Built for Students, by Students
Help verify tuition, housing costs, and campus life data
Stanford University
Explore one of the most distinguished institutions in CA. Your pathway to a brighter future begins here.
Annual Tuition
$62,484
Average Sticker Price
Admission Rate
3.9%
Selectivity Level
Graduation Rate
94.0%
Completion Success
Median Earnings
$124,080
10y Career Outlook
Related Guides & Reviews
In-depth articles about this school and region
California State University-East Bay: compare commuting with moving before you commit
Read guide →
West Los Angeles College: A GradeToGrad Guide
Read guide →
Best Welding Schools in California: Programs, Costs & Career Outlook
Read guide →
How to Use Assist.org: The Transfer Articulation Tool Every CC Student Needs
Read guide →
About Institution
Stanford University is a distinguished Private nonprofit, 4-Year institution located in Stanford, CA. With a competitive tuition profile of $62,484, it remains an attractive choice for ambitious students. A strong graduation rate of 94.0% underscores its academic rigor and effective student support systems.
Admissions Intel
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
Acceptance Rate
3.9%
What You Need to Apply
Application requirements for Stanford University
GPA: 3.9 – 4 (unweighted mid-50%)
Standardized Tests
SAT: 1510 – 1570 (mid-50%)
ACT: 34 – 35 (mid-50%)
8 Essays Required
Common App essay (650 words) + 5 short answers (50 words each) + 3 short essays (100-250 words each)
3 Recommendation Letters Required
1 counselor + 2 teachers required. 1 optional additional.
Required Documents
- • Common App + Stanford Supplement
- • High school transcript
- • 3 recommendation letters
- • SAT/ACT scores
- • Mid-year report
Key Deadlines
Early Action
November 1, 2025
Regular Decision
January 5, 2026
Restrictive EA: cannot apply EA/ED to other private universities
Financial Aid Priority Deadline
February 15, 2026
File FAFSA by this date to maximize aid eligibility.
Important
Restrictive Early Action (not binding). SAT/ACT required. CSS Profile required for financial aid.
Last verified: April 12, 2026. Source: Stanford Admissions. Always verify requirements directly with Stanford University before applying.
Investment Return
Estimated College ROI Analysis
Total 4-Year Cost
$249,936
Based on sticker tuition
Estimated Payback
2.7 yrs
Time to recoup investment
Annual Earnings Boost
+$94,080
vs. $30k HS diploma baseline
10-Year Net Gain
+$690,864
Cumulative earnings advantage minus total college cost
20-Year Net Gain
+$1,631,664
Long-term projected return on your education investment
ROI estimates use the BLS national median of $30,000/yr for high school diploma holders as a baseline. Actual results vary based on major, career path, location, and individual circumstances. Median graduate debt at Stanford University is $12,000.
Student Community
Gender Balance
Ethnic Diversity
Security Audit
Incidents
0
Burglary
0
Theft
0
Assault
0
Robbery
0
Rape
0
Arson
0
Murder
0
Financial Outlook
Total Sticker Price
$62,484
Estimated cost before aid.
Net Price By Income
Debt & Financial Aid
Repayment measured in 2016–17; this federal measure was discontinued.
Grant Aid (IPEDS 2021)
* Most students receive significant grants and scholarships, reducing the actual cost. Grant data from IPEDS Student Financial Aid survey.
Quick Overview
Faculty Ratio
N/A
Retention
97.8%
Success
94.0%
In-State Cost
$62,484
Age 25+ Students
1.7%
Carnegie Class
R1: Doctoral — Very High Research
Working at 6yr
592 students
Local City Insights
We are currently gathering city-level crime and housing data for Stanford. Check back soon for "Campus vs. City" comparisons!