Stanford University
Overview
Stanford University is an elite private institution located in Stanford, California, in the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area. Known for its academic excellence and innovation, it is a mid-sized university with 7,761 undergraduate students. With an acceptance rate of just 4%, Stanford’s admissions are highly competitive. Graduating 95% of students, Stanford alumni go on to earn a starting median salary of $70,400.
- Location: Stanford, CA 94305
- Website: stanford.edu
- Enrollment: 7,761 undergraduate students
- Acceptance Rate: 4%
- Graduation Rate: 95%
- Starting Median Salary: $70,400
- Popular Majors: Computer Science, Biology, Engineering
Rankings
- #1 Best Test Optional Colleges in America (1 of 1,452)
- #1 Best Colleges for Psychology in America (1 of 1,103)
- #1 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America (1 of 647)
Admissions
Application Deadline: January 5
Acceptance Rate: 4%
SAT Range: 1500-1580
ACT Range: 33-35
Application Fee: $90
Requirements:
- SAT/ACT: Considered but not required
- High School GPA: Required
- Early Decision/Early Action: Yes
- Common App Accepted: Yes
Application Website: admission.stanford.edu/apply
Admissions Website: admission.stanford.edu
Cost and Financial Aid
- Net Price: $18,279 per year (average cost after financial aid)
- Average Total Aid Awarded: $60,619 per year
- Students Receiving Financial Aid: 68%
Academics
- Professors: A+ (based on faculty accomplishments, salary, and student reviews)
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 2:1
- Evening Degree Programs: No
Popular Majors:
- Computer Science: 277 Graduates
- Biology: 176 Graduates
- Engineering: 168 Graduates
Online Programs:
- Offers Online Courses: Yes
- Online Bachelor’s Programs: None
Campus Life
- Freshmen Live On-Campus: 100%
- Day Care Services: Yes
Polls:
- 65% of students say Greek life is average, and joining or not joining has little social impact.
- 47% of students say varsity sporting events are attended but not a major focus.
Facilities Ratings (by students):
- Athletics/Recreation: 88%
- Dining: 80%
- Performing Arts: 81%
Student Words to Describe Stanford:
- “Brilliant and humble”
- “Friendly but stressed”
- “Collaborative and record-breaking”
After College
- Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation: $94,000
- Graduation Rate: 95%
- Employed 2 Years After Graduation: 94%
- Confidence in Job Placement: 87% of students feel confident they will find a job in their field.
Athletics
- Division: NCAA Division I-FBS
- Conference: Pacific-12 Conference
Ratings by Students
- Overall Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.11 out of 5 based on 1,302 reviews)
- Breakdown:
- 5 Stars: 45%
- 4 Stars: 33%
- 3 Stars: 18%
- 2 Stars: 3%
- 1 Star: 1%
Commonly Mentioned Positives:
- Strong academic reputation with a collaborative environment.
- Cutting-edge research opportunities and resources.
- A vibrant campus with excellent facilities and student support.
Key Facts
- Median Starting Salary: $70,400
- Location: Stanford, CA
- Overall Niche Grade: A+
For more information, visit the Stanford official website.
General Information
What is Stanford University known for?
Stanford is known for its academic excellence, cutting-edge research, entrepreneurial spirit, and programs in Computer Science, Engineering, and Business.Where is Stanford University located?
Stanford is located in Stanford, California, near Palo Alto, in the San Francisco Bay Area.Is Stanford part of the Ivy League?
No, Stanford is not part of the Ivy League. However, it is often considered on par with Ivy League schools.How old is Stanford University?
Stanford was founded in 1885 and opened its doors to students in 1891.What is Stanford’s motto?
The motto is “Die Luft der Freiheit weht,” which translates to “The wind of freedom blows.”What is the campus size of Stanford University?
The campus spans 8,180 acres, making it one of the largest in the United States.Why is Stanford called “The Farm”?
The university is located on the former Palo Alto Stock Farm, which belonged to Leland and Jane Stanford.What makes Stanford unique compared to other universities?
Stanford stands out for its focus on innovation, its proximity to Silicon Valley, and its interdisciplinary programs.What is the student-to-faculty ratio at Stanford?
The student-to-faculty ratio is 2:1.Is Stanford a private or public university?
Stanford is a private university.
Admissions
What is the acceptance rate at Stanford University?
The acceptance rate is 4%, making it one of the most selective universities in the world.How competitive is Stanford’s admissions process?
Extremely competitive due to its low acceptance rate and high academic standards.What are the application deadlines for Stanford?
Regular Decision: January 5
Restrictive Early Action: November 1Does Stanford offer Early Decision or Early Action?
Stanford offers Restrictive Early Action, which is non-binding.What is the average SAT score for admitted students at Stanford?
The average SAT range is 1500-1580.What is the average ACT score for admitted students at Stanford?
The average ACT range is 33-35.Does Stanford require the SAT or ACT for admission?
Stanford considers the SAT/ACT but does not require them.What is the minimum GPA needed to apply to Stanford?
Stanford does not specify a minimum GPA, but admitted students generally have near-perfect GPAs.Does Stanford consider extracurricular activities in admissions?
Yes, Stanford places significant emphasis on extracurricular activities and leadership.Can international students apply to Stanford?
Yes, Stanford welcomes applications from international students.
Academics
What are the most popular majors at Stanford University?
Computer Science, Biology, and Engineering are among the most popular majors.Does Stanford offer double majors?
Yes, students can pursue double majors.Does Stanford have an honors program?
Yes, many departments offer honors programs for eligible students.What is the average class size at Stanford?
Most classes have fewer than 20 students.What are Stanford’s academic strengths?
Stanford excels in STEM fields, business, humanities, and social sciences.Does Stanford offer study abroad programs?
Yes, Stanford has numerous study abroad opportunities through the Bing Overseas Studies Program.What research opportunities are available at Stanford?
Stanford offers extensive research opportunities through its labs, centers, and institutes.Are professors at Stanford accessible to students?
Yes, professors are approachable and encourage interaction with students.What is the grading system used at Stanford?
Stanford uses a letter-grade system (A-F) with options for Pass/No Credit.How rigorous are the courses at Stanford?
Courses are highly rigorous and designed to challenge students intellectually.
Financial Aid and Tuition
What is the tuition cost at Stanford?
Tuition is approximately $62,250 per year (2024-2025).Does Stanford offer financial aid to international students?
Yes, Stanford provides need-based financial aid to international students.What is Stanford’s average financial aid package?
The average aid package is $60,619 per year.How do I apply for financial aid at Stanford?
Submit the FAFSA, CSS Profile, and any additional documents required by Stanford’s Financial Aid Office.Does Stanford offer merit-based scholarships?
No, Stanford only offers need-based financial aid.What percentage of Stanford students receive financial aid?
Approximately 68% of students receive financial aid.Are there work-study opportunities at Stanford?
Yes, work-study positions are available for eligible students.Does Stanford offer need-blind admissions?
Yes, Stanford practices need-blind admissions for domestic students but not for international students.What is the average net price for students receiving financial aid?
The average net price is $18,279 per year.Are there specific scholarships for certain majors at Stanford?
No, financial aid is not tied to specific majors.
Campus Life
What is campus life like at Stanford?
Campus life is vibrant, with a mix of academic, social, and cultural activities.Does Stanford have on-campus housing for all students?
Yes, on-campus housing is guaranteed for all four years.What is the freshman housing experience like at Stanford?
Freshmen live in residence halls with a mix of single, double, and triple rooms.How are Stanford’s dining facilities?
Dining facilities are highly rated and offer diverse meal options, including vegetarian and vegan choices.Are there Greek life organizations at Stanford?
Yes, Stanford has fraternities and sororities, but Greek life is not a dominant part of campus culture.What student organizations and clubs are available at Stanford?
Stanford has over 600 student organizations covering a wide range of interests.Are there cultural events held on campus?
Yes, Stanford hosts numerous cultural events, performances, and guest lectures.Does Stanford have athletic facilities for students?
Yes, Stanford has world-class athletic and recreational facilities.What safety measures are in place on Stanford’s campus?
Stanford has its own police department, emergency alert systems, and 24/7 campus security.What is Stanford’s residential experience like?
The residential experience fosters a strong sense of community and collaboration.
Career Opportunities
What is the job placement rate for Stanford graduates?
Over 94% of Stanford graduates are employed within two years of graduation.Does Stanford have a career center?
Yes, the BEAM Career Education Center provides career guidance and resources.What kind of internships are available through Stanford?
Stanford offers internships in various fields through partnerships with companies and alumni.Does Stanford have strong alumni connections?
Yes, Stanford has a global network of alumni who are highly engaged.How much do Stanford graduates typically earn?
Median earnings 6 years after graduation are $94,000.Are there career fairs on campus?
Yes, Stanford hosts several career fairs annually.Can students work on campus at Stanford?
Yes, students can work on campus through various programs.Does Stanford provide mentorship opportunities?
Yes, mentorship programs connect students with alumni and faculty.What industries do most Stanford graduates enter?
Popular industries include technology, healthcare, finance, and consulting.Are there entrepreneurial resources at Stanford?
Yes, Stanford offers resources through programs like StartX and the Stanford Venture Studio.
Library and Resources
What libraries are available at Stanford?
Stanford has over 20 libraries, including Green Library and Lane Medical Library.Does Stanford provide free access to research databases?
Yes, students have access to a wide range of databases and journals.Are study spaces available in Stanford libraries?
Yes, libraries have dedicated study spaces for students.Can non-students access Stanford’s libraries?
Limited access is available for non-students, depending on the library.Does Stanford have a writing center?
Yes, the Hume Center for Writing and Speaking provides support for students.Are there tutoring services available at Stanford?
Yes, tutoring is available through departments and peer programs.How does Stanford support students with disabilities?
Stanford offers accommodations through the Office of Accessible Education.What tech resources are available on campus?
Stanford provides computer labs, software, and high-speed internet.Does Stanford have a language learning center?
Yes, the Stanford Language Center offers resources for language learning.What is the Stanford Libraries Digital Collections?
It is an extensive online repository of digital resources, including archives and research materials.
International Students
How many international students are at Stanford?
Approximately 11% of Stanford’s undergraduate student body is made up of international students.What are the requirements for international applicants?
International applicants must meet the same academic standards as domestic students and may need to demonstrate English proficiency (e.g., TOEFL or IELTS).Does Stanford offer financial aid to international students?
Yes, Stanford provides need-based financial aid to international students.Are there cultural support groups for international students at Stanford?
Yes, Stanford has organizations such as the Bechtel International Center that offer support to international students.Does Stanford offer language assistance for international students?
Yes, language support is available through the Stanford Language Center and English support programs.Can international students work on campus?
Yes, international students can work on campus, subject to visa restrictions.What visa assistance does Stanford provide?
The Bechtel International Center helps students with visa applications and compliance.Are there scholarships specifically for international students?
While Stanford does not offer merit-based scholarships, international students are eligible for need-based aid.Does Stanford have an office for international student services?
Yes, the Bechtel International Center serves as the hub for international student services.How does Stanford integrate international students into campus life?
Through cultural events, mentorship programs, and student organizations focused on global diversity.
Alumni
Who are some notable Stanford alumni?
Notable alumni include Elon Musk, Sundar Pichai, Larry Page, Sergey Brin, and Tiger Woods.What percentage of Stanford alumni donate to the university?
Approximately 30% of Stanford alumni participate in giving back to the university.Are alumni involved in mentoring current students?
Yes, many alumni participate in mentorship programs to support current students.What industries are most Stanford alumni part of?
Technology, business, healthcare, academia, and public service are common industries.Does Stanford have regional alumni chapters?
Yes, there are over 150 regional alumni chapters worldwide.How can students connect with Stanford alumni?
Through the Stanford Alumni Association, networking events, and mentorship programs.What support does Stanford provide for alumni entrepreneurs?
Programs like StartX and the Stanford Venture Studio offer support to alumni entrepreneurs.Does Stanford host alumni networking events?
Yes, events include reunions, conferences, and regional meetups.Are there any notable political figures among Stanford alumni?
Yes, alumni include U.S. Supreme Court justices Sandra Day O’Connor and Anthony Kennedy, and former U.S. President Herbert Hoover.What is the impact of Stanford’s alumni network on career opportunities?
Stanford’s alumni network provides significant career support through mentorship, internships, and job connections.
Campus Facilities and Resources
What recreational facilities are available on campus?
Facilities include swimming pools, gyms, tennis courts, and extensive outdoor areas for running and cycling.Does Stanford have a medical center on campus?
Yes, the Stanford Medical Center is located on campus, providing world-class healthcare services.Are there performing arts venues on campus?
Yes, venues like Bing Concert Hall and Memorial Auditorium host various performances.Does Stanford have museums on campus?
Yes, including the Cantor Arts Center and the Anderson Collection.What sustainability initiatives does Stanford support?
Stanford is a leader in sustainability, with programs focused on energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste reduction.What dining options are available on campus?
Dining halls, cafes, and food trucks offer diverse meal options, including vegetarian, vegan, and international cuisines.Are there coworking spaces for students on campus?
Yes, spaces like the Stanford d.school provide collaborative environments for students.Does Stanford have transportation services on campus?
Yes, Stanford provides a free shuttle service called Marguerite and bike-sharing programs.What housing options are available for graduate students?
Graduate housing includes apartments, shared residences, and family housing.Does Stanford offer childcare services?
Yes, the university has on-campus childcare facilities for students and staff.
