Stanford, CA
Stanford University is a private nonprofit institution with an acceptance rate of 3.6% and undergraduate enrollment of 7,554. The student-to-faculty ratio is 6:1, with a 6-year graduation rate of 92.4%. The annual cost of attendance is $92,892, and median earnings are $102,887 six years after enrollment and $124,080 ten years after enrollment.
Stanford University admits 3.6% of applicants, making it highly selective. With 7,554 undergraduates, a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and a 92.4% six-year graduation rate, the university maintains rigorous academic standards.
| Applied | Admitted | Rate | Enrolled | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Men | 27,133 | 1,044 | 3.8% | 846 |
| Women | 26,600 | 1,055 | 4% | 853 |
Stanford University admits 3.6% of applicants — a typical similar college admits 74%.
Each bar is the median of that group, with the number of schools in brackets. “Similar colleges” means the same control and the same predominant degree awarded. Groups of fewer than 15 schools are not shown.
Stanford's cost of attendance is $92,892 annually. The university enrolls 19.2% Pell Grant recipients and 30.3% first-generation students, indicating financial aid accessibility for low-income populations.
Graduates who borrowed carry a median monthly repayment of about $127.
After aid, Stanford University costs $13,807 a year — about 39% less than a typical similar college.
Each bar is the median of that group, with the number of schools in brackets. “Similar colleges” means the same control and the same predominant degree awarded. Groups of fewer than 15 schools are not shown.
Stanford University has a 92.4% six-year graduation rate with median earnings of $102,887 at six years post-enrollment and $124,080 at ten years post-enrollment. Graduation rates vary by Pell status: 87.6% for Pell recipients and 96.7% for non-Pell students.
| Major | Graduates |
|---|---|
| Computer Science | 341 |
| Human Biology | 133 |
| Engineering, Other | 117 |
| Econometrics and Quantitative Economics | 109 |
| Cognitive Science, General | 101 |
| Political Science and Government, General | 80 |
| Biology/Biological Sciences, General | 76 |
| Research and Experimental Psychology, Other | 74 |
| Engineering/Industrial Management | 62 |
| International Relations and Affairs | 59 |
Median earnings eight years after entering Stanford University are $109,851, and 87% of former students earn more than $25,000 six years after entry.
Six years after entry, former Stanford University students earn $102,887 — 126% more than at a typical similar college.
Each bar is the median of that group, with the number of schools in brackets. “Similar colleges” means the same control and the same predominant degree awarded. Groups of fewer than 15 schools are not shown.
Stanford University is a private nonprofit institution with 7,554 undergraduates and competes in NCAA Division I-FBS athletics. The university maintains a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio and reports a 92.4% six-year graduation rate.
Average head coach salary by program gender.
Graduate and professional students outnumber undergraduates here, which shapes class sizes, housing and campus life in ways an undergraduate figure alone doesn't show.
803 of 7,841 undergraduates, counting each athlete once regardless of how many sports they play.
213 of 8,054 undergraduates study entirely at a distance.
Stanford University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission and operates its own medical school and teaching hospital.
Stanford University spends $81,448 per student on research — about 13× a typical similar college.
Each bar is the median of that group, with the number of schools in brackets. “Similar colleges” means the same control and the same predominant degree awarded. Groups of fewer than 15 schools are not shown.
Stanford University is in Stanford, CA, in what IPEDS classifies as a large suburb setting. The campus sits about 0.2 miles from the center of Stanford. There are 8 other colleges within 25 miles, and San Jose, CA is 21.5 miles away.
Santa Clara County scores 13.7 out of 20 on the EPA National Walkability Index — above average walkable. The index is a county-wide average of block groups, so it describes the surrounding area rather than the campus itself.
Undergraduates make up about 48.2% of Stanford's residents.
Every college that receives federal financial aid must publish its crime statistics each year under the Clery Act. These are the figures Stanford University reported for 2024.
Read these numbers carefully. A Clery figure counts reports, not incidents. A university with active reporting channels, a large campus police force and a teaching hospital will record more offenses than one where the same events go unreported — so a higher count is not evidence of a more dangerous campus, and a low count is not evidence of a safe one. In 2024, 833 campuses with more than 1,000 students reported no offenses at all. Use these figures to ask a college questions, not to rank one against another.
Separately, Stanford University reported 44 arrests and 16 disciplinary referrals for weapons, drug and liquor law violations on campus. Referrals for alcohol violations are usually the largest category at residential colleges and reflect how a school handles student conduct internally.
Common questions about Stanford University admissions, costs, and outcomes.
Stanford's acceptance rate is 3.6%, making it one of the most selective universities in the country. This means admission is highly competitive, and applicants should have strong academic credentials and demonstrated excellence across multiple areas.
The total cost of attendance at Stanford is $92,892 per year, which includes tuition, fees, room, board, and other expenses. However, many students pay significantly less due to Stanford's generous financial aid programs.
Yes, Stanford is committed to making education affordable. Approximately 19.2% of undergraduates receive Pell Grants, and the university has substantial financial aid resources backed by a $37.6 billion endowment to support students from all income backgrounds.
Stanford maintains a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring students have meaningful access to professors and personalized learning opportunities. With only 7,554 undergraduate students, the university provides an intimate academic environment despite its research prominence.
Stanford's undergraduate population is 51.6% women and includes 30.3% first-generation college students. The university actively recruits and supports students from diverse socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds.
Stanford's 6-year graduation rate is 92.4% overall. For Pell Grant recipients, the rate is 87.6%, while for non-Pell students it's 96.7%, reflecting the university's commitment to supporting all students to completion.
Stanford graduates earn a median of $102,887 six years after enrollment and $124,080 ten years after enrollment. These strong earnings reflect the value of a Stanford degree and the university's robust career outcomes.
Yes, Stanford competes in NCAA Division I-FBS, the highest level of college athletics. The university has a substantial athletics program with $56.7 million in annual athletic revenue and a strong tradition of athletic excellence.
Stanford's combination of a $37.6 billion endowment, world-class faculty, rigorous academics, and 3.6% acceptance rate creates an exceptionally selective environment. Its location in Silicon Valley and emphasis on entrepreneurship and innovation further distinguish it among peer institutions.
Stanford has 7,554 undergraduate students, making it relatively small compared to many research universities. This smaller size allows for closer student-faculty relationships and a more intimate community feel on campus.