Stanford University

Founded in 1885 by Leland and Jane Stanford in memory of their only son, Stanford University opened its doors in 1891. Since then, Stanford University has been a global hub for academic excellence and research innovation. With a student body of over 18,600, including 7,500 undergraduates and nearly 10,000 graduate students. It offers an elite academic environment on an expansive 8,180-acre campus in the heart of Silicon Valley.

Students benefit from a low student-to-faculty ratio of 6:1, ensuring personal mentorship from world-class faculty members who are Nobel Prize winners, Turing Award recipients, and MacArthur Fellows.

Stanford supports over 7,900 externally sponsored research projects and invests more than $2.2 billion (₹18,370 crore) annually in research. The university boasts a six-year graduation rate above 92%, a four-year graduation rate of 75%, and a first-year retention rate of 98%, reflecting both the quality of education and student satisfaction.

Admission to Stanford University is highly competitive. For the Class of 2027, Stanford received over 56,000 applications and enrolled approximately 1,700 first-year students. Once admitted, students benefit from strong financial support. Thanks to Stanford’s no-loan financial aid policy, 87% of students graduate debt-free, making a world-class education both accessible and sustainable.

Stanford’s influence extends far beyond the classroom. Its alumni and faculty have founded nearly 40,000 companies, generating $2.7 trillion (₹2,254.5 lakh crore) in annual revenue and creating over 5.4 million jobs globally. Around 19% of graduates go on to work in startups or launch their own ventures, supported by programs like StartX, the Mayfield Fellows Program, and the Knight-Hennessy Scholars.

Key Highlights 

Stanford University Schools 

Located in Silicon Valley, Stanford’s main campus spans 8,180 acres, making it one of the largest academic campuses in the United States. This self-sustaining environment features over 600 major buildings and a diverse network of roads, water, and energy systems. But that's not all, even seven schools of Stanford have outstanding features for their students:

School of Humanities & Sciences

As the academic core of the university, the School of Humanities & Sciences (H&S) includes 24 departments—such as Economics, Psychology, and English—and 25 interdisciplinary programs, like Symbolic Systems and Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. This school nurtures foundational thinking across natural sciences, social sciences, and the humanities, preparing students for graduate study, leadership, and global citizenship.

School of Engineering

Founded in 1925, the School of Engineering has played a central role in developing Silicon Valley. At the undergraduate level, Stanford Engineering offers 16 defined majors such as Mechanical Engineering, Product Design, and Management Science & Engineering—plus the flexibility to design your own interdisciplinary major. The school also provides Coterminal (Coterm) and graduate programs across all engineering departments, allowing students to pursue both bachelor's and master’s degrees concurrently or continue into PhD studies.

Graduate School of Business (GSB)

Stanford GSB prepares leaders who aim to make a difference globally. Its flagship MBA program, the one-year MSx program for mid-career professionals, and a rigorous PhD program reflect its values of innovation, leadership, and social responsibility. The school’s proximity to Silicon Valley fosters strong ties to tech and venture capital, while its faculty research influences global business practice.

School of Law

Stanford Law School (SLS) stands out for its small class sizes, interdisciplinary learning, and deep focus on real-world impact. Located in Silicon Valley, SLS blends legal education with technology, policy, and business innovation. Students gain hands-on experience through 11 in-house legal clinics, benefit from close faculty mentorship, and explore joint-degree opportunities across Stanford’s top-ranked schools. With a collaborative culture and a commitment to public service and global legal challenges, SLS offers a forward-thinking legal education rooted in both theory and practice.

School of Medicine

The Stanford University School of Medicine, established in 1908, is consistently ranked among the top medical schools in the world. It offers MD, PA, PhD, and MS programs, along with dual degrees (e.g., MD/PhD, MD/MBA) that integrate medical training with other disciplines.

The curriculum is built around the Discovery Curriculum, which allows students to begin clerkships earlier and pursue long-term research during their medical education. The School is closely affiliated with Stanford Health Care and Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, providing direct access to high-volume, high-complexity clinical environments.

Graduate School of Education

Dedicated to equity and excellence in education, Stanford’s GSE offers interdisciplinary programs. These programs are designed to train educators and researchers. The school combines intensive academic study with real-world engagement in schools. The school offers MA, MS, and PhD programs that can be joined with degrees in Law, Business, and Public Policy.

Doerr School of Sustainability

Launched in 2022, the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability is the university’s newest addition and the first new school in 75 years. It was established with a historic $1.1 billion (₹9,185 crore) donation, uniting Earth sciences, energy systems, and environmental justice under one academic umbrella. The school combines education, research, and impact to develop scalable climate solutions.