---
title: Stanford University — PickACampus
description: Learn about Stanford University's 4% acceptance rate, $102,887 median starting salary, and academic rankings for this private institution in Stanford, CA.
url: https://pickacampus.com/college/4
last_updated: 2026-06-03
---

# Stanford University

Stanford University is a private institution located in Stanford, California, with a total enrollment of 7,554 students and a 6:1 student-faculty ratio. The university maintains a 4% acceptance rate and a 92% graduation rate, with graduates earning a median starting salary of $102,887. Ranked #4 on PickACampus, the school has an average SAT score of 1553 and an average ACT score of 35.

## Overview
- Location: Stanford, CA
- Type: Private
- Setting: suburban
- Total enrollment: 7,554

## Admissions
- Acceptance rate: 4%
- Average SAT: 1,553
- Average ACT: 35
- Average GPA: 3.96

## Cost
- In-state tuition: $65,910
- Out-of-state tuition: $65,910
- Room and board: $21,315
- Fees: $608
- Average financial aid: $56,300
- Average student debt at graduation: $12,000

## Outcomes
- 6-year graduation rate: 92%
- 4-year graduation rate: 51%
- Freshman retention: 98%
- Employment rate: 96%
- Average starting salary: $102,887

## Academics
- Student-faculty ratio: 6:1
- Average class size: 15
- Classes under 20 students: 70%

## Notable
["Stanford's campus is one of the largest in the United States, spanning over 8,000 acres.","The university's unofficial mascot is the Stanford Tree, a member of the Stanford Band.","Stanford is often called 'The Farm' because it was built on the former farm of its founders, Leland and Jane Stanford.","The Stanford University Libraries system holds over 9.5 million physical volumes."]

## Traditions
[{"name":"Fountain Hopping","description":"Students celebrate warm weather by jumping into campus fountains."},{"name":"The Big Game","description":"The annual football rivalry game against UC Berkeley, culminating in Axe Yell."},{"name":"Wacky Walk","description":"Graduating seniors parade in elaborate costumes before commencement."},{"name":"Full Moon on the Quad","description":"A tradition of kissing strangers on the Quad under the full moon."}]

## Notable alumni
[{"name":"Larry Page","description":"Co-founder of Google, revolutionizing information access."},{"name":"Reese Witherspoon","description":"Academy Award-winning actress and successful producer."},{"name":"Tiger Woods","description":"One of the greatest golfers of all time."},{"name":"Sandra Day O'Connor","description":"First woman appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court."},{"name":"John F. Kennedy","description":"35th President of the United States (attended briefly)."}]

## Common questions

Q: What is Stanford University's acceptance rate?
A: Stanford University's acceptance rate is 4%.

Q: How much does Stanford University cost?
A: Tuition at Stanford University is $65,910 per year, before room and board and fees.

Q: Where is Stanford University located?
A: Stanford University is located in Stanford, CA.

Q: What SAT score do you need for Stanford University?
A: The average SAT score at Stanford University is 1,553.

Q: What is the graduation rate at Stanford University?
A: Stanford University has a 6-year graduation rate of 92%.

Compare Stanford University with other schools free at https://pickacampus.com/college/4