Quick Summary
Stanford University is a private research university founded in 1885, located in Stanford, USA. Ranked #6 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 17357 students including 24% from outside USA. Known for strengths in Computer Science and Information Systems, Engineering and Technology, Law and Legal Studies, it maintains an acceptance rate of 3.9%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
Stanford offers an unparalleled ecosystem of innovation, world-class faculty, and proximity to Silicon Valley's tech industry.
Subject Strengths
Computer Science and Information SystemsEngineering and TechnologyLaw and Legal StudiesBusiness and Management StudiesMedicinePhysics and Astronomy
Founded1885
TypePrivate Research University
Total Students17357
Intl Students24%
Faculty Ratio5
CampusSuburban
Campus Size8,180 Acres
Affiliated HospitalsStanford Health Care,Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford
AccreditationWASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#6
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#6
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#2
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Undergraduate Degrees,Master's Degrees,Doctoral Degrees,Professional Degrees (JD, MD, MBA)
Programs
Available
PhD Programs
Available
Online Programs
Stanford Linear Accelerator Center (SLAC),Hoover Institution,Stanford Bio-X,Woods Institute for the Environment
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Accreditation
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Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate3.9%
IELTS7
TOEFL100
Min GPA3.9
GREOptional (Department Specific)
GMATRequired for MBA
SATRequired (Reinstated for 2025-26 cycle)
ACTRequired (Reinstated for 2025-26 cycle)
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · January 5
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Focus on 'Intellectual Vitality.' Stanford seeks students who demonstrate a genuine love for learning and unique perspectives that contribute to the campus community.
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Cost Ledger
Annual estimate
UG Tuition
$65,127/yr
per year · USD
Living Cost
$23,000/yr
per year · USD
PG Tuition
$58,000/yr
per year · USD
Application Fee
$90
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
$92,000/yr
tuition + living + essentials · USD
Scholarships AvailableAvailable
Avg Scholarship$62,000
Financial AidNeed-blind for U.S. citizens; extensive need-based aid for all admitted students.
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Undergraduate Degrees,Master's Degrees,Doctoral Degrees,Professional Degrees (JD, MD, MBA) programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Engineering | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Human Biology | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Economics | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Political Science | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Psychology | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$105,000
Average Salary After Graduation
94%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementHighly active via Stanford BEAM (Bridging Education, Ambition & Meaningness).
Industry Connections
GoogleAppleMetaNVIDIATesla
Notable Alumni
Larry Page,Sergey Brin,Herbert Hoover,Tiger Woods,Sally Ride,Elon Musk (Attended)
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Stanford Stadium,Maples Pavilion,Avery Aquatic Center,Arrillaga Center for Sports & Recreation
Student Clubs
600
Library Resources
20 libraries holding over 12 million items.
Exchange Programs
Bing Overseas Studies Program (BOSP)
Summer Programs
Stanford Summer Session