Stanford University Acceptance Rate
Stanford University at a Glance
Average SAT & ACT Scores for Stanford University
| Test | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile | Midpoint |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Reading | 740 | 780 | 760 |
| SAT Math | 770 | 800 | 785 |
| SAT Total | 1510 | 1580 | 1545 |
| ACT Composite | 34 | 35 | 34 |
Admissions Funnel
| Applications Received | 53,733 |
| Students Admitted | 2,099 |
| Students Enrolled | 1,699 |
| Yield Rate | 80.9% |
Stanford University Rankings
| Ranking | 2025 | Year |
|---|---|---|
| US News National Universities | #4 | 2025 |
| QS World University Rankings | #2 | 2025 |
| THE World University Rankings | #2 | 2025 |
| ARWU (Shanghai) | #2 | 2024 |
Show 10-Year US News Ranking History
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #4 | #5 | #5 | #7 | #6 | #6 | #6 | #3 | #3 | #4 |
US News National Universities: #4 (2016) → #4 (2025) — unchanged
Stanford University Admissions Overview
Stanford University is a private university in Stanford, CA with 20,955 students. With a 3.9% acceptance rate, it ranks among the most selective institutions in the country. The most popular majors are Computer Science, Social Sciences, and Engineering.
| Full Name | Stanford University |
| Location | Stanford, CA 94305 |
| Type | Private |
| Website | stanford.edu/ |
| Total Enrollment | 20,955 |
| Undergrad Enrollment | 9,383 |
| Female Students | 50.7% |
Is Stanford University a Reach, Match, or Safety?
With an acceptance rate of 3.9%, Stanford University is a Reach for most applicants. You'll need a standout application — strong GPA, meaningful extracurriculars, and compelling essays — to have realistic odds here.
| Your Profile | Stanford University Is... | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Above-average GPA + strong application | Match | Apply — worth the effort |
| Average GPA, some strengths | Reach | Apply, but have 2-3 backup schools |
| Below-average GPA | Hard Reach | Consider similar schools with higher acceptance rates |
Stanford University True Cost by Family Income
19% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating Stanford enrolls a meaningful share of lower-income students.
| Family Income | Annual Net Price | 4-Year Total |
|---|---|---|
| $0-30k | $-2,536 | $-10,144 |
| $30-48k | $-193 | $-772 |
| $48-75k | $3,212 | $12,848 |
| $75-110k | $11,092 | $44,368 |
| $110k+ | $53,882 | $215,528 |
Cost Breakdown
| Room & Board | $19,922 |
| Total Cost of Attendance | $87,833 |
Want to see how Stanford University stacks up? Compare college costs side by side and check the college rankings by net price and salary outcomes.
Popular Majors at Stanford University
The most popular fields of study, ranked by the number of degrees awarded.
{sn} Student Demographics
How to Get Into Stanford University
Stanford is a Reach school for nearly all applicants. Competitive applicants typically score 1545+ on the SAT. Beyond grades and scores, Stanford wants to see intellectual curiosity, leadership, and a clear sense of purpose in your application. Have 2-3 realistic backup schools — even perfect-on-paper students get denied here.
What Stanford University Values Most in Applicants
Admission factor importance from the Common Data Set — what the school officially says matters.
| Factor | Importance |
|---|---|
| Academic Gpa | Very Important |
| Rigor Of Secondary School Record | Very Important |
| Class Rank | Considered |
| Standardized Test Scores | Considered |
| Application Essay | Very Important |
| Recommendation | Important |
| Extracurricular Activities | Very Important |
| Talent Ability | Very Important |
| Character Personal Qualities | Very Important |
| First Generation | Considered |
| Alumni Relation | Not Considered |
| Interview | Not Considered |
| Work Experience | Considered |
| Volunteer Work | Considered |
Want to know your odds? Use the college admissions calculator to see your chances at Stanford University by GPA and SAT/ACT — or calculate your college GPA first to check where you stand.
Stanford University Application Deadlines & Requirements
Key dates for the Stanford University REA admission cycle. Mark these on your calendar — missing a deadline means waiting another year.
| Deadline | Date |
|---|---|
| Early Action | Nov 1 |
| Regular Decision | Jan 2 |
| Financial Aid (FAFSA/CSS) | Feb 15 |
See Stanford University alongside every school in our full college application deadlines calendar for 2026–2027.
{sn} Financial Aid & Student Debt
Frequently Asked Questions About Stanford University
Other Colleges in CA
Data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS. Stanford University is not affiliated with NextColleges.