At schools with acceptance rates below 10%, nearly every applicant has near-perfect grades and test scores. Admissions decisions are driven by essays, extracurriculars, recommendations, and institutional priorities — factors no stats-based model can predict. Our likelihood labels reflect academic competitiveness only.
Stanford University is a world-renowned private research university at the heart of Silicon Valley, recognized for its entrepreneurial culture and interdisciplinary scholarship. Its proximity to the tech industry and generous funding create unparalleled opportunities in computer science, engineering, and the sciences.
Mascot: Cardinal
Notable Alumni
Tiger Woods (legendary pro golfer)•Sally Ride (first American woman in space)•Reed Hastings (co-founder of Netflix)
At a Glance
Cost
Published sticker prices for 2025-2026. Actual cost after aid varies.
Top Programs & National Ranking
Approximate national ranking based on departmental rankings, research output, and program reputation.
Highlights
Safety
Stanford DPS maintains a 50+ officer force with 24/7 patrols across the 8,000-acre campus. Over 290 security cameras were added in 2024; primary crime is bike and scooter theft rather than violent incidents.
Palo Alto is one of the safest cities in the Bay Area, with very low violent crime. The affluent residential surroundings and geographic isolation of the campus create a low-risk environment.
Based on Clery Act data, student surveys, and local crime statistics.
Location
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