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Colleges / Stanford University

Stanford University

Stanford, CA 4-Year Private
Acceptance Rate4%

About Stanford

Stanford University is a private research university ranked as one of the top universities in the world. Stanford is known for its academic rigor, cutting-edge research,, and innovation. Admission to Stanford is highly competitive and the university has an extremely selective admissions process. 

Stanford is known for being academically challenging with coursework that encourages students to build their critical thinking and analytical skills. Some of the most popular majors include computer science, human biology, engineering, economics, political science, and the unique symbolic systems program which combines several subjects into one. 

The campus atmosphere at Stanford is a mix between innovative and energetic. Students are eager for discussion and collaboration, which supports the culture of collaboration at the university. Students are highly motivated and take initiative in every aspect from academics to extracurricular activities. Some of the most popular extracurricular activities include the student government, the performing arts scene, cultural events, the newspaper and radio, and sports. 

 

Stanford competes at the NCAA Division I level and is a member of the Pac-12 Conference. The university has a rich sports history and students are always eager to show their school spirit by supporting the Sandford Cardinal teams. The most competitive sports at Stanford include football, basketball, baseball, soccer, tennis, and swimming. Stanford has a sports rivalry with UC Berkeley and their football games are known as the “Big Game.”

Did You Know? 

Stanford highly encourages all students to participate in a study abroad program. Through the Bing Overseas Studies Program, students can find their perfect destination, find advising, and find additional financial support if needed. 

What the CC Community is saying about Stanford

"One thing I will recommend that I think Stanford does well is that they offer a lot of one unit classes that can be taken just to check out things outside their major interest. For example, my daughter took a one unit geology class that met a couple of times then went on a weekend camping trip on the pacific coast to learn about all of the different rock formations—that was really unique! "

Read More

Stanford University is a private, nonprofit university in the suburb of Stanford, California. Stanford was founded in 1891. The college enrolls around 17,680 students per year, including 7,645 undergrad students.

Stanford Acceptance Rate

It is extremely difficult to get into Stanford. Stanford admitted 4% of all applicants in 2022. Out of 55,471 applications received in 2022, 2,190 students were offered admission.

Stanford University Admissions Facts At-A-Glance
Overall Acceptance Rate 4%
Early Decision Acceptance Rate Info Not Available
Early Action Acceptance Rate EA Offered but % not available
Average GPA 4.0
Test Optional Yes
Applicants Submitting SAT scores 12.6%

Click below to find out more about the admissions requirements and deadlines, student life, academics, majors and more.

Admissions

Student Life

Academics

Tuition & Aid

Stanford University Community Forums

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Go See Stanford

Stanford University is located in the town of Stanford, California, near San Francisco and San Jose.

If you are interested in seeing Stanford for yourself, plan a visit. The best way to reach campus is to take U.S. Highway 101 to Stanford, or book a flight to the nearest airport, San Francisco International.

You can also take a virtual campus tour to get a sense of what Stanford University and Stanford are like without leaving home.

College Info

450 Jane Stanford Way Stanford, CA 94305

Campus Setting: Suburban

Stanford Application Deadline

First-Year Applications are Due

Jan 2

Transfer Applications are Due

Mar 15

The deadline for Fall first-year applications to Stanford is Jan 2.

The deadline for Fall transfer applications to Stanford is Mar 15.

Check the school website for more information about deadlines for specific programs or special admissions programs

Stanford University is a member of the Coalition for College.

More than an application, the Coalition provides free tools and resources to help students through the college admissions process, beginning as early as 9th grade.

Learn More

Stanford SAT Scores

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Composite SAT Range

1470 - 1560

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Math SAT Range

750 - 800

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Reading SAT Range

720 - 770

Stanford Tuition & Fees

Tuition & Fees

$85,208

In State

$85,208

Out-of-State
Cost Breakdown
In State
Out-of-State
State Tuition
$61,731
$61,731
Fees
$2,205
$2,205
Housing
$19,922
$19,922
Books
$1,350
$1,350

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Student Life

Wondering what life at Stanford is like? There are approximately 17,680 students enrolled at Stanford, including 7,645 undergraduate students and 10,035 graduate students. 100% percent of students attend school full-time, 39% percent are from CA and 61% percent of students are from other states.

100%

Full Time

Unknown

Part Time

39%

In State

61%

Out-of-State

Data Source: IPEDs and Peterson's Databases © 2022 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved

Quick Facts

Total Enrollment

17,680

Campus Setting

Suburban

Acceptance Rate

4%

Tuition and Fees

In State

$63,936

Out-of-State

$63,936

Fall Freshmen
Application Deadline

Jan 2
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