Stanford University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
At Stanford, test-optional does not mean scores are irrelevant: half of enrolled students submitted SAT results, and the middle range is 1510 to 1570. If you choose to test, aim for the upper end of that band, with a 1570 SAT or 35 ACT as a clear competitive target alongside your GPA and coursework.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Stanford University facts and stats
Stanford University enrolls 7,904 undergraduates in a suburban campus setting. Stanford has a 98% freshman retention rate, well above the national average of roughly 70%. Its 6-year graduation rate is 92%, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 6:1.
Stanford, CA
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Key Stanford University application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
January 5
Early Action
November 1
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
February 16
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you plan to submit SAT or ACT scores to test-optional Stanford, aim for your first test by spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and early fall retakes for superscoring opportunities. For the November 1 Early Action deadline, an October SAT or September ACT is typically the last fall retake that can arrive in time.
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What you'll actually pay
Stanford is a private not-for-profit, so the same tuition and fees rate applies to all students: $65,910. About 49% of students receive aid, and the FAFSA priority deadline is February 16.
Stanford’s listed tuition, fees, room, and board total $87,225. About 49% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $74,244. Merit awards average $4,150, so most cost reductions appear to come through need-based aid. For context, graduates leave with an average debt of $26,815.
Student life at Stanford University
96% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Guaranteed
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus. 21% of men join fraternities, and 25% of women join sororities.
Similar schools
Academy of Art University
San Francisco, CAAcceptance rate: 100%
Allan Hancock College
Santa Maria, CAAcceptance rate: 81.5%
The American Academy of Dramatic Arts - Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CAAcceptance rate: 84.9%
American River College
Sacramento, CAAcceptance rate: 63%
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