About

About Stanford University

ultra selective admissionstop computer science programvery high research activitylow student faculty ratio

Stanford University is a private research university in Stanford, CA, known for its ultra selective admissions, top computer science program, and very high research activity. With an acceptance rate of 4%, SU is one of the most selective colleges in the United States, typically enrolling around 1,736 students each year. SU is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1520–1570, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. SU meets 100% of demonstrated financial need and has replaced loans with grants; for families earning under $100,000, the net cost is often $0.

Admissions

Stanford University acceptance rate and admitted student profile

one of the most selective colleges in the United States

4%
Overall Accept Rate
4.00
Typical Admitted GPA
1545
Median Admitted SAT
GPATypical admitted range: 3.75 – 4.00 unweighted

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SATSubmitted score range: 1520 – 1570 (test optional)

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ACTScore range: 34 – 36

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Stanford University

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Essay Strategy
Stanford's short essays, especially the one on intellectual vitality, are where most applications are won or lost. Write about a specific moment of genuine curiosity, not a broad passion, and make the reader feel exactly what it was like to be inside your head during that experience.
Essay Strategy
The 'What matters to you and why' prompt is Stanford's signature question, and admissions readers have seen every surface level answer imaginable. Go beyond your activity or cause and reveal the underlying value or belief that drives you, something that feels true to who you are even outside of school.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What Stanford University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Loan-free financial aid: Stanford University has replaced all loans with grants. For families earning under $100,000, the average net annual cost is $0. Stanford University's sticker price of ~$79k/year bears almost no resemblance to what most families pay.
Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
48k-75kOften $0~$79k/yr~$0 / yr
75k-110k~$79k/yr$11.1k
110k+~$79k/yr$53.9k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

93%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$103k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
4:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
8,092
Undergrad Enrollment
Stanford University Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch