Admission
Stanford students come from across the United States and throughout the world, representing diverse perspectives, experiences, backgrounds and cultures. U.S. undergraduate applicants are admitted on a need-blind basis, and the university offers substantial financial aid to help families manage the costs. Once here, Stanford students discover extraordinary freedom of opportunity — to explore, to collaborate and to challenge themselves.
Undergraduate
A freshman class of about 1,700 students and a transfer class of about 30 students are admitted each year. Stanford reviews each applicant with an eye to academic excellence, intellectual vitality and personal context.
Graduate
More than 65 departments and programs offer graduate and professional degrees at Stanford. Admission requirements vary greatly among them.
Financial Aid
Over 70% of undergraduates receive financial aid, and parents with family incomes below $100,000 are expected to pay nothing toward tuition. Graduate study aid is based on availability of funds and academic merit.
Professional, Continuing, K-12
Stanford offers valuable opportunities for lifelong learning, including continuing adult education, executive and professional programs, and special programs for K-12 students.
Summer Session
High school students, current Stanford students and other college students can all apply to participate in eight week summer academic programs.
Stanford Admissions at a Glance
Student Enrollment
- Undergraduates: 6,980
- Graduates: 8,897
Class of 2017
- 38,828 applicants
- 1,677 students
- From 49 states and 67 countries
Undergraduate admission
- A holistic review process evaluates academic excellence, intellectual vitality and personal context of each applicant.
- Restrictive Early Action application deadline is November 1.
- Regular Decision application deadline is January 1.
Graduate admission
- More than 65 departments and programs offer graduate study.
- Business, Law and Medicine have separate admission procedures.
- Application deadlines vary by program.
Financial Aid
- U.S. undergraduates are admitted on a need-blind basis; 100% of need is met for all admitted students.
- For undergraduates from households with incomes below $100,000, tuition is fully covered by scholarship and/or grant aid.
- Undergraduate parents with incomes below $60,000 are expected to pay nothing toward tuition, room or board.
- Over 70% of undergraduate students receive assistance toward tuition costs.
- Graduate study aid is based on availability of funds and academic merit.
- About 85% of graduate students receive financial aid.
