Stanford University
Stanford University has an acceptance rate of 3.6%, an average net price of $12,307, and an overall rank of #6 (Grade A+). About 91.6% of students graduate within 150% of normal time, and median earnings are $114,967 five years after graduation. Data from the U.S. Department of Education and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Stanford University is a private nonprofit university in Stanford, CA. Students most often pursue Computer Science and Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering.
Day to day, students benefit from a 6:1 student-faculty ratio, and 98.2% first-year retention. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 186.4%, roughly 136.5 points higher than typical outcomes. It's well-suited to ambitious students who thrive in an elite, research-powered setting and career-focused learners aiming for high-impact outcomes.
Who is Stanford University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Stanford University graduates 91.6% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 96.1% and keeps 98.2% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Stanford University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Est. annual aid gap: $80,585 Cash cost of attendance minus average net price after aid.
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $68,544 |
| Books and Supplies | $840 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $22,167 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $4,962 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $92,892 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 21.9% of Stanford University students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Low-income families pay less than $1,067 annually, while high-income families pay $47,575. Use Stanford University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $6,603/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $47,575/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (5 Years After Graduation) $114,967
- 10-Year Median Earnings $125,340
- Average Years to Graduate 5.0 years
- Average Student Debt $10,750
- Debt-to-Earnings ~9.4%
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 89.9%
- Employment Rate 91.6%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Stanford University graduates about 10 years after enrollment (25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile). Different horizon than median earnings five years after graduation above.
Stanford University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Stanford University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Stanford University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 740-780
- SAT Math 770-800
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 34-35
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 7,554
- Full-Time Students 100.0%
- Part-Time Students 0.0%
- Retention Rate 98.2%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 91.6%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 96.1%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 6:1
How to Get Into Stanford University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Stanford University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 3.6%, Stanford University is extremely selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 3.6% acceptance rate, Stanford University is extremely selective. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their class. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1510 and 1580 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Stanford University undergraduates. Computer Science, Human Biology, and Cognitive Science draw the most students.
- Computer Science 17.3%
- Human Biology 8.0%
- Cognitive Science 6.0%
- Engineering, Other 5.9%
- Economics 5.1%
- Engineering-Related Fields 4.3%
See more majors
- Biology, General 3.6%
- Political Science and Government 3.2%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer Science $247,797
- 2. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $187,527
- 3. Engineering-Related Fields $168,931
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Economics $148,692
- 5. Mechanical Engineering $140,707
- 6. International Relations and National Security Studies $128,687
- 7. Engineering, Other $122,212
- 8. Cognitive Science $105,695
- 9. Science, Technology and Society $92,295
- 10. Human Biology $79,098
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Computer Science (Master's Degree) $331,747
- 2. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Doctoral Degree) $314,606
- 3. Law (First Professional Degree) $289,230
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $283,761
- 5. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degree) $230,373
- 6. Engineering-Related Fields (Master's Degree) $227,320
- 7. Communication and Media Studies (Master's Degree) $170,213
- 8. Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degree) $161,655
- 9. Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services (Master's Degree) $147,202
- 10. Medicine (First Professional Degree) $146,203
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer Science grads earn $247,797—213% more than Human Biology ($79,098). Graduate: Computer Science programs lead with $331,747 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
U.S. Department of Education data reports fully online programs for Stanford University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degree, 493 graduates)
- Computer Science (Bachelor's Degree, 293 graduates)
- Civil Engineering (Master's Degree, 212 graduates)
- Law (First Professional Degree, 183 graduates)
- Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degree, 148 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
U.S. Department of Education data flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (51 programs)▼
- Computer Science
- Human Biology
- Economics
- Engineering, Other
- Cognitive Science
- Political Science and Government
- Mathematics
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Mechanical Engineering
- Biology, General
- English Language and Literature, General
- Engineering-Related Fields
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Physics
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Applied Mathematics
- Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
- Science, Technology and Society
- History
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Philosophy
- Public Policy Analysis
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Sociology
- Communication and Media Studies
- Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Chemistry
- Chemical Engineering
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Area Studies
- Anthropology
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Music
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Urban Studies/Affairs
- Systems Science and Theory
- Civil Engineering
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Archeology
- Philosophy and Religious Studies, Other
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Psychology, General
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Energy Systems Engineering
- Data Science
Online Master's Degrees (68 programs)▼
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Education, General
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
- Materials Engineering
- Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering
- Statistics
- Applied Mathematics
- Public Health
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Area Studies
- Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Sustainability Studies
- Public Policy Analysis
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Biology, General
- Physics
- Genetics
- Sociology
- Engineering, Other
- Political Science and Government
- Music
- History
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Cognitive Science
- Philosophy
- Fine and Studio Arts
- English Language and Literature/Letters, Other
- Economics
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- English Language and Literature, General
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Chemistry
- Anthropology
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Mathematics
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Petroleum Engineering
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Veterinary Biomedical and Clinical Sciences
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Psychology, General
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Design and Applied Arts
- Communication and Media Studies
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services
- Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies
- Energy Systems Engineering
Online Doctoral Degrees (55 programs)▼
- Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
- Physics
- Computer Science
- Chemistry
- Mechanical Engineering
- Biology, General
- Education, General
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Economics
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Political Science and Government
- Materials Engineering
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Chemical Engineering
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Mathematics
- Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering
- Engineering, Other
- Applied Mathematics
- History
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Genetics
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Statistics
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Sociology
- Engineering-Related Fields
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Music
- Communication and Media Studies
- Philosophy
- Medical Illustration and Informatics
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Religion/Religious Studies
- English Language and Literature, General
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Anthropology
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- English Language and Literature/Letters, Other
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Public Health
- Petroleum Engineering
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Area Studies
- Psychology, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (7 programs)▼
- Civil Engineering
- Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering
- Petroleum Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Engineering, Other
- Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
Online First Professional Degrees (2 programs)▼
- Law
- Medicine
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 7,554
- Full-Time Students 100.0%
- Part-Time Students 0.0%
- Male Students 48.4%
- Female Students 51.6%
- Caucasian 23.0%
- Asian 28.7%
- Hispanic 17.1%
- Black 7.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients 21.9%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Stanford University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Stanford University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Stanford University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Stanford University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Stanford University has a diverse student body, with 23.0% identifying as White. About 21.9% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Stanford University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Stanford University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Stanford University stands among the nation's most elite, delivering a 0.0% ROI outperforming 1934 of 1934 institutions in our analysis.
The institution achieves 45.4% four-year completion and a 91.6% graduation rate within 150% of normal time and maintains 98.2% first-year retention. However, the $12,307 annual net price reflects moderate affordability. Post-graduation median earnings of $114,967 reflect strong career outcomes typical of selective institutions.
Value Analysis: Is Stanford University Worth It?
Ranking #6 of 1934, Stanford University delivers a A+ overall grade with 99.7/100 on EDsmart's national index (0–100 vs. all ranked schools; not a raw point total).
For High-Achieving Students: Applicants pursuing careers where institutional prestige and professional networks drive opportunities—such as finance, consulting, law, and academia—benefit most from Stanford University's brand value and alumni connections. The school's reputation provides career acceleration that may justify the premium cost for specific fields.
Financial Aid Recipients: Students receiving substantial need-based aid (bringing actual costs below $6,154 annually) access elite education at a competitive price point. Pell-eligible students often pay less here than at many public universities.
Alternative Considerations: Students in fields where skills and credentials matter more than brand name—particularly STEM, healthcare, and technical fields—should compare outcomes against public research universities offering similar education at 40-60% lower cost. Our data shows 0 institutions deliver superior ROI metrics.
Bottom Line: Stanford University excels in reputation and student experience, reflected in its 98.2% retention rate. However, value-conscious students should weigh the $12,307 annual investment against 0 alternatives offering stronger financial returns. The "best" choice depends on your field, financial situation, and career goals—not rankings alone.
Key Takeaways
- 91.6% graduation rate sits 29.1 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 98.2% first-year retention is 21.4 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- Median earnings of $114,967 run about 87% higher than national outcomes five years after graduation.
- Average net price of $12,307 is roughly $7,600 lower than the national median of $19,908.
- 91.6% employment rate within three years is 23.4 points above the national 68.2%.
Helpfulness for Students
- 6:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 98.2% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 91.6% employment rate within three years sits 23.4 points above national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 21.9% trails the national share by 16.8 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Stanford University is a private nonprofit university based in Stanford, CA and earns a A+ overall grade. It is currently ranked #6 overall Grades by category break down as Completion A+, Support A, Career Outcomes A, and Affordability B.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Student momentum is strong: 98.2% retention, 91.6% graduation within 150% of normal time, and 96.1% earning an award within eight years. Review the cost and aid tables for a full picture of value.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $12,307 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $92,892.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $80,585 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $10,750 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 21.9% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $114,967 five years after graduation. This is roughly 87% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
Roughly 91.6% of graduates are employed three years out.
Use the ROI table above to estimate how long it may take to recoup your degree costs.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
3.6% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Stanford University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
Cite this profile
Add your access date when you publish.
APA (7th): EDsmart. (2026). Stanford University: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings. https://www.edsmart.org/schools/stanford-university/
MLA (9th): “Stanford University: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” EDsmart, 2026, www.edsmart.org/schools/stanford-university/.
Chicago: EDsmart. “Stanford University: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” https://www.edsmart.org/schools/stanford-university/.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Stanford University's acceptance rate?
Stanford University's acceptance rate is 3.6%, based on U.S. Department of Education admissions data.
How much does Stanford University cost?
At Stanford University, listed tuition and fees are $68,544 per year, and the average net price after aid is $12,307. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Stanford University's ranking?
Stanford University ranks #6 overall in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of A+, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Stanford University's graduation rate?
At Stanford University, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 91.6% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), the federal 8-year award rate is 96.1%, and first-year retention is 98.2%.
What are Stanford University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Stanford University report median earnings of $114,967 five years after graduation, according to U.S. Department of Education outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Stanford University's student population?
Stanford University enrolls about 7,554 undergraduate students, per U.S. Department of Education enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Stanford, CA 94305
- Website www.stanford.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationWestern Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
- Endowment$36.49B
- Transfer Enrollment Rate1.0%