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Stanford University

Stanford, California · Private · 7,554 undergrads

Stanford admits 3.8% of applicants (fall 2025, Common Data Set 2025-26), requires the SAT or ACT for fall 2027, and regular decision is due Jan 5, 2027.

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Can I get into Stanford?

3.8% of applicants get in

Almost everyone who applies is turned down, including many students with perfect grades. The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent scores had 1520–1570 on the SAT.

Add your SAT to see where you sit

Likely: even the low end of our estimate is 60% or more, and the college admits at least 25% of applicants. Target: our estimate is 30% or more. Reach: our estimate is under 30%, or the college admits under 15%. Long shot: our estimate is under 12%, or the college admits under 12%. Estimates use the college's admit rate and score range plus your grades and scores. They are not a promise.

60,646 applied, 2,302 admitted, fall 2025 (Common Data Set).

What does Stanford cost?

$12,307 a year

What students who got federal aid paid on average after grants, 2024-25. The sticker price, with housing and food, is $92,892.

Tap your family income:

Average paid after grants by family income
under $30,000$1,067
$30,000–$48,000Not reported
$48,000–$75,000Not reported
$75,000–$110,000$6,603
over $110,000$47,575

Own a business or have divorced parents? Run Stanford's own calculator.

Net price 2024-25, College Scorecard.

Does Stanford need the SAT or ACT?Required

Yes.

Required for fall 2027. Plan to take the SAT or ACT and send your best score.

Which colleges require scores

Checked on admission.stanford.edu Nov 5, 2026. See the source

What it's like

7,554
undergrads. Mid-size: plenty of people, and professors who can learn your name.
Suburb
Campus setting in Stanford, CA.
98%
of first-years come back for year two.
58%
finish in four years. 93% within six.
$125.3k
median pay 10 years after starting.
$10.8k
median federal debt at graduation.

Lists Stanford is on

Colleges that require the SAT or ACTColleges due Jan 5Deadlines after Jan 1Most selective in CaliforniaCheapest after aid in CaliforniaColleges for a 34 ACTCheapest after aid, families under $30kColleges that meet full need

Questions people ask

Is Stanford University test-optional for fall 2027?
No. Stanford requires the SAT or ACT for students entering in fall 2027. Checked on admission.stanford.edu on Nov 5, 2026.
What is Stanford University's acceptance rate?
3.8% for fall 2025: 2,302 of 60,646 applicants were admitted (Common Data Set).
What SAT score do you need for Stanford University?
The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent SAT scores had 1520 to 1570 (Common Data Set, fall 2025). A quarter scored higher and a quarter lower, so a score in that range is typical, not a cutoff.
When is the Stanford University application deadline for fall 2027?
Restrictive early action closed Nov 1, 2026. Regular decision is due Jan 5, 2027. Checked on admission.stanford.edu on Nov 5, 2026.
What is Stanford University's graduation rate?
93% of students finish within six years and 58% within four (IPEDS).