Stanford University

Stanford, CA · Private nonprofit · 4-year · Niche: A+

Stanford University has a 3.9% acceptance rate. Stanford University is a private nonprofit 4-year institution in Stanford, CA, with a median SAT of 1550 and a median ACT of 35. The average net price is $13,807 per year after financial aid, and it is accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission.

Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education). Data updated April 2026.

Admissions Statistics

Acceptance Rate

3.9%

53,733 applicants

SAT Median

1550

Combined score

ACT Median

35

Composite score

Avg Net Price

$13,807

After financial aid

SAT & ACT Scores at Stanford University

Middle-50% test scores of admitted students at Stanford University (25th to 75th percentile), per federal IPEDS data:

Test25th percentileMedian75th percentile
SAT (total, 400–1600)151015501580
ACT (composite, 1–36)343535

Student Outcomes

Graduation Rate

92.4%

Retention Rate

98.2%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$124,080

Student Body

7,554

Net Price by Family Income

What students actually pay after grants and scholarships at Stanford University:

Family IncomeAvg Net Price/Year
$0 – $30,000$-2,536
$30,001 – $48,000$-193
$48,001 – $75,000$3,212
$75,001 – $110,000$11,092
$110,000+$53,882

Top Majors at Stanford University

MajorDegrees Awarded
Computer & Information Sciences341
Engineering305
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies287
Social Sciences287
Mathematics & Statistics90
Physical Sciences79
Biological & Biomedical Sciences76
Psychology74
Engineering Technologies62
Area, Ethnic & Gender Studies47

Financial Aid at Stanford University

About Stanford University

Official website: https://www.stanford.edu/

Admissions: https://admission.stanford.edu/

Frequently Asked Questions About Stanford University

What is the acceptance rate at Stanford University?

Stanford University has an acceptance rate of 4%. it received about 53,733 applications in a recent year; admitted students have a median SAT near 1550; the average net price is $13,807 per year. Admit Coach estimates your personal odds of admission to Stanford University for free using your GPA and test scores.

How hard is it to get into Stanford University?

Getting into Stanford University is highly competitive — it admits 4% of applicants. Admitted students typically have a median SAT around 1550. Your odds depend on how your GPA and scores compare to admitted students. Admit Coach calculates your specific chance at Stanford University for free and labels it a reach, target, or safety school.

What SAT or ACT scores do you need for Stanford University?

Admitted students at Stanford University typically have a median SAT around 1550 and a median ACT around 35. With a 4% acceptance rate, competitive applicants usually score at or above these medians. Stanford University is located in Stanford, CA. Enter your scores in Admit Coach to see whether you land in the reach, target, or safety range.

How much does it cost to attend Stanford University?

The average net price at Stanford University is $13,807 per year after grants and scholarships. about 68% of students receive financial aid; the average grant or scholarship is $64,164 per year. Net price varies by family income — Admit Coach shows the estimate for your specific income bracket.

What is the graduation rate at Stanford University?

Stanford University has a graduation rate of 92%. its first-year retention rate is 98%; median earnings 10 years after enrollment are $124,080. These federal outcome metrics let you compare Stanford University against similar colleges on Admit Coach.

Is Stanford University test-optional?

For the 2025–26 cycle, Stanford University is requiring SAT or ACT scores for admission. Students who do submit scores typically have a median SAT near 1550. With a 4% acceptance rate, a strong overall application matters most. Admit Coach factors Stanford University's testing policy into your free admission-chance estimate.

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