Stanford University

Stanford University 450 Jane Stanford Way Stanford, CA 94305–2004

About

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University Type

Private

California,

United States

Year Established:

1885

Stanford University, officially Leland Stanford Junior University, is a private research university in Stanford, California. The campus occupies 8,180 acres (3,310 hectares), among the largest in the United States, and enrolls over 17,000 students. Stanford is ranked among the most prestigious universities in the world.

Stanford was founded in 1885 by Leland and Jane Stanford in memory of their only child, Leland Stanford Jr., who had died of typhoid fever at age 15 the previous year. The school admitted its first students on October 1, 1891, as a coeducational and non-denominational institution. Stanford University struggled financially after the death of Leland Stanford in 1893 and again after much of the campus was damaged by the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. Following World War II, Provost Frederick Terman supported faculty and graduates entrepreneurialism to build a self-sufficient local industry in what would later be known as Silicon Valley.

The university is organized around seven schools: three schools consisting of 40 academic departments at the undergraduate level as well as four professional schools that focus on graduate programs in law, medicine, education, and business. All schools are on the same campus. Students compete in 36 varsity sports, and the university is one of two private institutions in the Division I FBS Pac-12 Conference. Stanford has won 128 NCAA team championships, more than any other university, and was awarded the NACDA Directors' Cup for 25 consecutive years, beginning in 1994–to 1995. In addition, as of 2021, Stanford students and alumni have won at least 296 Olympic medals including 150 gold medals.

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Rankings

#6

QS

#3

USNews

Stanford University Program Rankings

  • Civil & Environmental Engineering (PhD) - Rank #1 (US News)

  • Computational & Mathematical Engineering (Masters) - Rank #1 (US News)

  • Computer Science (Masters) - Rank #1 (US News)

  • Computer Science (PhD) - Rank #1 (US News)

  • Economics (PhD) - Rank #1 (US News)

  • Economics (UG) - Rank #1 (US News)

  • Electrical Engineering (PhD) - Rank #1 (US News)

  • Mechanical Engineering (Masters) - Rank #1 (US News)

  • Management Science & Engineering (PhD) - Rank #2 (QS)

  • Aeronautics & Astronautics (Masters) - Rank #2 (US News)

  • Bioengineering (Masters) - Rank #2 (US News)

  • Bioengineering (UG) - Rank #2 (US News)

  • Biomechanical Engineering (UG) - Rank #2 (US News)

  • Electrical Engineering (Masters) - Rank #2 (US News)

  • Electrical Engineering (UG) - Rank #2 (US News)

  • Engineering Physics (UG) - Rank #2 (US News)

  • Environmental Systems Engineering (UG) - Rank #2 (US News)

  • Mathematics (PhD) - Rank #2 (US News)

  • Mechanical Engineering (PhD) - Rank #2 (US News)

  • Accounting (PhD) - Rank #3 (QS)

  • Bioengineering (PhD) - Rank #3 (QS)

  • Chemical Engineering (UG) - Rank #3 (US News)

  • Computer Science (UG) - Rank #3 (US News)

  • Management (Masters) - Rank #3 (US News)

  • Marketing (PhD) - Rank #3 (US News)

  • Chemical Engineering (PhD) - Rank #4 (US News)

  • Mechanical Engineering (UG) - Rank #4 (US News)

  • Aeronautics & Astronautics (UG) - Rank #5 (US News)

  • Biomedical Computation (UG) - Rank #5 (US News)

  • Civil & Environmental Engineering (Masters) - Rank #5 (US News)

  • Operations, Information & Technology (PhD) - Rank #5 (US News)

  • Finance (PhD) - Rank #6 (US News)

  • Materials Science & Engineering (UG) - Rank #6 (US News)

  • Civil Engineering (UG) - Rank #9 (US News)

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Stanford University Highlights

What's It Like Inside Stanford University? | Stanford Campus Tour

Welcome to Stanford

Stanford University: A Day in the Life

A day in my Life as a Stanford Student

FAQs

What are the most popular graduate programs offered at Stanford University?

Stanford University is renowned for its diverse range of high-quality graduate programs. Among the most popular are Business Administration, Computer Science, Engineering, Law, and Medicine. These programs are known for their rigorous curriculum, cutting-edge research opportunities, and strong industry connections, making them highly sought after by students from around the globe.

What is the Annual Cost of attendance at Stanford University?

For the 2023 academic year, the total cost of attendance at Stanford, including tuition, fees, and living expenses, is approximately $78,218. Converting this to Indian Rupees at the current exchange rate of approximately 82 INR to 1 USD, the total cost comes to about ₹6,413,876. This figure is rounded to the nearest hundreds.

What Financial aid and scholarship options are available at Stanford University?

Stanford University offers a variety of financial aid options including need-based scholarships, grants, and student employment opportunities. To apply for financial aid, prospective students must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the CSS Profile. The university is committed to meeting the demonstrated financial need of each admitted student, ensuring affordability for all.

What is the reputation and ranking of Stanford University?

Stanford University consistently ranks among the top universities globally. It is ranked #3 in the QS World University Rankings 2023. Specifically, its Graduate School of Business is often ranked #1 in the U.S., and its Computer Science, Engineering, and Law programs are also top-ranked nationally. These rankings reflect Stanford's excellence in research, faculty, and student outcomes.

What is the campus culture like at Stanford University?

Stanford University boasts a vibrant campus culture characterized by a spirit of innovation and collaboration. Students engage in a wide range of activities including cultural festivals like Admit Weekend, clubs focusing on everything from technology to the arts, and various leadership development programs. The university also hosts numerous annual events such as the Stanford Viennese Ball and the Frost Music Festival, enhancing the community experience.

What are the housing options at Stanford University?

Stanford offers a variety of housing options, including on-campus residences for undergraduates and graduates. For those preferring off-campus living, nearby areas like Palo Alto, Menlo Park, and Mountain View are popular among students. These locations offer a range of rental options and are well-connected by public transportation, making them convenient choices for those attending Stanford.

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Stanford University Fun Facts

  • The Hoover Tower Carillon

    Standing at 285 feet, the Hoover Tower is not only a historic landmark but houses a remarkable 48-bell carillon that serenades the campus daily.

  • The "Wacky Walk" Graduation Tradition

    Stanford's commencement ceremony kicks off with the "Wacky Walk," where graduates wear outrageous costumes and props as they parade into the stadium, showcasing Stanford's spirited and creative side.

  • Birthplace of Google

    Google was born in Stanford's dormitories when PhD students Larry Page and Sergey Brin developed their search engine project, initially called "Backrub," in 1996.

  • Stanford's Architectural Time Capsule

    The Main Quad, with its Richardsonian Romanesque style, is meticulously maintained to mirror its original 1880s appearance, offering a historical snapshot amid modern educational pursuits.