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Stanford University

A+

Grade

4%

Acceptance

$16,562

Net Price

1500-1570

SAT Range

location_on Stanford, CA
• www.stanford.edu •
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What the School is Known For

From the School

Stanford University sits at the heart of Silicon Valley, making it the world's premier university for technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Founded in 1885 by Leland and Jane Stanford, it has grown into a research powerhouse with seven schools and a culture that transforms ideas into companies and breakthroughs.

Stanford's 8,180-acre campus is one of the largest in the United States, housing world-class research institutes, venture-backed startups, and an alumni network that has founded companies like Google, Yahoo, Hewlett-Packard, and LinkedIn.

The Student Body

From the School

Stanford enrolls approximately 7,700 undergraduates and 9,300 graduate students, with strong representation from every U.S. state and more than 90 countries. About 18% of undergraduates are first-generation college students, and Stanford has made significant investments in diversity and access.

Students frequently describe a culture of ambition balanced with collaboration — the "work hard, play hard" ethos is real, but so is the genuine desire among students to support one another's goals.

Getting In

From the School

Stanford's acceptance rate is approximately 4%, among the most selective in the world. The admissions committee looks for intellectual vitality, demonstrated excellence, and a compelling personal story alongside strong academic credentials.

Stanford accepts the Common Application with a Restrictive Early Action program for first-year applicants. The University is need-blind for U.S. citizens and permanent residents, and meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students.

Academic Programs & Research

From the School

Stanford's seven schools — including Engineering, Business, Law, Medicine, and Humanities & Sciences — offer over 65 undergraduate majors and hundreds of graduate programs. The Bing Honors College provides a rigorous liberal arts experience within the broader university structure.

Stanford research drives more than $1.9 billion in annual sponsored activity, and undergraduates can participate through the Research Experience for Undergraduates program and the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education's funding opportunities.

Life on Campus

From the School

Stanford's campus — known informally as The Farm — is celebrated for its Spanish Mission architecture, palm-lined Main Quad, and year-round sunshine. Over 600 student organizations offer activities in everything from water polo to Balinese dance to startup incubation.

The proximity to San Francisco and San Jose makes Stanford uniquely connected to both cultural resources and industry. Students regularly intern at nearby technology companies and venture capital firms while still enrolled.

Living & Getting Involved

From the School

Stanford guarantees four years of on-campus housing for undergraduates, with over 80 residences ranging from traditional dormitories to co-ops, themed program houses, and row houses. The residential system is a central part of Stanford's social life, with dining, programming, and community built around each house.

Student activities are organized through the Associated Students of Stanford University (ASSU), which funds over 600 organizations with an annual budget distributed through student-elected processes.

Athletics & Recreation

From the School

Stanford competes in the NCAA Division I Pac-12 Conference and fields 36 varsity sports programs, the most of any Division I school without a football-centric mission. The Cardinal have won more NCAA team championships than any other university.

Recreation facilities include the Arrillaga Family Sports Center, two 18-hole golf courses, aquatic centers, and miles of trails through the Stanford Dish area. Intramural and club sports involve thousands of students who are not competing at the varsity level.

Student Support Services

From the School

The Office of Accessible Education, the Bechtel International Center, and the Bridge Peer Counseling Center are among the many support services available to Stanford students. Academic advisors, peer tutors, and writing center staff are available to all undergraduates at no additional cost.

The Career Education office provides one-on-one coaching, industry panels, and a robust on-campus recruiting program. Stanford's connection to Silicon Valley means career resources extend well beyond the traditional recruiting calendar.

Wellness & Mental Health

From the School

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at Stanford offers individual therapy, group counseling, crisis support, and psychiatric services to enrolled students. Stanford has expanded its counseling workforce significantly in recent years to reduce wait times.

The Vaden Health Center provides primary care, sexual health, and wellness services alongside mental health support. Student-run organizations such as the Stanford Mental Health Awareness Coalition extend peer support across residential communities.

Plan a Campus Visit

From the School

The Office of Undergraduate Admission hosts information sessions and student-led walking tours of campus most weekdays and some Saturdays. Tours cover the Main Quad, Green Library, dorms, and research facilities.

Stanford's Admit Weekend in April invites admitted students to spend two days on campus attending classes, meeting faculty, staying in residential halls, and experiencing the full breadth of student life.

Career Outcomes & Placement

From the School

Stanford graduates are among the most sought-after in the technology, consulting, and finance industries. The Career Education office reports that over 90% of graduates are employed or in graduate school within six months of commencement, with median starting salaries among the highest in the country.

Stanford's proximity to Silicon Valley means students can build professional networks and gain internship experience before graduation with unprecedented access. The alumni network includes the founders of thousands of companies and leaders across every sector.

Fields of Study

From the School

Computer Science is consistently Stanford's most popular undergraduate major, followed by Human Biology, Engineering, Economics, and Political Science. The interdisciplinary ethos means students frequently combine majors or pursue joint degrees across schools.

Stanford's School of Engineering offers specialized programs in areas such as Biomedical Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Product Design that are tightly linked to industry and entrepreneurial activity in Silicon Valley.

Cost of Attendance

From the School

Stanford's undergraduate tuition is approximately $62,484 per year, with total cost of attendance — including housing, meals, and fees — reaching approximately $86,000 annually. Stanford's financial aid program significantly reduces the net cost for the majority of enrolled students.

Stanford does not charge differential tuition by major or school, and the University has committed to capping tuition increases to protect affordability for all enrolled students.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

From the School

Stanford meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted undergraduates with a grant-only policy — no loans are required. Families with annual incomes below $75,000 pay no tuition, and families earning below $150,000 typically pay no more than tuition with no room and board charges.

Stanford awarded over $350 million in financial aid in a recent year. The university's $37 billion endowment — one of the largest in the world — enables this generous commitment to making a Stanford education accessible to all qualified students regardless of family income.

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