Stanford
Stanford University · Stanford, California · Private
Stanford admitted 3.8% of 60,646 applicants (Common Data Set 2025-2026). First-year students who sent the SAT scored 1520–1570 in the middle half. Test scores are required. 93% of students graduate within six years.
Your chances at Stanford
Enter a score to see whether Stanford is a reach, target or likely school for you.
It admits 3.8% of applicants, so it’s a reach for everyone, even with perfect scores.
A rough read from the admit rate and test scores only. Grades, courses, essays and activities matter as much or more.
Early decision and early action
Stanford offers restrictive early action but didn’t report its early admit rate.
669 students were offered a spot on the waitlist, 573 took it, and 57 were admitted from it.
What admissions weighs
How Stanford rates each part of an application, from its Common Data Set.
Very important
- Course rigor
- Class rank
- GPA
- Test scores
- Essay
- Recommendations
- Activities
- Talent or ability
- Character
Important
- –
Considered
- Interview
- First generation
- Legacy
- Where you live
- Volunteering
- Work experience
Not considered
- State residency
- Religion
- Showing interest
High school GPA
First-year students averaged a 3.94 GPA. 97% of those who reported a class rank were in the top 10% of their class.
Some colleges report weighted GPAs, so compare loosely.
What it costs
Full price with housing is $87,833 a year. After grants, students paid $17,998 on average.
Average price after grants, by family income:
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