Stanford University
Stanford, CA · Large suburb
Admissions
- Acceptance rate (most recent year)
- 3.6%
- Applicants (fall 2023)
- 53,733
- Admitted (fall 2023)
- 2,099
- Enrolled freshmen (fall 2023)
- 1,699
- Yield (admitted who enroll)
- 81%
- Acceptance rate – women (fall 2023)
- 4.0%
- Acceptance rate – men (fall 2023)
- 3.9%
- SAT reading, middle 50%
- 740–780
- SAT math, middle 50%
- 770–800
- ACT composite, middle 50%
- 34–35
- Enrollees who sent SAT / ACT
- 47% / 22%
Source: IPEDS Admissions survey, fall 2023 entering class; test ranges and rate from U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (June 2026 release)
What they look at
- High school GPA
- required
- High school class rank
- considered
- High school record (transcript)
- required
- College-prep program completed
- considered
- Recommendations
- required
- Demonstration of competencies
- considered
- SAT/ACT scores
- considered
- English proficiency test (TOEFL etc.)
- considered
- Other test
- not considered
- Work experience
- considered
- Personal statement or essay
- required
- Legacy status
- considered
“Considered” means the college uses it if you submit it, but it isn’t required.
What families actually pay
Average yearly net price (after grants and scholarships) for first-time, full-time students who got aid, by family income.
- Full sticker price (per year)
- $87,833
- Tuition & fees – in-state
- $65,910
- Tuition & fees – out-of-state
- $65,910
- Median debt at graduation
- $12,000
- Students with federal loans
- 6.2%
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (June 2026 release)
Outcomes
- Graduate within 6 years
- 92%
- Freshmen who return for year 2
- 98%
- Median earnings, 1 year after graduating
- $89,527
- Median earnings, 10 years after starting
- $124,080
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (June 2026 release)
Students & campus
- Undergraduates
- 7,554
- Graduate students
- 10,721
- Student-to-faculty ratio
- 6 : 1
- Women
- 52%
- Students receiving Pell grants
- 19%
- Full-time faculty
- 99%
Undergraduate diversity
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (June 2026 release)
Most popular majors
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (June 2026 release) (share of bachelor’s degrees awarded)
Contacts & links
- President
- Jonathan Levin
- Main phone
- (650) 723-2300
How to apply
| Plan | Apply by | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Restrictive Early Action | November 1 | mid-December |
| Regular Decision | January 5 | early April |
- Apply with
- Common App
- Application fee
- $100 (waivers available)
- SAT/ACT
- Required
- Recommendations
- 1 counselor + 2 academic teachers
Testing: ACT or SAT scores listed as an application requirement
Financial aid policies
- Meets 100% of demonstrated need
- No-loan financial aid
- CSS Profile required (plus FAFSA)
- No tuition under $150,000 income; no tuition or room/board under $100,000 (typical assets)
Early rounds & waitlist (2025-2026)
- Waitlist: offered / accepted / admitted
- 669 / 573 / 57
Source: the college’s official website and Common Data Set 2025-2026: admission.stanford.edu, admission.stanford.edu, admission.stanford.edu, financialaid.stanford.edu. Dates can change, so always confirm on the college’s site.