According to US News & World Report, Stanford University costs $56,169. This cost excludes other Stanford living expenses. Although this fee is more expensive than the $41,281 national average cost of tuition, the school’s reputation and massive alumni representation in top companies in Silicon Valley make it the first choice for students.
This article provides information on Stanford University tuition, including additional expenses for international students. It also contains details about Stanford University rankings and Stanford University’s financial aid calculation to help students arrive at a realistic estimate.
Stanford University Rankings and Profile
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and Universities Commission
- Acceptance Rate: 4%
- Graduation Rate: 96%
- US News & World Report Ranking: #6
- Times Higher Education Ranking: #4
Stanford University is a private research university with 6,366 undergraduate students enrolled in the fall of 2020. The institution has seven schools where students can study law, medicine, engineering, business, and education. Its rich learning experiences and unsurpassed opportunities in the field of knowledge rank it among the best schools globally.
This school maintains an unrivaled reputation in sportsmanship and athletic excellence. Stanford is home to 131 NCAA championships which is the most for any university. The cardinal has also produced at least one medalist in all Olympics, which the US has competed in since 1912. This totals about 296 medals from 177 medalists.
How Much Does Stanford University Cost?
Stanford University costs $56,169 per year for undergraduates and $55,011 for graduate tuition. The cost is universal for in-state and out-of-state students. However, it excludes other college costs such as boarding and medical expenses. Stanford may also increase its annual cost of tuition from time to time to cover administrative costs.
Stanford University Tuition, Fees, and Other Expenses
| Expense | Stanford University Cost |
|---|---|
| Stanford University Undergraduate In-State Tuition and Fees | $56,169 |
| Stanford University Undergraduate Out-of-State Tuition and Fees | $56,169 |
| Stanford University Graduate In-State Tuition and Fees | $55,011 |
| Stanford University Graduate Out-of-State Tuition and Fees | $55,011 |
| Stanford University Books and Supplies | $1,305 |
The cost of tuition on an annual basis at Stanford is quite expensive. It is higher than the undergraduate tuition of most schools and even exceeds the national average cost of college education in the US. However, Stanford makes its tuition affordable by providing scholarships and various need-based aid to students that are eligible.
Stanford University Living Expenses
| Expense | Stanford University Cost |
|---|---|
| Stanford University On-Campus Room and Board | $17,860 |
| Stanford University Off-Campus Room and Board | N/A |
Compared to other prestigious American Universities such as Harvard University, the cost of living expenses at Stanford is quite reasonable. The standard of living and quality amenities that the school provides also makes the cost worthwhile. Moreover, the living expenses could be significantly higher or lower according to students’ personal preferences.
Cost Of Living in Stanford, California
The cost of living at Stanford is relatively high. According to PayScale, the cost of living at Stanford is 161 percent higher than the national average. The housing expenses alone are 518 percent higher than the national average, with $2,463,601 as the median home price and $7,526 as the median monthly rent.
California’s large economy and progressive politics compensate for the high cost of living. The city is famous for its surf culture, beaches, and wine country. It is also home to monumental landmarks and attractions such as Hollywood, Disneyland, and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Stanford University Financial Aid Statistics
The National Center of Education Statistics (NCES) reports that 74 percent of Stanford undergraduates receive financial aid. Students received a total amount of $55,030,657 of grant and scholarship aid in 2020-21. This aid includes assistance from the federal government, state or local government, and the institution itself.
Undergraduate students can apply directly for Stanford’s financial aid by meeting the requirements. These requirements vary by citizenship status and enrollment status. The school considers undocumented students eligible as non-citizens for the institutional scholarship but do not qualify for federal student aid funds.
On the other hand, students pursuing a master’s or PhD program can apply for financial aid by filling out the online FAFSA application that the US Department of Education provides. They should also fill out Stanford’s online graduate student loan application. Applicants must submit these forms before the deadlines.
Does Stanford University Accept FAFSA?
Yes, Stanford University does accept the FAFSA. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a form that prospective and current students in the United States must complete to determine their eligibility for financial assistance. Stanford mandates all graduate applicants for financial aid complete the online FAFSA form to determine if they are qualified for financial assistance.
Does Stanford University Accept GI Bill Benefits?
Yes, Stanford University accepts GI Bill benefits. The Post-9/11 GI Bill is an educational assistance program. It offers a maximum of 36 months of education benefits to the latest generation of veterans, service members, and qualified family members. The program provides funding for various needs, including tuition, books, housing, and other required fees.
Is Stanford University a Yellow Ribbon School?
Yes, Stanford University is a Yellow Ribbon school. The Yellow Ribbon program is available to qualifying veterans and military dependents. Stanford will award a maximum amount of $10,000 per student for the 2022 to 2023 annual Yellow Ribbon contribution. The amount for this contribution will vary by school and academic program for graduate and professional students.
Stanford University Scholarships and Grants
- Cargill Global Scholars Program. This program is a distinctive two-year enrichment and scholarship program. It provides mentorship, financial support, and other unique opportunities for US College students to travel to two leadership seminars and meet fellow scholars from across the globe.
- Influenster’s 2020 Women in STEM Scholarship. Influenster is a female-led tech company responsible for uplifting women in tech fields and creating opportunities to empower future female leaders. They award $1,000 scholarships to five outstanding full-time female students pursuing a degree in a technical field.
- Engineers in the Art Scholarship. The School of Engineering sponsors this scholarship to encourage students to pursue music studies at Stanford. Applicants must be undergraduate or graduate engineering students, demonstrate financial need and be willing to use the fund strictly for private music lessons.
- Scholarship for Undergraduates in Semiconductor/Nano Fields. This scholarship is specifically for third- and fourth-year science or engineering students pursuing a program in semiconductor or related specialty areas. It assists students in meeting the financial requirements of their studies over and above any other aid they receive.
- Knight Hennessy Scholarship. The Knight Hennessy is a graduate-level international scholarship program. It has no age or field of study restrictions but requires applicants to have an undergraduate degree. The scholarship includes funding for up to three years and a stipend for academic and living expenses.
Stanford University Average Net Price by Income
| Family Income | Stanford University Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 to $30,000 | $1,233 |
| $30,001 to $48,000 | $1,581 |
| $48,001 to $75,000 | $7,081 |
| $75,001to $110,000 | $13,623 |
| $110,001 and up | $46,746 |
NCES generates these average net prices by subtracting the average amount of federal, state, and local government or institutional grant or scholarship aid from the total attendance cost. This total cost of attendance includes required fees and tuition, books and supplies, and other average operating expenses, including room and board.
How to Calculate Stanford University Cost
You can calculate the cost of your tuition at Stanford University using the Net Price Calculator. Although this calculator’s estimate may not represent an actual offer or final determination of financial assistance, it still provides a reasonable and realistic estimate to guide your budget.
Alternatively, the tuition, fees, and housing information on the school’s website provide more reliable figures in diverse categories. After determining your tuition cost, you can start researching scholarships and other financial aid options to help subsidize your expenses if you cannot conveniently afford them.
Is the Cost of College Too High?
No, the cost of college is not too high if you leverage the various financial aid options such as scholarships and grants available to students. You can also make an effort to save money by getting a part-time job and reducing your personal expenses. Notably, Stanford also subsidizes tuition fees for those with annual incomes that meet the financial aid eligibility.
Stanford University Student Debt
- Students Receiving Federal Loans: 6%
- Median Debt After Graduation: 12,000
- Average Monthly Loan Payment: $120
The student loan debt in the United States totals about $1.73 trillion. Although this is alarming compared to other countries, the accumulation rate is slowing because consumers manage their student debt responsibly.
With only six percent of Stanford students receiving federal loans and a $120 average monthly repayment, Stanford alumni contribute significantly to America’s student debt management. They also leverage repayment options such as income-driven repayment plans to ensure they do not default.
Stanford University Tuition Payment Plans
Stanford University does not offer alternative tuition payment plans. However, students can apply for scholarships, grants, and other need-based financial aid to cover their tuition costs. Stanford also exempts families with incomes less than $75,000 with assets typical of that income level from paying tuition or room and board.
Stanford University Graduate Salaries and Outcomes
According to the US Department of Education’s College Scorecard, Stanford University graduates earn a median salary of $97,798, with 84 percent earning higher than high school graduates. This average salary can vary upward or downward depending on the alumni’s field of study, skills, and employment organization.
Stanford graduates enjoy employment opportunities across leading industries. These global organizations value the alumni’s critical thinking, leadership skills, innovative spirit, and global mindset. Due to these distinct abilities, Stanford degree holders are the most sought-after candidates in the job market.
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How to Save Money in College
- Get a part-time job. Instead of relying on your expenses allowance, you can get any of the best part-time jobs that pay well to make some extra money while in college. Students can take advantage of openings for retail staff in university towns. You can also leverage online opportunities to earn extra income.
- Apply for scholarships and grants. Scholarships, grants, and other financial aid programs are great ways to cover your tuition expenses and save money. Ensure you get your forms and letters of recommendation on time to meet application deadlines.
- Buy used textbooks. Common expenses like buying new textbooks can be surprisingly high. Instead of hitting the campus bookstore, you should see if you can borrow from fellow students or the school library. You can also rent or buy used textbooks from reliable sources. You also have the option of ordering digital books to prevent yourself from spending your living allowance on printed books.
- Live with family. Living with family or relatives can save you a lot on non-tuition expenses like the cost of relocation and utility bills. Even if you have to contribute to the home, it’s nothing compared to living alone and shouldering the costs alone.
- Limit eating out. Irrespective of student discounts that may apply, the cost of food can add up fast. You should use your meal plan at school if you have one or consider making your meals.
Is Stanford University Affordable?
Yes, Stanford University is affordable. Although the tuition cost is higher than that of many universities in the country, the school still makes it affordable to students. Almost half of Stanford undergraduates enjoy need-based financial aid. Tuition is also waived for families with incomes less than $150,000 with assets typical of that income level.
Stanford University Cost FAQ
While calculating your tuition grant program benefit, Stanford considers factors such as the annual tuition amount, applicable grants or scholarships you’ve been awarded, and the tuition you have paid through a 529 plan distribution. These factors determine whether your benefit increases or reduces and allows you to figure out how to pay for college by devising a good financial plan.
You can apply for an application fee waiver if you are a first-year student who believes their financial situation might meet fee waiver requirements. The freshman application requirement page provides guidelines on this one-time fee. The transfer application process requirements page also details the process for transfer students.
You can find information about Stanford University’s budget and tuition costs on the student budget page. The page also itemizes other student expenses. You can also check out the Undergraduate Basics section of Stanford’s financial aid website or use the Net Price Calculator as a guide to check if you’re eligible for financial aid for your bachelor’s degree.
Yes, all incoming first-year students require a meal plan. The plan consists of various healthy and nutritious meals that accommodate students with different diet restrictions. The school automatically enrolls first-year students in the 15-meals-per-week meal plan. Upon arrival, students can adjust to the 19-meals-per-week plan if necessary.
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