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Stanford University

Overview

Stanford University is a private institution established in 1885. As of fall 2023, it has an undergraduate enrollment of 8,054 students and a sprawling campus spanning 8,180 acres. The university follows a quarter-based academic calendar. In the 2025 edition of Best Colleges, Stanford ranks #4 among National Universities, with tuition and fees set at $65,910.

Stanford University Rankings

To get a better sense of what Stanford offers, here’s how it stacks up in various categories:

  • #4 in National Universities
  • #4 in Best Value Schools
  • #2 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs (at schools where the highest degree is a doctorate)

Engineering Specialties (Doctorate-Level Schools)

  • #8 in Aerospace / Aeronautical / Astronautical
  • #5 in Biomedical
  • #6 in Chemical
  • #6 in Civil (tie)
  • #3 in Computer
  • #3 in Electrical / Electronic / Communications
  • #2 in Environmental / Environmental Health
  • #7 in Industrial / Manufacturing
  • #6 in Materials
  • #3 in Mechanical

Computer Science Rankings

  • #1 in Computer Science
  • #3 in Artificial Intelligence
  • #7 in Biocomputing / Bioinformatics / Biotechnology (tie)
  • #6 in Computer Systems
  • #5 in Cybersecurity
  • #3 in Data Analytics / Science
  • #3 in Game / Simulation Development
  • #6 in Mobile / Web Applications (tie)
  • #3 in Programming Languages
  • #8 in Software Engineering
  • #2 in Theory (tie)

Other Notable Rankings

  • #1 in Psychology Programs
  • #1 in Economics (tie)
  • #12 in Writing in the Disciplines (tie)
  • #10 in Undergraduate Research / Creative Projects (tie)
  • #15 in Service Learning (tie)
  • #17 in First-Year Experiences (tie)
  • #7 in Senior Capstone
  • #11 in Best Colleges for Veterans
  • #17 in Best Undergraduate Teaching (tie)
  • #6 in Most Innovative Schools
  • #129 in Top Performers on Social Mobility (tie)

Stanford’s National Standing

Stanford University holds the #4 spot out of 436 National Universities. These rankings are based on widely accepted indicators of academic excellence.

U.S. News Overall Score

  • Score (out of 100): 96

Graduation Rates (2025 Data)

  • Average 6-year graduation rate (16% weight): 95%
  • 6-year graduation rate for Pell Grant recipients (5.5% weight): 89%
  • 6-year graduation rate for non-Pell Grant recipients (5.5% weight): 93%

Stanford University Admissions

Stanford has an acceptance rate of just 4%. For admitted students who submitted test scores:

  • Middle 50% SAT range: 1510–1580
  • Middle 50% ACT range: 34–35

(Note: 25% of admitted students scored above these ranges, while another 25% scored below.)

Key Admissions Factors

  • Application deadline: January 5
  • Application fee: $90
  • GPA: Very important
  • High school class rank (if available): Very important
  • Letters of recommendation: Very important

Stanford University Tuition & Financial Aid

  • Tuition & fees (2024-25): 65,910(higherthanthenationalaverageof65,910(higherthanthenationalaverageof47,890)
  • Total cost (including housing, food, etc.): $87,833
  • Average net price after aid: $19,333

Net Price by Family Income (2021-2022)

Family IncomeAverage Cost
0–0–30,000-$1,386
30,001–30,001–48,000-$1,876
48,001–48,001–75,000$3,637
75,001–75,001–110,000$7,332
$110,001+$45,276
  • Food & Housing: $21,315

Stanford University Academics

  • Student-faculty ratio: 6:1
  • Small class sizes (under 20 students): 69.1%
  • Freshman retention rate (student satisfaction indicator): 95%

Most Popular Majors (2023 Graduates)

  1. Computer & Information Sciences (18%)
  2. Social Sciences (17%)
  3. Engineering (16%)
  4. Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies (15%)
  5. Mathematics & Statistics (6%)
  6. Physical Sciences (5%)
  7. Biological & Biomedical Sciences (3%)
  8. Psychology (3%)
  9. Engineering Technologies (3%)
  10. English Language & Literature (3%)

Stanford University Student Life

  • Undergraduate enrollment (fall 2023): 8,054
  • Gender distribution: 48.4% male, 51.6% female
  • On-campus housing: 92%
  • Athletics: NCAA Division I

Student Life Stats

  • Total enrollment (fall 2023): 18,446
  • On-campus residency rate: 92%
  • Athletic association: NCAA I

Campus & Student Services

Stanford provides a range of student services, including:

  • Tutoring, women’s center, career placement, daycare, health services, and health insurance.
  • Campus safety measures like 24/7 patrols, late-night escorts, emergency phones, well-lit pathways, and secure dorm access.
  • Alcohol is permitted for students of legal age.

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