Stanford University, founded in 1885, is one of the oldest and most prestigious private research universities in the USA. Ranked #6 in the QS World University Rankings 2025, it is renowned for its excellence across over 30 programs of Stanford University that place in the global top 5. With an acceptance rate of ~3.9%, Stanford’s selectivity reflects its competitive nature, attracting some of the brightest minds globally. The Stanford University Admissions process focuses on overall academic performance, with students typically needing an average score of 85% or more. Stanford does not require ACT or SAT scores for the 2025 admission cycle for first-year applicants.
Stanford graduates have a 96% job placement rate within 3 months of graduation, with an average annual salary of $204,000 (₹1.77 Cr). The university is known for fostering innovation, with alumni founding major tech companies like LinkedIn, Hewlett-Packard, and Sun Microsystems.
Also Check: Stanford Graduate School of Business
Stanford University Rankings
Stanford University has long been ranked among the top 5 universities globally. While it is not part of the Ivy league in USA, its rankings outperform most Ivy League schools. According to U.S. News & World Report, Stanford is 3rd among National Universities and 4th among Best Value Schools. The Ranking Trends of Stanford University are shown in the table below:
Ranking Agency | 2025 Rank | 2024 Rank | 2023 Rank | 2022 Rank | 2021 Rank |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
QS World University Rankings | #6 | #5 | #3 | #3 | #2 |
THE World University Rankings | #6 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #2 |
U.S. News and World Report Best Global Universities | #4 | #3 | #3 | #3 | #3 |
CWUR | - | #3 | #3 | #3 | #3 |
Stanford University Courses
Stanford University has 7 academic schools offering a diverse range of academic programs at various levels. You can choose courses from 200+ graduate courses at Stanford University in 90+ subject areas. The student enrollments indicate the popularity of engineering courses at Stanford. In the recent academic year, ~40% of incoming graduate students enrolled in engineering courses.
With an approximate student-to-faculty ratio of 5:1, Stanford University prioritizes close interaction between students and faculty. Some of the top Stanford University courses are given below:
Stanford University Graduate Courses & Fees
Programs | Total Annual Fees | Total Annual Fees |
---|---|---|
Master of Business Administration [M.B.A], Finance | ₹ 7593912 | USD 90,858 |
Master of Science [M.S], Business | ₹ 12836216 | USD 153,580 |
Master of Business Administration [M.B.A] | ₹ 7593912 | USD 90,858 |
Master of Science [M.S], Design Impact | ₹ 3349886 | USD 40,080 |
Master of Science [M.S], Management Science and Engineering | ₹ 3560508 | USD 42,600 |
Master of Science [M.S], Computer Science | ₹ 3349886 | USD 40,080 |
Master of Science [M.S], Electrical Engineering | ₹ 3560508 | USD 42,600 |
Master of Science [M.S], Computational and Mathematical Engineering | ₹ 3560508 | USD 42,600 |
Master of Science [M.S], Aeronautics and Astronautics | ₹ 3349886 | USD 40,080 |
Stanford University Undergraduate Courses & Fees
Programs | Total Annual Fees | Total Annual Fees |
---|---|---|
Bachelor of Science [B.S], Computer Science | ₹ 8477734 | USD 97,681 |
Bachelor of Science [B.S], Management Science and Engineering | ₹ 8477734 | USD 97,681 |
Bachelor of Science [B.S], Mechanical Engineering | ₹ 8477734 | USD 97,681 |
Bachelor of Science [B.S], Sustainable Architecture & Engineering | ₹ 8477734 | USD 97,681 |
Bachelor of Science [B.S], Computer Science - Artificial Intelligence | ₹ 8477734 | USD 97,681 |
Bachelor of Science [B.S], Electrical Engineering | ₹ 8477734 | USD 97,681 |
Bachelor of Science [B.S], Biology - Computational Biology | ₹ 6385314 | USD 73,572 |
Bachelor of Science [B.S], Biology - Neurobiology | ₹ 6385314 | USD 73,572 |
Bachelor of Science [B.S], Product Design | ₹ 8477734 | USD 97,681 |
Bachelor of Arts [B.A], Psychology | ₹ 8477734 | USD 97,681 |
Stanford University Admissions
The admission process at Stanford University for international students is similar to that of domestic students, with a few additional requirements. Mentioned below are the basic requirements for admission to Stanford University:
Stanford University Admissions: PG
Category | Admission Requirements |
---|---|
Application Form | UG: https://admission.stanford.edu/apply/PG: https://gradadmissions.stanford.edu/apply/apply-now |
Application Fee | 125 USD (~10.8K INR) |
Academic Score | 3.5 GPA (90%) |
TOEFL Score | School of Engineering: 89Humanities, Social Sciences, Education: 100 |
Admission Requirement | 2 Essay questions (500 words)3 Letters of RecommendationResume Interview |
Standardized Testing | GRE: 161 (Quant) & 162 (Verbal)GMAT: 650+ |
Stanford University Admissions: UG
Category | Admission Requirements |
---|---|
Application Form | Common Application (https://www.commonapp.org/) |
Application Fee | 90 USD (7,492 INR) |
Degree/Certificate | Higher secondary certificate or equivalent |
Academic Score | 3.2 GPA (86%) |
TOEFL Score | 100+ |
Admission Requirement | QnA (50 words each)3 Essays (100-250 words)2 LORs from teachers, Counsellor recommendationInterview (Optional) |
Standardized Testing | SAT: 1505 (average)ACT: 34 (average) |
Stanford University Application Deadlines
Undergraduate Programs:
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Graduate Programs:
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Stanford University Campus
Stanford University campus covers 8,180 acres in the middle of the San Francisco Peninsula. The university campus is one of the largest single-campus colleges in the United States housing 7 schools and 18 research institutes.
- Stanford University campus is structured with 630 buildings, 150 companies located in the 700-acre Stanford Research Park, 140 retail stores in the Stanford Shopping Center, and more.
- Some of the campus traditions include its Battle of Bay (football game), Cardinal Nights, The Wacky Walk, and Fountain Hopping.
- There are more than 13,000 bikes, 67 buses, and 41 electric buses in a 23-route system on campus for commuters.
- Accommodation at Stanford University is varied and offers a range of options for students, from traditional dormitory-style housing to apartments, houses, and co-ops.
Stanford University Student Review
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Key Takeaways
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Stanford University Free Online Courses
Stanford University offers a wide variety of free online courses across multiple disciplines, providing flexible, self-paced learning opportunities. Whether you're interested in engineering, medicine, humanities, or music, these courses are designed to enhance your skills and knowledge while being accessible from anywhere. Explore the options below to find the course that suits your professional or personal interests.
Delivery: Online, Self-paced & EdX
Course Title | Course Code | Offered By |
---|---|---|
Advanced Cybersecurity Program Preview | XACS100 | Stanford School of Engineering |
An Evidence-Based Approach to the Diagnosis and Management of Migraines in Adults | SOM-YCME0039 | Stanford School of Medicine |
Antimicrobial Stewardship: Improving Clinical Outcomes By Optimization of Antibiotic Practices | SOM-YCME0001 | Stanford School of Medicine |
Clinicians and Firearms 2.0: A Curriculum on Firearm Injury Prevention in Medical Practice | SOM-YCME0051 | Stanford School of Medicine |
Communicating with Presence | SOM-YCME0045 | Stanford School of Medicine |
Congenital Hypothyroidism: What Every Primary Care Provider Needs to Know | SOM-YCME0006 | Stanford School of Medicine |
CSI: ME Case Studies in Medical Errors | SOM-YCME0029 | Stanford School of Medicine |
Databases: Relational Databases and SQL | SOE-YDATABASES0005 | Stanford School of Engineering |
Databases: Semistructured Data | SOE-YDATABASES0004 | Stanford School of Engineering |
Defining the String Quartet II: Beethoven | SOHS-YMUSIC0004 | Stanford School of Humanities and Sciences |
Stanford University Scholarships 2025
Stanford University offers limited need-based financial assistance to international students, including those from India. Around 5,000 students receive financial aid, both from internal and external sources. About 66% of students get aid to reduce the total cost of attendance. Of these, 48% receive need-based scholarships and grants, while 19% are awarded Pell grants.
International students must have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or Social Security Number (SSN) to qualify for Stanford scholarships. Some popular scholarships for international students in USA include:
Scholarships in USA | Type | Eligibility | Award Amount |
---|---|---|---|
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships | Merit-Based | A first-class undergraduate degree. Candidates should be over the age of 30 years. | USD 100,000 |
Fulbright-Nehru Masters Fellowships | Merit-Based | Minimum 55% or higher in an UG, IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent. | Variable |
National Overseas Scholarship | Need-Based | Total family income should not exceed INR 6,00,000. Minimum 55% or its equivalent. | USD 15,400 |
Mahindra Finance KCMET Scholarship | Need-Based | For girls from disadvantaged backgrounds. First Class degree or equivalent. | USD 5,542 |
Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship | Need-Based | Indian nationals, demonstrated financial need, excellent academic performance. | Full tuition, living expenses, and travel allowance |
Also Check: Stanford University Scholarships
Stanford University Placements
Stanford University's career services play a vital role in helping MBA students secure their dream jobs through year-round recruitment events, workshops, and collaborations with top companies. As per the data from Class of 2024, 249 MBA graduates sought employment, with 88% receiving job offers and 80% accepting positions. The median base salary for MBA graduates in 2024 increased to $185,000, while those in the top 25% earned $205,000.
Additionally, graduates received a median performance bonus of $50,000 and a signing bonus of $30,000, showcasing the impressive compensation packages that Stanford MBA graduates secure.
Key MBA Graduate Outcomes (Class of 2024):
Outcome | Percentage of Graduates |
---|---|
Sought Employment | 249 Graduates |
Job Offers Received | 88% |
Job Offers Accepted | 80% |
Median Salary | $185,000 |
Mean Salary | $187,504 |
25th Percentile Salary | $161,250 |
75th Percentile Salary | $205,000 |
Performance Bonus | $50,000 |
Signing Bonus | $30,000 |
Compensation by Industry:
Industry | Median Salary | Percentage of Accepted Offers |
---|---|---|
Finance | $200,000 | 37% |
Technology | $185,000 | 22% |
Consulting | $190,000 | 14% |
Health Care | $160,000 | 6% |
Energy | $165,000 | 5% |
Media/Entertainment | $150,000 | 5% |
Compensation by Function:
Function | Median Salary | Percentage of Accepted Offers |
---|---|---|
Finance | $200,000 | 32% |
General Management | $175,000 | 32% |
Consulting | $190,000 | 16% |
Sources of Full-Time Job Acceptances:
Source | Percentage of Full-Time Job Acceptances |
---|---|
School-Facilitated | 54% |
GSB Network | 29% |
GSB Job Board/Resume Book | 11% |
CMC-Managed Event/Activity | 8% |
Internship Conversion (School) | 7% |
Graduate-Facilitated/School-Supported | 46% |
Non-GSB Network | 34% |
Non-GSB Job Board | 7% |
Internship Conversion (Graduate) | 5% |
Stanford MBA graduates continue to lead in securing top positions across various industries such as Finance, Technology, and Consulting. With robust support from the GSB network and high placement rates, these graduates consistently land lucrative positions that reflect the university's strong reputation and impactful career services.
Stanford University Alumni
Stanford University is renowned for its exceptional alumni network, which includes over 220,000 alumni spread across 150 countries worldwide. The university's alumni are among the most influential in various industries, with 30 living billionaires and 17 astronauts among them.
Stanford consistently leads the nation, ranking #1 for having the most Rhodes, Marshall, and Truman Scholars, with 122 Rhodes Scholars, 94 Marshall Award winners, and 65 Truman Scholars.
Notable Stanford Alumni:
Alumni Name | Profession |
---|---|
Sundar Pichai | CEO of Alphabet |
Mukesh Ambani | Chairman of Reliance Industries |
Reed Hastings | Co-founder of Netflix |
Azim Premji | Founder of Wipro |
Parag Agrawal | Former ex-CEO of Twitter |
Rishi Sunak | Prime Minister of the UK |
Stanford also plays a major role in groundbreaking research, with over 7,700 externally sponsored projects and a total research budget of $1.93 billion. This immense financial backing supports the university's ongoing commitment to innovation and leadership in various fields.
Stanford University stands out not only for its prestigious alumni but also for its commitment to research excellence and shaping future leaders. Its global alumni network, groundbreaking research funding, and influence in key industries solidify its position as one of the world’s leading educational institutions.
FAQs
Ques. How does Stanford's quarter system differ from a semester system, and how does it impact student life?
Ans. Stanford operates on a quarter system with three 10-week terms plus an optional summer quarter. This allows students to take more diverse courses throughout the year and provides flexibility for internships or research. However, the pace is faster than traditional semester systems, with shorter but more intensive course periods.
Ques. What unique entrepreneurship resources does Stanford offer to students?
Ans. Stanford's StartX accelerator program provides mentorship, funding, and office space to student entrepreneurs. The university also offers the Stanford Technology Ventures Program (STVP) and maintains close ties with Silicon Valley venture capitalists. Students get access to specialized entrepreneurship courses and networking events with successful founders.
Ques. How does Stanford's "Cardinal Care" health insurance system work for international students?
Ans. Cardinal Care provides comprehensive healthcare coverage including medical, mental health, and emergency services. International students are automatically enrolled unless they can prove equivalent coverage. The plan includes access to Stanford Health Care facilities and coverage during academic breaks and study abroad programs.
Ques. What unique interdisciplinary programs does Stanford offer that combine multiple fields of study?
Ans. Stanford offers distinctive joint majors like CS+Music, symbolic systems (combining psychology, linguistics, and computer science), and Bioengineering. Students can also design their own interdisciplinary majors through the Individually Designed Major program, subject to faculty approval.
Ques: How does Stanford's Honor Code system work in practice?
Ans. Stanford's Honor Code is entirely student-run, emphasizing trust and academic integrity. Students take unproctored exams, often as take-home tests, and can collaborate on assignments unless explicitly prohibited. Violations are handled by the student-led Honor Council, with a focus on education rather than punishment.
Stanford University Program Fees & Deadlines
Program | Important Dates | Fees | Application Fees | Eligibility | Financial Aid |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
B.A German Studies 4 years | USD 65,127 /Yr | - | Duolingo-115 | - | |
B.Ed 4 years | USD 65,127 /Yr | - | Duolingo-115 | - | |
Application deadline for Autumn Intake (3rd Dec 2025) | USD 86,776 /Yr | 125 | TOEFL : 89 | ||
Application deadline for Autumn Intake (31st Jan 2026) | USD 86,776 /Yr | 125 | GPA 3.0, TOEFL: 89 | ||
Application deadline for Autumn Intake (31st Jan 2026) | USD 86,776 /Yr | 125 | GPA 3.0, TOEFL: 89 | ||
Application deadline for Autumn Intake (31st Jan 2026) | USD 86,776 /Yr | 125 | GPA 3.0, TOEFL: 89 | ||
USD 65,082 /Yr | - | - | - | ||
Application Deadline For Autumn 2025 Intake (31st Jan 2026) | USD 86,776 /Yr | 125 | TOEFL: 89 | ||
USD 65,127 /Yr | - | Duolingo-115 | - | ||
M.S Bioengineering 2 years | Application deadline for Autumn Intake (2nd Dec 2025) | USD 86,776 /Yr | 125 | TOEFL: 89 |
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Stanford University comparison
University Name | Stanford University | Yale University | University of California | Cornell University | University of Southern California | Harvard University | Columbia University | Carnegie Mellon University | University of Oxford | University of California | New York University | London Business School | Duke University | Hofstra University | Rice University | University of Utah | Santa Clara University | University of Connecticut | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Princeton University | University of Pennsylvania | Johns Hopkins University | University of Chicago | Brown University | California Institute of Technology | Georgetown University | University of Cambridge |
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Collegedunia Score | 9.3 Out of 10 | 8.1 Out of 10 | 8.4 Out of 10 | 7.9 Out of 10 | 5.9 Out of 10 | 10 Out of 10 | 8.4 Out of 10 | 6.4 Out of 10 | 8.9 Out of 10 | 7.8 Out of 10 | 6.9 Out of 10 | 4.2 Out of 10 | 6.9 Out of 10 | 4.8 Out of 10 | 5.7 Out of 10 | 5.4 Out of 10 | 4.1 Out of 10 | 4.8 Out of 10 | 9 Out of 10 | 8.3 Out of 10 | 7.9 Out of 10 | 7.8 Out of 10 | 8.4 Out of 10 | 6.7 Out of 10 | 8.3 Out of 10 | 5.5 Out of 10 | 9 Out of 10 |
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Acceptance Rate | 3.9 % | 6.2 % | 16.4 % | 14.1 % | 12.0 % | 7.0 % | 3.9 % | 21.7 % | 17.5 % | 11.0 % | 31.9 % | 25.0 % | 32.5 % | 62.2 % | 9.5 % | 76.4 % | 48.3 % | 48.8 % | 4.0 % | 4.5 % | 7.0 % | 7.0 % | 6.0 % | 5.0 % | 3.0 % | 12.0 % | 21.0 % |
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Overall 3 out of 1401 in Global Ranking
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Stanford University Student Profiles
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Stanford University Reviews
Most Popular Tags
4 Reviews Found
Overview
Stanford University School of Engineering had a very good ranking for engineering. Also, compared to other colleges, the admission process was very straightforward and hence easier to complete. My overall experience at Stanford University is best. I like the academics and facilities provided to the students and the International Student Department is very helpful and understanding.
Campus Life
Campus life is good. We have limited resources for the library, WIFI is there, sports, and yes the research facility is good.
Overview
As we all know Stanford comes in the top 10 colleges for education. I took Stanford because they were offering the program in which I want to do my career. Also, the fact that it is one of the best universities in the world was a major yes.
Fees
$21000 is the program fee.
Overview
Stanford is fantastic for aspiring entrepreneurs and allows me to explore a variety of disciplines while mingling with peers who rank among the most hard-working and creative in the world that inspires me and helps me grow.
Fees
65,000 USD
Overview
It was close in proximity to my home, has great academics and faculty, chill atmosphere/vibe, beautiful campus, lots of resources and opportunities, highly ranked University, students who go here are happy
Fees
Tuition without financial aid is approximately $50k per year plus about $20k for room and board. Stanford is needed blind, and pretty generous with financial aid though!
Stanford University Scholarships
Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
AAUW International Fellowships | Scholarship per student$50,000 | Level Of StudyDoctorate | TypeMerit-Based | |
Shardashish Interschool fellowship | Scholarship per student$50,000 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeCollege-Specific | |
BL Mandhana Scholarships | Scholarship per student$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
University of Phoenix | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
Novus Biological Scholarship Program | Scholarship per student$1,500 | Level Of StudyAssociate | TypeMerit-Based |
View All 85 Scholarships
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FAQs
Ques. What does it take a student from an average college in India to get into a good university like Stanford or Harvard for an MS in computer science?
Ques. I am an Indian and I want to pursue MS in Computer Science at Stanford. What is required of me to get there?
Ques. What are the top programs at Stanford?
Ques. As an Indian student, how did you afford to go to Stanford?
Stanford University Admissions
Application Portal: https://admission.stanford.edu/apply/
Restrictive Early Action Deadlines
Important Date: November1 (Application deadline)Regular Decision Deadlines
Important Date: January5 (Application deadline)Transfer Admission Deadlines
Important Date: March15 (Application deadline)
STANFORD UNIVERSITY ADMISSIONS
Stanford University Exam Scores
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
Stanford University Campuses, Schools & Faculties
School

Stanford Graduate School of Business
Stanford University Accreditations
Faculty
Total Faculty | Full Time | Part Time | Graduate Assistants |
---|---|---|---|
2288 | 1533 | 755 | - |
Stanford University Campus Location
Nearby This Campus
- Book Store
- Airport
- Shopping Mall
- Super Market
- Train Station
Book Store
Shopping Mall
Train Station
Airport
Super Market
● All distance are measured radially. Actual distance may vary
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