Overview
Stanford, CA 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 7,761 undergraduates at Stanford and the school’s acceptance rate is 4%. The tuition at Stanford is $58,416.
University
Suburb
Need Blind
SupplementalEssay
100% Need
QuestBridge
Scholarships & Financial Aid
$82,162
$71,311
$10,851
Cost Breakdown
Estimated Cost:
$82,162for the 2023-2024 Academic Year
The sticker price at Stanford is $82,162. This sticker price includes costs for tuition, books and supplies, room and board, and other miscellaneous expenses.
It’s also important to note that the cost of attendance can vary from year to year and typically it will rise over your four years in college. With that said, your financial aid will also be recalculated every year to take any price increases, as well as any 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
Students who are applying for financial aid at Stanford need to submit both the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (or FAFSA), as well as the CSS Profile.
The FAFSA uses financial information from the prior, prior year which means that you don’t need to wait for the year to end and can use last year’s financial information.
The FAFSA code for Stanford is 001305 and the CSS Profile Code is 4704.
It should be noted that while the FAFSA is free, the CSS Profile does require an application fee. However, students can qualify for a CSS Profile application fee waiver if the cost will present a financial hardship for the students’ family.
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 scholarships
Stanford University QuestBridge Scholarships
Stanford is a member of QuestBridge, which is a prestigious scholarship program that supports high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds. Students who are “matched” to Stanford University through QuestBridge receive a four year, full ride scholarship to the school. If you are interested in learning more about QuestBridge, you can check out our QuestBridge Scholarship guide.
Stanford University’s 100% Need-Met Guarantee
Stanford has committed to meeting 100% of applicants’ financial needs. They determine your financial need using the FAFSA and/or CSS Profile, and will ensure that your financial aid package covers any costs you cannot pay.
No Loan Policy at Stanford
Stanford is a no-loan school, which means that their financial aid packages offer students grants and scholarships in place of the federal loans that are typically part of a package. This means that their financial aid is more generous than most, and they help bridge the gap between cost and student need. Some no-loan schools offer this policy for all accepted students while others only extend it to students below a specific income level, or to in-state students. Be sure to check Stanford's website for details on their No-Loan policy.
Pell Grants at Stanford University
19% of students at Stanford University receive Pell Grants, which are awarded to undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need (students who have a bachelor’s or professional degree are not eligible). Pell Grants are awarded by the federal government and do not need to be repaid. To apply for a Pell Grant, students will need to submit their FAFSA. If you are awarded a Pell Grant, you’ll see it listed in your financial aid award letter if you are accepted to Stanford University.
You can learn more about Pell Grant eligibility here.
Outside Scholarships
Stanford students can also apply for outside scholarships to fund their education. Outside scholarships are awards that are offered by private and non-profit organizations. If you want to see what outside scholarships you are eligible for, check out these resources:
Admissions
4%
35
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.
Coalition Colleges
Stanford is a Coalition Member College, which means they have completed a vigorous vetting process from the Coalition for College to ensure that they “provide substantial support to lower-income, under-resourced and/or first-generation students; offer responsible student financial aid; and demonstrate a commitment to student graduation.” That also means you can apply to Stanford via the Coalition Application. The Coalition Application makes it easy to obtain application fee waivers if you qualify. It’s also a great way to discover other colleges that have demonstrated a strong commitment to affordability and strong student outcomes.
Does Stanford have a supplemental essay?
Yes, applicants to Stanford University will have to write a supplemental essay in order to complete their application. Luckily, we have a guide to help you through that 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 it does not require applicants to submit their SAT or ACT scores. That means that some students will submit their test scores and others will not. If you choose not to submit your ACT or SAT score, the admissions officers will weigh your grades, extracurricular activities, essays, and interviews more heavily. If you are not sure whether you should submit your standardized test scores, our guide on submitting scores to test-optional schools can help.
What SAT/ACT score do you need to get into Stanford University?
Colleges use standardized tests like the SAT and ACT 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 33 and a 35 on their ACT, or a 1480 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.
Is Stanford University need-blind?
Yes, Stanford University has need-blind admissions, which means they do not take financial need into account when they decide who to accept. If your FAFSA and/or CSS Profile indicate that you would need substantial financial aid, you will still be on equal footing with applicants who do not require any aid at all.
Academics
Student/Faculty Ratio
5:1
Graduation Rate
95%
Popular Majors
Percent of Students
Computer & Information Sciences
17%
17% of graduates
Engineering
16%
16% of graduates
Social Sciences
16%
16% of graduates
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies.
13%
13% of graduates
Mathematics
6%
6% of graduates
Engineering
5%
5% of graduates
Physical Sciences
4%
4% of graduates
Biological & Biomedical Sciences
4%
4% of graduates
Psychology
4%
4% of graduates
Area, Ethnic, Cultural, & Gender Studies
3%
3% of graduates
Visual & Performing Arts
3%
3% of graduates
Languages & Literatures
2%
2% of graduates
English Language & Literature
2%
2% of graduates
Communications & Journalism
2%
2% of graduates
History
2%
2% of graduates
Philosophy & Religious Studies
1%
1% of graduates
Public Administration & Social Services
1%
1% of graduates
Student Body
Undergraduate Students
7,761
Pell Grant 19%
Undergrad Students Over 25 2%
Percent Male / Female 48% / 52%
Ethnic Diversity at Stanford
26% Asian / Pacific Islander
26% White
18% Hispanic
11% International / Non-Citizen
10% Multiracial
7% Black
1% American Indian / Alaska Native
Student Outcomes
Graduate Income
$124,080
Median Debt $12,000
Debt 10 years after graduation $127
Graduation Rate 95%
What is the graduation rate at Stanford University?
95% of students who start at Stanford University end up finishing their degree within six years of enrolling. This is 37% 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?
10 years after starting school at Stanford University, the median earnings among students who received federal financial aid was $124,080. This is $73,689 more than the national median.
Earnings can vary widely based on many factors other than school choice. Your major and career path can cause substantial changes in your income down the line. For more information, check out our article on the average starting salary out of college.
How much do students at Stanford take out in loans?
Graduates of Stanford have to 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, it’s important to inform yourself on the advantages and disadvantages of each loan option. Our 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.
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