About Stanford University

Founded in 1885, Stanford University. is a Private college. Located in California, which is a city setting in California, the campus itself is Suburban. The campus is home to 7,034 full time undergraduate students, and 10,150 full time graduate students.

The Stanford University Academic calendar runs on a Quarter basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 10:1. There are 1089 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Stanford University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate4%
Application Deadline
Application Fee90
SAT Range1380-1580
ACT Range31-35

Admissions at are considered Most Selective, with ,96% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 4 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

100% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 99% were in the top quarter, and 94% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Stanford University.

3%
“We”re apathetic”
26%
“We know about current events and vote”
49%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
22%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
3%
“We save it for the classroom”
8%
“Sometimes, but not often”
37%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
52%
“All the time, including weekends”
3%
“I”m always terrified”
0%
“I only go out in groups”
12%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
85%
“I feel extremely safe”
10%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
40%
“We bought the gear”
51%
“We live for the big game”
4%
“It”s not really our thing”
17%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
53%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
26%
“We”re a very artistic group”
3%
“Haven”t met them”
10%
“Available in class”
52%
“They keep regular office hours”
36%
“They”re always available”
1%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
53%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
42%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
3%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
4%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
22%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
51%
“We only party on weekends”
22%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
14%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
55%
“There might be people who do”
27%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
4%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
3%
“We”re apathetic”
26%
“We know about current events and vote”
49%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
22%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
3%
“We save it for the classroom”
8%
“Sometimes, but not often”
37%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
52%
“All the time, including weekends”
3%
“I”m always terrified”
0%
“I only go out in groups”
12%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
85%
“I feel extremely safe”
10%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
40%
“We bought the gear”
51%
“We live for the big game”
4%
“It”s not really our thing”
17%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
53%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
26%
“We”re a very artistic group”
3%
“Haven”t met them”
10%
“Available in class”
52%
“They keep regular office hours”
36%
“They”re always available”
1%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
53%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
42%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
3%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
4%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
22%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
51%
“We only party on weekends”
22%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
14%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
55%
“There might be people who do”
27%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
4%
“There”s a huge drug scene”

Stanford University REVIEWS

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  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    136 Students rated on-campus housing 4.4 stars. 50 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate off-campus housing?

    91 Students rated off-campus housing 2.4 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus food?

    136 Students rated campus food 4 stars. 34 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus facilities?

    138 Students rated campus facilities 4.7 stars. 75 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate class size?

    136 Students rated class size 4.3 stars. 51 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate school activities?

    137 Students rated school activities 4.6 stars. 70 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate local services?

    138 Students rated local services 3.9 stars. 31 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate academics?

    134 Students rated academics 4.3 stars. 60 % gave the school a 5.0.

What's your overall opinion of Stanford University?

48 Students rated Stanford University

David - 01/30/2023

I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Stanford University. I found a broad range of students there who were bringing very different perspectives and life experiences to the table. The professors were often leaders in their field. The amenities and facilities left nothing to be desired. Was there a downside? Yes, being surrounded by such high achievers can make the experience a pressure-cooker. It's worth taking the time while on campus to take care of your own personal happiness, because otherwise you might find yourself chasing prestige.

Zoe - 12/31/2022

Stanford is one of the best college experiences to be had. Academically and socially, the environment is warm, intellectually stimulating, growth-promoting, safe, and exciting. The campus is beautiful with incredible facilities, housing options, campus eating options, and research, recreational, club, and social opportunities to suit everyone's interests.

Nicolas - 10/18/2022

Stanford University is a special place because of the people you meet. There are incredible stories to be heard from every single student on this campus, so it is a truly amazing experience to work and learn alongside them. Furthermore, there is an extensive list of student-led clubs and gatherings, all consequence of the students' proactiveness.

Serah - 02/26/2021

its a nice school the stafdnjgvkdjvdjvdgcmngbkfnbkcnkcnvbfnbnfknbkfnbkfg,dvinKLNGKVldnfkbnfkcls zbnbkfnbfnb m bfnbklfnbklfnbklfnkbnfkbnkfnbklf bkfnbkvnbfknbfbmfnkbnfkb fknbfnbkfnbk fn bkfn lb mf bmfnkbfm bf bmf bf bjfbnkf bmfnkdcmvb;d bfmbkfnbkf,b fnbkf bfbnfb fbf mbnklf bnfnb

Stanford University FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at Stanford University?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Stanford University is 4%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.

  2. What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

    I always imagined what the world would be like if my great-grandmother was alive. She was born and raised in North Carolina: it was her home, her vestige, the special memento she kept in her back pocket. She would always pull it out to reflect on a memory or piece of advice before we left for a big trip. I liked that about her. I always imagined what she’d say before I left for college. I imagined it like this: We’re sitting on our front porch in Pendleton, North Carolina and she says, “Gal, if there is one thing you should remember before college, it’s this: Stay away from the moonshine. Yes, the moonshine. All those mixtures, colors, and flavors ain’t nothing but a way for you to start tipping, dragging and falling all the way home. And before you start tipping and dragging, remember, them men will follow after you and a lot of 'em won’t be nice.” I’d like to think what she was alluding to was college depredation. I knew that was just her way of keeping me safe. It's also the thing I'd tell my college self.

    Read all  124 answers
  3. Describe the students at your school.

    My classmates are friendly, lively, and smart people who manage well in school but also have a lot of time to have fun.

    Read all  46 answers
  4. What is your overall opinion of this school?

    Very nice campus, great administration, easy classes, terrible fellow students

    Read all  34 answers
  5. Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

    My favorite aspect of life at Stanford is certainly the open-mindedness, especially with respect to the vibrant diversity that exists on campus. There are limitless opportunities at Stanford for all individuals to express themselves, regardless of race, heritage, religious ideals, political affiliations, or any other personal identifications that otherwise create barriers between students. Upon initially acquainting myself with current students during Admit Weekend when I was a high school senior, I found that they were extremely open to learn more about and understand the perspectives of their diverse peers. I appreciate that everyone is incredbly welcoming, accepting, and warmhearted.

    Read all  33 answers
  6. Is the stereotype of students at your school accurate?

    Yes almost everyones happy but if you aren't the Prozac type then it's not fun.

    Read all  33 answers
  7. What are the academics like at your school?

    Quite easy compared to a rigorous private high school

    Read all  32 answers
  8. Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

    Stanford gathers the world's best students and professors, unique in their own ways, and puts them together on a beautiful, sunny campus to cooperate to make amazing opportunities and results.

    Read all  31 answers
  9. What's unique about your campus?

    The best thing about this campus, besides the beautiful weather and scenery, are the people. Everyone from students to professors is very driven and a pleasure to talk to and work with.

    Read all  31 answers
  10. What is the stereotype of students at your school?

    All stanford students are the same - white, rich, boring, conformist.

    Read all  29 answers
  11. What are the most popular student activities/groups?

    Social life is friday and saturday night when people start drinking at 10 go out to a frat party and home paired up with some other loser by 12:30 or else just giving up on the night. Partying is self-medication not something to enjoy for it's own sake

    Read all  26 answers
  12. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    The rampant partying in some dorms without any regard for others- the R.A.'s won't do anything about it.

    Read all  26 answers
  13. What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

    That is it NOT ALWAYS hot and sunny.

    Read all  24 answers
  14. What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

    That everyone seems to be doing fine in classes, etc. -- which makes me feel like I'm the only one who is not doing so well. I know it's not true though, it's called the "Stanford Duck Syndrome". People are really good at hiding what's going wrong in their lives and putting on a faccade that everything is okay.

    Read all  22 answers
  15. What kind of person should not attend this school?

    People who are interested in nourishing the life of the mind won't like Stanford very much. It's an academic school, but most of the academics seem targeted towards career placement or some other utilitarian goal. Learning for the sake of learning is pretty rare.

    Read all  19 answers
  16. What kind of person should attend this school?

    Liberal, motivated, excited, intelligent, spunky, interesting, accepting, fun

    Read all  17 answers
  17. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    This school is best known for the great companies that were founded here and the prominent figures who attended.

    Read all  14 answers
  18. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    The laid back atmosphere is really conducive to fun and learning. There's a great vibe on campus that makes the challenging academics a bit easier.

    Read all  12 answers
  19. Why did you decide to go to this school?

    I chose Stanford because I felt like I was at home when I first stepped on its campus. With its great academic departments and gorgeous weather, Stanford was undoubtedly the right choice. The people there are amazingly friendly and welcoming. I had no problem making friends with students, including upperclassmen.

    Read all  7 answers
  20. What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?

    A few stereotypes that I've heard about Stanford students are those imposed upon most Ivy Leaguers (note: Stanford is not technically an Ivy League school): namely, that we're all privileged white kids, with a substantial amount of us intent on being at the top of the pack (think: cut throat competition). Here's the run-down: there's almost always a kernel of truth to any stereotype, but luckily for Stanford (and me!), in this case it's only a small kernel. Being an international student myself who grew up in the Middle East, I can attest to the diversity of the Stanford population. The caveat - if you read the "official" calculation of Stanford's population - is that Stanford counts "Americanized" international students as "international" - i.e if grew up in the US with foreign parents you are considered international. I find that definition a bit of a stretch. However, regardless of your views of what constitutes international, there's a fair amount of people who grew up overseas at Stanford. Additionally, Stanford boasts itself on being one of the top colleges for students of color and those of latino/a origin (see this page for more info: http://admission.stanford.edu/student/diversity/index.html) In terms of relative wealth, there are many privileged kids at Stanford, but not that privileged. Case in point: most Stanford students don't have a car (though that's partly out of convenience as well). Students commonly complain about the expense of food in Palo Alto. Additionally, I would say around 20-30{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the student population has a part time job to support themselves. Last, let's talk about competition: My favorite part about Stanford is the lack of competition among students in most undergraduate departments. I say MOST rather than all, since my major is Sociology with a minor in philosophy (i.e I'm familiar with the humanities and social sciences). Based on what my friends in the more technical fields tell me, there isn't that much morale-killing competition in their departments either. I think part of that is West Coast culture, and part of that is purely Stanford culture. My brother went to Harvard and his characterization of their student population has led me to believe that Stanford is more collaborative than competitive compared to other top schools in the nation.

    Read all  6 answers
  21. Where is the best place to get work done on campus?

    Most people I know go to either Green Library or Meyer Library. The outdoor Cafe's are also popular spots to study. For me, the best place to get work done is anywhere that isn't my room! Honestly, if you work better in a quiet place you'll find it. If you work better in a noisy place, there are those too.

    Read all  1 answers

Student Body

Students

49%

female

51%

male

7,034

Total Undergrad Enrollment

10,150

Total Grad Students

53%

Out-Of-State

35%

In-State

12%

International

Organizations

650

Student Organizations

17

Fraternities

13

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

57%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
1%
% Asian/Pacific Islander
21%
% Black or African-American
6%
% Hispanic/Latino
16%
% White or Caucasian
36%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

66% of students attending Stanford University receive some sort of financial aid. 13% were awarded federal grants. While 9% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$47,940

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$1,455

Books and Supplies

$14,601

Room and Board

63,996

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$1,630
$30 - $48K
$4,035
$48 - $75K
$4,061
$75 - $110K
$12,228
$110K & UP
$39,853

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

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