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.
⬡ LangSmithb29b7538-093c-4eef-be0b-8d87aa6a0f69Data 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.
⬡ LangSmith73eab0bf-6718-49ce-9683-c9377dd59aebStanford, CA
How do your scores compare at Stanford?
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.
⬡ LangSmith636f0df8-0ae1-4138-81cb-e321c9168f28Want to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at Stanford University?
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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.
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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.
⬡ LangSmith57a8e366-67d0-43e4-96c7-18e736d6dddeStudent 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
Pomona College
Claremont, CAAcceptance rate: 7.1%
SAT: 1500–1550
ACT: 33–35
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CAAcceptance rate: 9.8%
SAT: 1450–1530
ACT: 32–35
Duke University
Durham, NCAcceptance rate: 5.7%
SAT: 1520–1570
ACT: 34–35
Claremont McKenna College
Claremont, CAAcceptance rate: 9.6%
SAT: 1490–1550
ACT: 33–35
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