Stanford University Tuition and Fees

By Susan Guillory

(Last Updated – 01/2025)

Total Cost of Attendance

Stanford is known for consistently ranking as one of the top 10 universities in the country. Stanford University tuition and fees, at $62,484 for the 2023-24 school year, is higher than the average for four-year private nonprofit institutions in the U.S. of $41,540 per year.

Financial Aid

To help with Stanford tuition, more than two-thirds of students receive financial aid of some kind, whether it’s student loans, grants, or scholarships. Stanford is “need-blind” for all U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and undocumented students, regardless of where they attended high school. This means that your financial need will not be a deciding factor on your application.

Generally, financial aid is monetary assistance awarded to students based on personal need and merit. Students who qualify for financial aid can use it to pay for college costs like tuition, books, and living expenses.

The federal government is the largest provider of student financial aid. However, aid can also be given by state governments, colleges and universities, private companies, and nonprofits. The different types include:

•  Scholarships: These can be awarded by schools and other organizations based on students’ academic excellence, athletic achievement, community involvement, job experience, field of study, or financial need.

•  Grants: Generally based on financial need, these can come from federal, state, private, or nonprofit organizations.

•  Work-study: This federal program provides qualifying students with part-time employment to earn money for expenses while in school.

•  Federal student loans: This is money borrowed directly from the U.S. Department of Education. It comes with fixed interest rates that are typically lower than private loans.

Colleges, universities, and state agencies use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine financial aid eligibility. The FAFSA can be completed online, but note that state, federal and school deadlines may differ.

You can find other financial aid opportunities on databases such as:

•  US Department of Education – Search for grants from colleges and universities by state

•  College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS) – A global college scholarship application used by select institutions to award financial aid

Recommended: The Differences Between Grants, Scholarships, and Loans

Private Student Loans

While some Stanford students opt for federal student loans (7%), others (2%) take out private student loans. The average private loan amount is $39,259.

Private loans are funded by private organizations such as banks, online lenders, credit unions, some schools, and state-based or state-affiliated organizations. While federal student loans have interest rates that are regulated by Congress, private lenders follow a different set of regulations so their qualifications and interest rates can vary widely.

What’s more, private loans have variable or fixed interest rates that may be higher than federal loan interest rates, which are always fixed. Private lenders may (but don’t always) require you to make payments on your loans while you are still in school, compared to federal student loans, which you don’t have to start paying back until after you graduate, leave school, or change your enrollment status to less than half-time.

Private loans don’t have a specific application window and can be applied for on an as-needed basis. However, if you think you may need to take out a private loan, it’s a good idea to submit your FAFSA first to see what federal aid you may qualify for as it generally may have better rates and terms.

If you’ve missed the FAFSA deadline or you’re struggling to pay for school during the year, private loans can potentially help you make your payments. Just keep in mind that you will need enough lead time for your loan to process and for your lender to send money to your school.

Recommended: Guide to Private Student Loans

Projected 4-Year-Degree Price

How much will Stanford tuition plus room and board and other expenses run you for a four-year degree? Based on 2023-24 numbers, the full cost would be $351,332. In comparison, the average cost for a private university is $60,420 a year, totaling $241,680 for four years, according to CollegeData.com.

Here’s some California Student Loan & Scholarship Information for you.

Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

Covering Stanford University costs is more than just tuition, which is $62,484. You also have to factor in room and board, which runs $19,922; books and supplies for $825; and other expenses totaling $4,602; making your COA (or cost of attendance) $87,833 a year.

Graduate Tuition and Fees

Tuition for graduate school at Stanford was $58,7467 in 2023-24, and there was an additional $753 in fees, making a total of $59,499 to attend graduate school. There are graduate loans available to help with these costs.

Cost per Credit Hour

For students who wish to attend summer sessions, the cost per unit is $1,282 (for fewer than 12). Upperclass students may petition for part-time enrollment (8-unit minimum), also for $1,282 per unit. This does not include fees. Our private student loans guide can help you plan for how you’ll finance your education.

Campus Housing Expenses

Stanford has 15 residence halls, as well as apartments, suites and row houses for undergraduates. All first-year students are required to live on campus.

For other students, there is subsidized off-campus housing available near the campus, though be aware that these likely require 12-month leases. Students living off campus should expect living expenses to be 10% to 40% higher, depending on the living situation. Check out this resource to learn more about off-campus housing.

Stanford Acceptance Rate

Admission Requirements

Now that you know the Stanford University acceptance rate, it’s important to understand the admissions requirements. Stanford University has certain requirements for first-year applicants, as well as recommended documents.

Required:

•  Secondary school GPA

•  School report

•  Counselor letter of recommendation

•  Official transcripts

•  Letters of recommendation from two teachers

•  Midyear transcript (by February 15)

Recommended:

•  Completion of college-preparatory program

•  SAT or ACT scores

The deadline for a standard application is January 5, with a decision given by early April. Learn more about the application process here .

SAT and ACT Scores

Like many schools, Stanford has waived the requirement for SAT or ACT scores to accompany applications through the 2024-25 school year.

That being said, if you wish to submit yours, you can. Here are the scores by subject at the 25th and 75th percentile:

Popular Majors at Stanford

Stanford offers 69 areas of study to choose from. Here are some of the most popular.

1. Computer Science

The computer science program looks at theories and systems, and you can choose one of the following tracks of study: artificial intelligence, biocomputation, computer engineering, graphics, human-computer interaction, information, systems, or theory.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 293

2. Engineering

Stanford has several programs in engineering, including applied and engineering physics, bioengineering, biomechanical, chemical, civil and environmental, electrical, energy resources, engineering physics, environmental systems, management science, materials science, and mechanical engineering.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 258

3. Human Biology

This area of study looks at human beings from biological, behavioral, social, and cultural perspectives.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 139

4. Quantitative Economics

Economics students learn about modern society and contemporary economic problems, and learn to evaluate public policy.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 106

5. General & Applied Mathematics

Upon graduating with a degree in mathematics, students will understand logical reasoning, generalization, abstraction, and formal proof.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 88

6. Cognitive Science

This area of study investigates language, meaning, and mental representation, perception, learning, memory, decision making, and reasoning.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 81

7. International Relations

This interdisciplinary major studies the international politics of the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, the World Bank, Amnesty International, and other NGOs.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 58

8. Biology

Along with receiving a robust education in biology, students have the option to take courses in marine animals, ecology, biological preserves, and ocean conservation.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 55

9. Political Science & Government

Students of political science will dive into both the American political system as well as others around the world, and examine conflicts, social movements, and diversity.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 54

10. Psychology

Stanford’s psychology program looks at theories and empirical studies of human behavior.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 53

Learn more about everything you can major in at Stanford here .

Graduation Rate

The graduation rate at Stanford is fairly high. Here is the graduation rate of students who began their studies in 2017:

•  6 years: 93%

Post-Graduation Median Earnings

Stanford graduates can expect to earn, on average, nearly double the overall average for four-year school graduates, at $124,000. The median for all schools is $68,516.