Stanford University
Verified overview
Stanford University is a place of discovery, creativity, innovation and world-class medical care. Dedicated to its founding mission of benefiting society through research and education, Stanford strives to create a sustainable future for all, catalyze discoveries about ourselves and our world, accelerate the societal impact of its research, and educate students as global citizens. More than 7,000 undergraduate and 9,000 graduate students pursue studies at Stanford each year. The university is located in the San Francisco Bay Area on the ancestral land of the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe and first welcomed students in 1891. Covering 8,180 acres, Stanford has one of the largest university campuses in the US, with 18 interdisciplinary research institutes and seven schools: the Graduate School of Business; School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences; Graduate School of Education; School of Engineering; School of Humanities and Sciences; Law School; and School of Medicine. Stanford University was founded in 1885 by California senator Leland Stanford and his wife, Jane, to “promote the public welfare by exercising an influence in behalf of humanity and civilization”. The couple’s only child had died of typhoid, and their decision to build a university on their farm was intended as a memorial. From the start the university was non-sectarian, co-educational and affordable, teaching both the traditional liberal arts and the technology and engineering that was shaping the new America at the time. Fast forward more than a century, and Stanford counts 20 Nobel laureates within its community and is regularly ranked among the top three universities in the world. Nicknamed “The Farm” from the days when horses roamed there, Stanford’s campus is now home to a rich and diverse student life, with over 625 organized student groups. Sport is popular, with students, faculty and staff enjoying state-of-the-art recreational facilities and wellness programs. Stanford offers 36 varsity and 33 club sports, as well as physical education academic classes, fitness and wellness, aquatics, intramurals, and adventure programming. Sports teams are referred to as the “Stanford Cardinal.” Stanford also has a rich tradition of fostering creativity and the arts: there is a vibrant campus arts district and two world-class museums which host regular exhibitions. Eight dining halls, a teaching kitchen and organic gardens provide the campus community with healthy, sustainable meals.
Admissions and application
Main Content Admission Explore the possibilities of a Stanford education. 7,289 Undergraduate students Class of 2029 from 64 countries + 50 states 10,025 Graduate students Undergraduates Undergraduate Admission About 1,800 freshmen and 30 transfer students enroll at Stanford each year. Undergraduate Admission Undergraduate Financial Aid Stanford meets the full financial need of every admitted undergrad who qualifies for assistance. Undergraduate Financial Aid Profile of the Class of 2029 Class of 2029 Graduate Studies Graduate Admission About 150 degree programs are offered across seven schools at Stanford.
- Admission requirements vary greatly among them.
Programs and academic structure
March 18, 2026 Stanford remembers Bowen H. ‘Buzz’ McCoy
- Faculty & Staff
- Faculty Affairs
- Faculty Senate
- Faculty Housing
- Faculty Development & Engagement
- Faculty Financial Activities
Research profile
511,762 indexed works, 82,451,639 citations, h-index 2439
- Particle physics theoretical and experimental studies
- Immune Cell Function and Interaction
- RNA and protein synthesis mechanisms
- Photonic and Optical Devices
- T-cell and B-cell Immunology
- Seismic Waves and Analysis
Student life
Main Content Campus Life Our thriving residential campus is home to a community of creative and accomplished people from around the world. 600+ Organized student groups 81 Undergraduate student residences 14,000+ Students living on campus Student Life Student Affairs Comprising more than 25 offices and centers, Student Affairs provides a broad range of services and support to Stanford students, including leadership development, residential programs, public service, career exploration and community engagement. Student Affairs Housing & Dining Nearly all undergraduates and about 72% of graduate students reside in 81 undergraduate student residences and 151 graduate on-campus residences. Nine dining halls, a teaching kitchen, and organic gardens provide the campus community with healthy, sustainable meals.