at Stanford is $62,484.
Essay
Scholarships & Financial Aid
$87,833
$75,697
$12,136
Cost Breakdown
Estimated Cost:
$87,833The sticker price at Stanford is $87,833. This includes the cost of tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and other miscellaneous expenses.
The cost of attendance can vary from year to year and will typically rise over your four years in college. That said, colleges will recalculate your financial aid every year to take price increases and changes in your financial situation into account.
College costs can look different for every student based on their financial situation. To get a more accurate picture of what tuition at Stanford would look like for you, try entering your financial information into their Net Price Calculator.
Stanford University Financial Aid
To apply for financial aid at Stanford you’ll need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as well as the CSS Profile.
The FAFSA and CSS Profile use financial information from the prior, prior year. That means you can submit the forms even if you or your parents haven’t filed last year’s taxes.
The FAFSA code for Stanford is 001305 and the CSS Profile Code is 4704.
The FAFSA is completely free, while the CSS Profile charges a fee for each college you send it to. If you have demonstrated financial need, you may qualify for a CSS Profile fee waiver.
If you are looking for more information on how to complete the FAFSA or the CSS Profile, check out these resources:
Using State Grants at Stanford
If you reside in California and are considering Stanford, be sure to investigate the Cal Grant. You can apply by submitting your FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application, but you must meet the program's deadline in order to qualify. If you meet financial and other requirements, you may receive over $14,000 per year towards education expenses. The amount received depends on the type of institution you attend and your financial need.
Apply to these scholarships due soon
See more California scholarshipsPell Grants at Stanford University
19% of students at Stanford University receive Pell Grants.
The federal government awards Pell Grants to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need by filling out the FAFSA. Students with a bachelor’s or professional degree are not eligible. Pell Grants do not be repaid. If you receive a Pell Grant, the award amount should remain consistent at any college you gain admission to. You can learn more about Pell Grant eligibility here.
Outside Scholarships
Students can use outside scholarships to supplement their financial aid package at Stanford. Outside scholarships are awards offered by private and non-profit organizations separate from their college. To browse vetted, reliable outside scholarships, check out our popular lists:
Admissions
4%
35
1515
1515 is the median SAT score and 35 is the median ACT score for admitted students at Stanford. A score that is close to this median value indicates that you have a good chance of admission to the institution. However, it’s important to remember that colleges judge applications holistically. If the rest of your application is strong, it’s possible to make up for lower test scores.
Does Stanford have a supplemental essay?
Yes, Stanford University includes a supplemental essay in their application. Luckily, Scholarships360 has a free guide to help you answer Stanford's essay prompt and stand out in the application process.
Stanford Supplemental Essay Guide
Is Stanford test-optional?
Stanford University is test-optional, which means that applicants are permitted, but not required, to submit their standardized test scores. If you choose not to submit your scores, admissions officers will weigh your grades, extracurriculars, essays, and interviews more heavily. If you aren’t sure whether to submit your standardized test scores, Scholarships360’s guide on whether to submit your test scores to test-optional schools can help.
What test scores do you need to get into Stanford University?
Colleges use standardized tests like the SAT, ACT, or CLT as one of many factors to determine their admissions decisions. A high score on one of these tests does not guarantee admission to a college, and a low score does not guarantee rejection. However, the majority of accepted applicants to Stanford University receive between a 34 and a 35 on their ACT, or a 1485 and a 1580 on their SAT.
Regular Decision
What is the application deadline at Stanford?
Students must apply by January 5 to enroll at Stanford during the fall semester. Remember that college applications involve many pieces, including essays, a transcript, letters of recommendation, and more. Be sure to start your application as soon as you can to make sure you have enough time to make it as compelling as possible.
Academics
Student/Faculty Ratio
6:1
Graduation Rate
93%
Popular Majors
Percent of Students
Computer & Information Sciences
19%
19% of graduates
Engineering
16%
16% of graduates
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies.
16%
16% of graduates
Social Sciences
16%
16% of graduates
Mathematics
6%
6% of graduates
Physical Sciences
4%
4% of graduates
Biological & Biomedical Sciences
4%
4% of graduates
Psychology
3%
3% of graduates
Engineering
3%
3% of graduates
English Language & Literature
3%
3% of graduates
Languages & Literatures
2%
2% of graduates
Area, Ethnic, Cultural, & Gender Studies
2%
2% of graduates
Visual & Performing Arts
2%
2% of graduates
Philosophy & Religious Studies
1%
1% of graduates
Public Administration & Social Services
1%
1% of graduates
History
1%
1% of graduates
Communications & Journalism
1%
1% of graduates
Student Body
Undergraduate Students
7,841
Pell Grant 19%
Undergrad Students Over 25 2%
Percent Male / Female 48% / 52%
Ethnic Diversity at Stanford
27% Asian / Pacific Islander
24% White
18% Hispanic
12% International / Non-Citizen
10% Multiracial
8% Black
1% American Indian / Alaska Native
Student Outcomes
Graduate Income
$124,080
Median Debt $12,000
Debt 10 years after graduation $127
Graduation Rate 93%
What is the graduation rate at Stanford University?
93% of students who start at Stanford University finish their degree within six years of enrolling. This is 35% more than the national median. A higher graduation rate indicates that students have better experiences at an institution.
How much do graduates of Stanford University go on to earn?
The median income of students 10 years after starting at Stanford University is $124,080. This is $73,689 more than the national median.
This data is from the College Scorecard, which only surveys students from Stanford University who received federal financial aid.
Graduate earnings can vary widely based on many factors other than school choice. Major and career path are two important factors in how much a student goes on to earn. For more information, check out Scholarships360’s article on the average starting salary out of college.
How much do students at Stanford take out in loans?
Graduates of Stanford take out a median of $12,000 in federal student loans. This is $1,500 less than the national median. As you make decisions about your college loans, be sure to inform yourself on the advantages and disadvantages of each loan option. Scholarships360’s guide to navigating these different options is a great place to start.
Data Sources
We strive to provide users with the most up-to-date information and source data from publicly available sources, including the College Scorecard and directly from the colleges. College statistics can change throughout the year, but we do our best to update them as quickly as possible. If you see an error, feel free to contact us.
If you represent Stanford University and would like to make any corrections or supplement your college profile with additional information, you can fill out our free Premium Profile questionnaire here.
Join for exclusive scholarships, personalized matching, and application tracking. 0% Spam, 100% Free.