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Stanford, CA · Private · Medium · Suburban
Admitted students who enroll
Of enrolling students
How much the school says contact matters
Deadlines, fees, testing policy, and recommendation requirements come from the Common App 2026-2027 First-Year Deadlines, Fees and Requirements file published August 28, 2026. Schools can still change a date after publication, so confirm anything you are close to with the school.
Rated Very important in the 2024-2025 Common Data Set this school published.
Admitted students who enroll
Of enrolled students
Of enrolled students
Reported by the school to IPEDS for fall 2023 admission.
Tuition, housing, food, and fees
Sticker figures. What a family actually pays depends on income and aid, which is what the financial aid tools are for.
| Major | Degrees | Graduates here | Same major nationally |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | 293 | $247,797 | $107,009 |
| Human Biology | 140 | $79,098 | $64,732 |
| Economics | 112 | $148,692 | $82,686 |
| Engineering, Other | 89 | $122,212 | $93,989 |
| Cognitive Science | 83 | - | $81,496 |
| Political Science and Government | 72 | $73,221 | $63,293 |
| Mathematics | 65 | - | $69,562 |
| International Relations and National Security Studies | 61 | $128,687 | $66,596 |
Average net price paid by aided students in each family income band, after grants and scholarships. Usually far below the sticker price above.
Sources: this school's published Common Data Set, the Common App 2026-2027 member requirements file, and federal cost and outcomes data. See how our data works, or read the complete manual.
Add your GPA and test scores in Settings to see your estimated chances at Stanford University.
Plan to submit either the SAT or the ACT.
Common App personal statement (650 words) + 3 supplementals
For exact prompts, check the school's admissions page or the Common App once writing opens (Aug 1).
1 counselor + 2 teacher recommendations required
This school does not consider interest. Don't burn time on it - focus on the application itself.
$100
Fee waivers available if you qualify (Common App fee waiver, school waiver, or counselor request).
If a parent attended, mention it on the application. Some schools have ended this practice - verify with current admissions guidance.
Sticker price means almost nothing. Stanford University's Net Price Calculator estimates what you'll actually pay after merit and need-based aid. Takes 10 minutes; needs household income and assets, plus a few academic numbers.
Open Stanford University's Net Price CalculatorRead from Stanford University's own admissions page on 2026-08-30 for the 2026-2027 cycle (source). Schools can still revise a prompt after publishing, so confirm before you submit.
Five short questions at 50 words each, then three short essays at 250 words each. All eight are required.
Challenge society faces
Required50 words“What is the most significant challenge that society faces today?”
Start essay with this prompt →Last two summers
Required50 words“How did you spend your last two summers?”
Start essay with this prompt →Historical moment
Required50 words“What historical moment or event do you wish you could have witnessed?”
Start essay with this prompt →An activity or responsibility
Required50 words“Briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities, a job you hold, or responsibilities you have for your family.”
Start essay with this prompt →Five things
Required50 words“List five things that are important to you.”
Start essay with this prompt →Excited about learning
Required250 words“The Stanford community is deeply curious and driven to learn in and out of the classroom. Reflect on an idea or experience that makes you genuinely excited about learning.”
Start essay with this prompt →Roommate note
Required250 words“Virtually all of Stanford's undergraduates live on campus. Write a note to your future roommate that reveals something about you or that will help your roommate—and us—get to know you better.”
Start essay with this prompt →Distinctive contribution
Required250 words“Please describe what aspects of your life experiences, interests, and character would help you make a distinctive contribution as an undergraduate to Stanford University.”
Start essay with this prompt →Last verified 2026-08-30 · Cycle 2026-2027 · For the current cycle, double-check the school's admissions writing page.
This school explicitly does not consider demonstrated interest in admissions decisions. Don't spend time visiting, opening every email, or following on social purely for admissions. Those things won't move the needle here.
Where to spend time instead: the application itself. Strong essays, tight activities list, recommendations from teachers who know you well.
Research University
Yes
Co-op / Internship
Available
Est. Net Price (You)
$65,910
Based on "none" need
Sticker tuition
$65,910
Before aid
Total Estimated 4-Year Cost
$263,640
Out-of-state pricing with estimated aid
Greek Life
Yes
Study Abroad
14%
Religious Affiliation
None
Football Conference
ACC
Debt-to-Income
11.4%
Average debt against 10-year earnings
Est. 10-Year ROI
$965,360
(10yr earnings x 10) - 4yr cost
This school gives legacy preference. If a parent or grandparent attended, highlight it.
Deadline / RD: January 5, 2027
114 days remaining (RD)
Application Platform: Common App
Supplemental Essays: 3
Interview: Not Offered
Recommendation letters needed
Test scores required
Get candid student reviews, rankings, and additional data from these sources:
Data from US Department of Education College Scorecard, National Center for Education Statistics, and institutional disclosures.
| Research and Experimental Psychology | 57 | - | $55,695 |
| Mechanical Engineering | 56 | $140,707 | $92,135 |
| Biology, General | 56 | $76,182 | $57,214 |
| Engineering-Related Fields | 52 | $168,931 | $89,619 |
Median earnings of this school's graduates in each major, roughly five years out, beside the national median for the same major.