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Stanford University

Stanford, California · Private Non-Profit

Avg Earnings (5yr)

$102,887

Acceptance Rate

4%

Graduation Rate

94%

Annual Tuition

$62,484

Quick answer

According to U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data on USACollegeData.com (2024-25 College Scorecard release), graduates of Stanford University earn a median of $124,080 ten years after entry — 129% above the national median. Acceptance rate 3.9%, average SAT score 1553, in-state tuition $62,484.

At a Glance

Total Students

7,841

Retention Rate

98%

Faculty Ratio

6

Financial Aid

6%

Median Debt

$12,000

Campus Setting

Suburban

Institution Type

Private Non-Profit

Admissions: SAT & ACT Scores

Average SAT Score

1,553

SAT Reading/Writing (middle 50%)

740–780

SAT Math (middle 50%)

770–800

ACT Composite (middle 50%)

34–35

Institution Overview

Stanford University is a private, non-profit institution with a very selective admissions process, accepting only 3.9% of applicants. The university has a student body of 7,841, and it boasts high retention and graduation rates of 97.8% and 94%, respectively. The annual tuition cost for in-state students is $62,484.

Graduates of Stanford University experience strong financial outcomes. One year after graduation, the median earnings are $89,527, increasing to $102,887 after five years and $124,080 after ten years. The median debt for students is $12,000, and 6.3% of students receive financial aid.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

Earning Projection Over Time

$90k

1 YEAR

$103k

5 YEARS

$124k

10 YEARS

Top 1% in Earnings

Graduate Outcomes

One year after graduation, Stanford University alumni earn a median salary of $89,527. Five years after graduation, the median salary increases to $102,887. Ten years after graduation, the median salary reaches $124,080. The median debt for graduates is $12,000. 6.3% of students receive financial aid.

Stanford University has a high retention rate of 97.8% and a graduation rate of 94%. The university has a very low acceptance rate of 3.9%. The total student population is 7,841. The in-state tuition is $62,484.

Popular Programs

Top performing degrees based on enrollment and outcome data.

Mechanical Engineering

Graduates 276 / yr
Median Salary $143,758

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering

Graduates 272 / yr
Median Salary $159,472

Civil Engineering

Graduates 220 / yr
Median Salary $83,740

Engineering-Related Fields

Graduates 214 / yr
Median Salary $133,371

Law

Graduates 182 / yr
Median Salary $162,001

Human Biology

Graduates 142 / yr
Median Salary $50,179

Engineering, Other

Graduates 139 / yr
Median Salary $49,741

Cognitive Science

Graduates 116 / yr
Median Salary $105,695

Economics

Graduates 115 / yr
Median Salary $98,104

Education, General

Graduates 110 / yr
Median Salary $98,357

Medicine

Graduates 92 / yr
Median Salary $79,753

Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering

Graduates 89 / yr
Median Salary $111,760

Biomedical/Medical Engineering

Graduates 86 / yr
Median Salary $50,487

Political Science and Government

Graduates 86 / yr
Median Salary $59,297

International Relations and National Security Studies

Graduates 65 / yr
Median Salary $76,166

English Language and Literature, General

Graduates 60 / yr
Median Salary $30,544

Communication and Media Studies

Graduates 51 / yr
Median Salary $69,670

Science, Technology and Society

Graduates 44 / yr
Median Salary $44,736

Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies

Graduates 37 / yr
Median Salary $41,156

Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services

Graduates 27 / yr
Median Salary $147,202

Business Administration, Management and Operations

Graduates 0 / yr
Median Salary $193,776

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Campus Location

Stanford, California

Stanford, CA 94305

Stanford University is located in Stanford, California. The campus is in a suburban setting.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Stanford University has an acceptance rate of 3.9%.