
450 Jane Stanford Way, Stanford, CA 94305, USA


Stanford University holds accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), a regional accrediting agency recognized by the U. S. Department of Education. This accreditation affirms that the university meets established standards for educational quality, institutional integrity, and continuous improvement.
The accreditation covers all undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, ensuring that students receive degrees from a properly vetted institution. Such recognition is crucial for prospective students as it affects the transferability of credits, eligibility for federal financial aid, and the overall reputation of the university's credentials.
Additionally, specific schools and programs within Stanford University have earned specialized accreditation from relevant professional bodies. These accreditations further validate the quality and rigor of particular academic disciplines, providing added assurance to students pursuing those fields.
Stanford University maintains a highly selective admission process, accepting only about 4% of applicants, which ranks among the lowest acceptance rates nationwide. Prospective students must submit their secondary school records along with a required minimum high school GPA; general educational development (GED) certification is also accepted. Letters of recommendation are mandatory, and while specific admission test scores such as the SAT or ACT are not explicitly required, submitting other standardized test scores is recommended.
The university does not have an open admission policy and does not offer dual credit or college credit for high school courses, though Advanced Placement (AP) credits are recognized. There is no requirement for applicants to own or lease a computer for admission purposes.
Applicants to Stanford University present exceptionally high academic qualifications, with average SAT scores around 1520-well within the top 5% nationally-and average ACT scores of 35, also placing them in the top 5% percentile. Despite a very competitive applicant pool of over 53,000 candidates, only around 2,100 are admitted annually, and approximately 1,700 enroll, indicating both high selectivity and strong interest from admitted students.
Stanford University requires prospective undergraduate applicants to pay a nonrefundable application fee of $90. This fee covers the processing of either the Common Application or Coalition Application. Applicants must submit the fee at the time of application to have their materials reviewed.
However, Stanford University offers application fee waivers for students who demonstrate financial need. Fee waiver requests can be made through the application platforms by indicating eligibility based on specific criteria, such as participation in federal assistance programs, family income thresholds, or documentation of financial hardship.
Applicants approved for a fee waiver are exempt from the $90 charge, allowing students from lower-income backgrounds to apply without financial burden. It is also possible to request a fee waiver by contacting the admissions office directly if applicants cannot verify eligibility through the automated system.
Stanford University hosts a Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) branch unit that operates as a cooperating host institution. This arrangement enables prospective students to participate in ROTC programs directly affiliated with the university, providing structured military education and training integrated with their academic experience. Through this host unit, students can pursue officer commissioning opportunities while completing their degrees at Stanford University.
Stanford University permits transfer applications for the fall term, though data regarding other terms is not available. The institution maintains a highly competitive admission process, classified as most difficult, reflecting the high standards expected of transfer candidates. Prospective students should note that Stanford accepts transfer credits, allowing for some academic coursework completed elsewhere to be applied toward their degree requirements. Additionally, the university considers recommendation letters as part of the transfer application, which can support a candidate's admission prospects.
Stanford University offers a diverse array of study abroad opportunities designed to enhance academic and cultural experiences for prospective students. The university's programs span numerous countries and academic disciplines, allowing students to pursue coursework or research in settings that complement their majors. These programs typically range from summer sessions to full academic year exchanges, providing flexibility in duration and timing.
Many study abroad options include partnerships with renowned institutions around the world, facilitating credit transfers and maintaining academic rigor. Students can engage in immersive language study, participate in internationally focused seminars, or conduct independent research abroad. Additionally, Stanford provides support through advising services to help students select programs that align with their academic goals and personal interests.
Programs often emphasize experiential learning, encouraging students to gain firsthand insights into global issues, cultures, and professional environments. This variety ensures that students at Stanford University can find study abroad experiences that suit their individual educational paths while broadening their global perspectives.
Median composite SAT score
1520Median composite ACT score
35Percent of students submitting ACT scores
19%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
50.3%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
YesSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
Data not availableSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
Data not availableRecommendations
RequiredFormal demonstration of competencies
Data not availableAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
Data not availableOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
NoAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
YesROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionROTC-Navy
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
Data not availableStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
Very hardGenerally accepts credits
Data not availableAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall