Stanford University
Stanford, CA · Official website ↗
Stanford University is in Stanford, CA, United States. Tuition for international students: $67,731 per year (2026-27 figure). Applying: intake: Fall; application fee $100. Scholarships: 2 from the university.
✓ 42 facts from 17 official pages, each with the exact sentence it comes from · checked 2026-11-11 · How we verify
4%
Admission rate
7,554
Undergraduates
$68,544
Tuition / yr
$92,892
Cost of attendance / yr
$125,340
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry
1510–1580
SAT, middle 50% (approx.)
34–35
ACT, middle 50%
International students should also budget for health insurance, visa and travel costs not shown here.
Reference only. Automatically checked against the college's official pages on 2026-11-11; maintained by Jordan Lee, editor. Colleges can change policies at any time — confirm on the official page before you apply. Spotted an error? Tell us.
Quick summary
| Cost per year | about $92,892 per year (tuition, housing, food, books — U.S. Department of Education figure) + health insurance $8,808 + flights and visa. Four years cost roughly four times this if prices stay the same; colleges usually raise prices every year. |
|---|---|
| Money from the college | Need-based aid: yes, but asking for it can affect the admission decision. Merit scholarships: none. 1 named scholarship(s) confirmed open to international students; the college does not publish amounts. |
| Chances of admission | extremely selective: about 1 in 28 applicants is admitted. Middle half of admitted students scored SAT 1510–1580. |
| Application deadlines | Earliest: Nov 1 (Restrictive Early Action — Early and not binding, but you may not apply early to most other private colleges.) Last round: Regular Decision, Jan 5. |
| Where and how students live | Stanford, CA · Large suburb · summer highs about 25°C, winter lows about 6°C · 22 km from SJC airport |
| Housing | First-year housing: Required; housing and meals $22,944 per year |
| Working while studying | not yet determined |
| After graduation | not yet determined |
Plain-language summary of the verified details below. Where it says “not yet determined”, we have not found it on an official page yet.
Financial aid & requirements for international students
| Aid & admission for international applicants | Need-aware for international applicants The college may consider an international applicant's ability to pay when deciding admission. Sources (2)“For international citizens who indicate on their application that they will be applying for financial aid, that request will be a factor in our admission evaluation, making the process more selective.”admission.stanford.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-11“If you are not a U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident, undocumented student, or an Eligible Noncitizen, your request for financial aid will be a factor in our admission evaluation.”admission.stanford.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-11 |
|---|---|
| Meets full financial need | Yes — meets the full demonstrated need of admitted studentsSources (2)“Financial aid at Stanford is based on the family's demonstrated financial need and we will meet the full need of all admitted students regardless of citizenship.”admission.stanford.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-11“Stanford is committed to meeting demonstrated financial need for all admitted students (regardless of citizenship) who have requested financial aid during the application process.”admission.stanford.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-11 |
| Merit scholarships | No — aid is based on need, not meritSources (1)“We do not offer merit scholarships outside of a limited number of athletic scholarships.”admission.stanford.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-11 |
| Forms for international aid applicants | CSS Profile, The college's own aid form · CSS code 4704Sources (3)“International applicants should submit the CSS Profile if they are able.”admission.stanford.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-11“If you are an international student who cannot afford the CSS Profile fee, or if you live in a country from which the College Board cannot process payments, you may submit the International Student Application for Financial Assistance (ISAFA) instead.”admission.stanford.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-11“If you are an international student who cannot afford the CSS Profile fee, or if you live in a country from which the College Board cannot process payments, you may submit an International Student Application for Financial Assistance using our secure Document Upload process.”financialaid.stanford.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-11 |
| Must request aid when applying? | Yes — if you do not apply for aid when you apply for admission, you cannot get need-based aid laterSources (1)“International citizens who indicate on their applications that they will not be applying for financial aid and subsequently are admitted are not eligible to apply for financial aid at any time during their four years at Stanford.”admission.stanford.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-11 |
| SAT / ACT policy | SAT or ACT requiredSources (2)“ACT or SAT scores are required.”admission.stanford.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-11“Yes, the ACT or SAT is required.”admission.stanford.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-11 |
| English proficiency | English proficiency test not requiredSources (2)“No, we do not require any English proficiency exams.”admission.stanford.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-11“If you would like to send us one, you are welcome to self-report your scores from any English proficiency exam.”admission.stanford.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-11 |
| Conditional admission / English pathway | Not yet determined — check the college site ↗ |
Scholarships for first-year students
Athletic Scholarships
Amount not published
Sources (1)
“We do not offer merit scholarships outside of a limited number of athletic scholarships.”admission.stanford.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-11University Scholarship
Amount not published
- Who can receive it: All applicants, including international students
- Financial need: Required
- How to apply: Automatic — considered with your admission application
Sources (4)
“Scholarship from Stanford is the primary source of funding used to assist students with meeting their educational costs.”financialaid.stanford.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-11“All university scholarship funds are awarded on the basis of financial need as determined by information provided on the CSS Profile.”financialaid.stanford.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-11“No separate application is required for any of our specific scholarship funds.”financialaid.stanford.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-11“Financial aid at Stanford is based on the family's demonstrated financial need and we will meet the full need of all admitted students regardless of citizenship.”admission.stanford.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-11Programmes
| Bachelor's programme | Computer Science · 4 years (reference) Source (2)“Top 5 Undergraduate Degrees Awarded 2024-2025 - Computer Science - Human Biology - Economics - Symbolic Systems - Mathematics”facts.stanford.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-11“International citizens who indicate on their applications that they will not be applying for financial aid and subsequently are admitted are not eligible to apply for financial aid at any time during their four years at Stanford.”admission.stanford.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-11Economics · 4 years (reference) Source (2)“Top 5 Undergraduate Degrees Awarded 2024-2025 - Computer Science - Human Biology - Economics - Symbolic Systems - Mathematics”facts.stanford.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-11“International citizens who indicate on their applications that they will not be applying for financial aid and subsequently are admitted are not eligible to apply for financial aid at any time during their four years at Stanford.”admission.stanford.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-11Human Biology · 4 years (reference) Source (2)“Top 5 Undergraduate Degrees Awarded 2024-2025 - Computer Science - Human Biology - Economics - Symbolic Systems - Mathematics”facts.stanford.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-11“International citizens who indicate on their applications that they will not be applying for financial aid and subsequently are admitted are not eligible to apply for financial aid at any time during their four years at Stanford.”admission.stanford.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-11Mathematics · 4 years (reference) Source (2)“Top 5 Undergraduate Degrees Awarded 2024-2025 - Computer Science - Human Biology - Economics - Symbolic Systems - Mathematics”facts.stanford.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-11“International citizens who indicate on their applications that they will not be applying for financial aid and subsequently are admitted are not eligible to apply for financial aid at any time during their four years at Stanford.”admission.stanford.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-11Symbolic Systems · 4 years (reference) Source (2)“Top 5 Undergraduate Degrees Awarded 2024-2025 - Computer Science - Human Biology - Economics - Symbolic Systems - Mathematics”facts.stanford.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-11“International citizens who indicate on their applications that they will not be applying for financial aid and subsequently are admitted are not eligible to apply for financial aid at any time during their four years at Stanford.”admission.stanford.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-11 |
|---|
Applying
| Entry score guide (reference, not a minimum) | ACT 34-36 — middle 50% of admitted students (reference) Source (1)“For students in the Class of 2029 who submitted ACT scores, the middle 50 percent scored between 34 and 36.”admission.stanford.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-11SAT 1520-1570 — middle 50% of admitted students (reference) Source (1)“For students in the Class of 2029 who submitted SAT scores, the middle 50 percent scored between 1520 and 1570.”admission.stanford.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-11 |
|---|---|
| Intakes (start months) for first-year entry | Fall Source (1)“Students enroll and begin classes in the Fall. We do not offer Winter or Spring Quarter enrollment.”admission.stanford.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-11 |
| Application fee | $100 one-time Source (1)“Submit the $100 nonrefundable application fee or follow the instructions below to request a fee waiver in your application.”admission.stanford.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-11 |
| Interview | Optional Source (1)“First-year applicants who attend high school in an interview area and apply through the Restrictive Early Action (REA) or Regular Decision (RD) rounds may be invited to an optional interview.”admission.stanford.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-11 |
| Application requirement | English proficiency test: Optional Source (1)“No, we do not require any English proficiency exams. If you would like to send us one, you are welcome to self-report your scores from any English proficiency exam.”admission.stanford.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-11Mid-year report: Required Personal statement / main essay: Required Source (2)“The Common Application includes essay prompts for your personal essay.”admission.stanford.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-11“In addition to the personal essay, we also require the Stanford Questions, which you can access and submit through the Common Application once you add Stanford University to your list of colleges.”admission.stanford.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-11Counselor recommendation: Required Source (1)“School Report form and counselor letter of recommendation”admission.stanford.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-11Teacher recommendation: Required ×2 Source (1)“Letters of recommendation from two academic teachers”admission.stanford.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-11Counselor / school report: Required Source (1)“School Report form and counselor letter of recommendation”admission.stanford.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-11College-specific essays: Required Source (1)“In addition to the personal essay, we also require the Stanford Questions, which you can access and submit through the Common Application once you add Stanford University to your list of colleges.”admission.stanford.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-11Admission test scores (SAT/ACT/ATAR…): Required School transcript / academic records: Required |
Deadlines (fall 2027 entry)
| Restrictive Early Action — Application | Nov 1 Early and not binding, but you may not apply early to most other private colleges. Source (1)“The application deadlines are November 1 (Restrictive Early Action), January 5 (Regular Decision) and March 15 (Transfer Admission).”admission.stanford.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-11 |
|---|---|
| Regular Decision — Application | Jan 5 The normal round; not binding. Source (1)“The application deadlines are November 1 (Restrictive Early Action), January 5 (Regular Decision) and March 15 (Transfer Admission).”admission.stanford.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-11 |
| Restrictive Early Action — Financial aid application | Nov 15 Early and not binding, but you may not apply early to most other private colleges. Source (2)“Restrictive Early Action November 15 (CSS Profile & IDOC) Mid-December”financialaid.stanford.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-11“Priority Filing Date November 15”financialaid.stanford.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-11 |
| Regular Decision — Financial aid application | Feb 15 The normal round; not binding. Source (1)“Regular Decision February 15 Early April”financialaid.stanford.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-11 |
Dates as published by the college; check the official page for time zones and supporting-document deadlines.
Costs for international students
| Tuition | $67,731 per year (2026–27 figure) (reference) |
|---|---|
| Housing and meals | $22,944 per year (2026–27 figure) |
| Student health insurance | $8,808 per year (2026–27 figure) Can be waived if you have comparable insurance |
| Proof of funds for the I-20 | Not yet determined — check the college site ↗ |
Sources (6)
“Budget Item 2026-2027 Academic Year”financialaid.stanford.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-11“Tuition 67,731”financialaid.stanford.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-11“Housing and Food 22,944”financialaid.stanford.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-11“Cardinal Care Cost and Coverage by Quarter 2026 - 2027”vaden.stanford.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-11“Autumn Sep 1 - Aug 31 12 $8,808 Charge on bill $2,936 $2,936 $2,936 $0”vaden.stanford.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-11“Students who have alternative health insurance that provides adequate coverage may waive Cardinal Care, if desired.”vaden.stanford.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-11Where students live
| First-year on-campus housing | Required Source (1)“First-year and new transfer students are required to live on campus in University housing for three consecutive quarters in their first year (not including summer).”approaching.stanford.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-11 |
|---|---|
| Years of guaranteed campus housing | 4 Source (1)“Housing is guaranteed for entering undergraduate first-year students for four years.”facts.stanford.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-11 |
| Housing available during breaks | No Source (2)“All undergraduate residences close during the Winter Break between autumn and winter quarters.”rde.stanford.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-11“Students must move out of housing by 12:00 p.m. on December 12, 2026, and may not return to housing until winter quarter move in.”rde.stanford.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-11 |
Work and after graduation
| Accelerated bachelor's + master's programme | Yes Source (1)“The coterminal (coterm) bachelor's and master's degree program permits Stanford undergraduates to study for a bachelor's and a master's degree simultaneously, in the same or different departments.”ed.stanford.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-11 |
|---|
Earnings by field of study
| Field | After 1 year | After 4 years |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science STEM | $157,763 | $214,907 |
| Cognitive Science STEM | $105,925 | $131,650 |
| Mechanical Engineering STEM | — | $117,072 |
| Engineering, Other STEM | $72,063 | $115,206 |
| Economics STEM | $108,498 | $112,700 |
| Engineering-Related Fields STEM | $110,280 | — |
| Science, Technology and Society | $85,484 | $107,375 |
| International Relations and National Security Studies | — | $91,075 |
| English Language and Literature, General | — | $82,036 |
| Human Biology STEM | $52,843 | $81,529 |
| Political Science and Government | $47,352 | — |
| Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies | $48,283 | $45,519 |
Median yearly earnings of graduates of this college's bachelor's programme in each field, 1 and 4 years after finishing. Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard (retrieved 2026-11-11). Only graduates who received U.S. federal student aid are counted, so international students are not included. “STEM” = the field includes majors on the U.S. DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List (updated 2024-07-22); graduates of those majors on F-1 visas may apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension. Check your exact major's CIP code with the college.
Location
| City / state | Stanford, CA |
|---|---|
| Setting | Large suburb |
| Nearest major airport | Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC), about 22 km in a straight line |
| Map | View on OpenStreetMap ↗ |
Setting from the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard); airport from OurAirports (public-domain data).
Climate
| Warmest month (Sep) | average high 25°C (78°F) |
|---|---|
| Coldest month (Dec) | average low 6°C (42°F) |
| Precipitation per year | 342 mm |
Month by month
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 15° | 17° | 18° | 20° | 22° | 24° | 25° | 25° | 25° | 23° | 19° | 15° |
| Low °C | 6° | 7° | 8° | 9° | 11° | 13° | 15° | 15° | 14° | 12° | 8° | 6° |
| Rain mm | 63 | 74 | 52 | 25 | 11 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 14 | 34 | 64 |
Averages for 1991–2020 at the Moffett Federal Airfield, Ca Us weather station, about 11 km from campus. Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals.
Cost, admission rate, test-score ranges and earnings come from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard (retrieved 2026-11-11). SAT range adds the 25th/75th-percentile section scores, so it is approximate. Scorecard earnings are for federal-aid recipients.