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Last updated: May 31, 2026

Stanford University

United States · Stanford, California

Stanford University

Private School
United States
Country
Stanford, California
City
17469
Total Students
Private
Status
About the University

Stanford University overview

Stanford University, officially known as Leland Stanford Junior University, is a private research university located in Stanford, California. It was founded in 1885 by Leland and Jane Stanford. Stanford University is renowned for its academic excellence, world-class faculty, and cutting-edge research. The university is organized into seven schools: Humanities and Sciences, Engineering, Earth, Energy and Environmental Sciences, Education, Law, Medicine, and Business. It offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs across a wide range of disciplines.

The campus, often referred to as "The Farm," spans 8,180 acres and features a unique combination of architectural styles, including Spanish Colonial Revival and modernist designs. It is home to a diverse student body, with over 17,000 students from all 50 U.S. states and more than 90 countries.

Stanford is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world, and it is particularly well-regarded in fields such as engineering, computer science, entrepreneurship, and the natural and social sciences. The university has a strong commitment to research, and its faculty and alumni have made significant contributions to various disciplines, including the development of the internet, the establishment of Silicon Valley, and the creation of companies like Google, Hewlett-Packard, and Tesla.

In addition to its academic and research pursuits, Stanford is also known for its vibrant campus life, which includes numerous clubs, organizations, and athletic teams. The university's athletic program, known as the Cardinal, competes in the NCAA Division I and has won over 100 national championships across various sports.

About the University

About Stanford University

Stanford University, officially known as Leland Stanford Junior University, is a private research university located in Stanford, California. It was founded in 1885 by Leland and Jane Stanford. Stanford University is renowned for its academic excellence, world-class faculty, and cutting-edge research. The university is organized into seven schools: Humanities and Sciences, Engineering, Earth, Energy and Environmental Sciences, Education, Law, Medicine, and Business. It offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs across a wide range of disciplines.

The campus, often referred to as "The Farm," spans 8,180 acres and features a unique combination of architectural styles, including Spanish Colonial Revival and modernist designs. It is home to a diverse student body, with over 17,000 students from all 50 U.S. states and more than 90 countries.

Stanford is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world, and it is particularly well-regarded in fields such as engineering, computer science, entrepreneurship, and the natural and social sciences. The university has a strong commitment to research, and its faculty and alumni have made significant contributions to various disciplines, including the development of the internet, the establishment of Silicon Valley, and the creation of companies like Google, Hewlett-Packard, and Tesla.

In addition to its academic and research pursuits, Stanford is also known for its vibrant campus life, which includes numerous clubs, organizations, and athletic teams. The university's athletic program, known as the Cardinal, competes in the NCAA Division I and has won over 100 national championships across various sports.

City
Stanford, California
Country
United States
Type
Private
Number of Students
17469
#5
Times Universities
#3
QS World
#4
National Ranking
98
Quality Score
#2
Shanghai List
Faculties & Programs

Stanford University faculties and programs

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Campus

Take a closer look at Stanford University

The campus of Stanford University, also known as "The Farm," is a beautiful and expansive site located in Stanford, California, near Palo Alto and about 35 miles (56 km) south of San Francisco. The campus spans roughly 8,180 acres (3,310 hectares), making it one of the largest university campuses in the United States. The campus is characterized by its unique blend of historical and modern architecture, lush green spaces, and tree-lined walkways. The buildings are predominantly sandstone with red-tiled roofs, inspired by the California Mission Revival architectural style.

The iconic Hoover Tower, a 285-foot (87-meter) tall structure, is a visible landmark on campus and houses the Hoover Institution Library and Archives.

Stanford has a network of 20 libraries, with Green Library being the largest and serving as the main library. The campus houses numerous interdisciplinary research centers and institutes, such as the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment, and the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies. The campus boasts state-of-the-art athletic facilities, including Stanford Stadium for football, Maples Pavilion for basketball, and Avery Aquatic Center for swimming and diving.

Stanford has a vibrant arts scene with several museums and galleries, including the Cantor Arts Center and the Anderson Collection, as well as performance spaces like Bing Concert Hall and Memorial Auditorium. 

The campus has a variety of housing options for students, including residence halls, apartments, and co-ops. There are also numerous dining options on campus, from cafeterias to small cafes and coffee shops. Stanford's campus is rich in outdoor spaces, such as the 700-acre (283-hectare) Stanford Dish recreational area, the Arizona Garden, and the Papua New Guinea Sculpture Garden.

Stanford University's campus is a beautiful, sprawling, and well-maintained environment that provides a rich and diverse setting for students, faculty, and visitors to engage in academic pursuits, research, and extracurricular activities.

Campus Life

Campus life at Stanford University is known for its vibrant, engaging, and diverse environment that offers a wide range of opportunities for students to pursue their interests, develop new skills, and make lasting connections. Stanford's reputation for academic excellence means that students are surrounded by a community of driven and intellectually curious peers. The university offers a vast range of majors, minors, and interdisciplinary programs, providing students with the flexibility to explore their interests and tailor their educational experience.

Most undergraduate students live on campus in a variety of housing options, including residence halls, themed houses, and co-ops. The residential experience is designed to foster a sense of community and support, with each residence having its own unique culture and traditions. 

Stanford has over 600 student-run clubs and organizations that cater to a wide range of interests, from cultural and identity-based groups to academic societies, community service organizations, and performing arts ensembles. Students can also engage in entrepreneurship and innovation through various resources, such as the Stanford Venture Studio and StartX. Stanford has a strong athletic tradition, with numerous varsity teams and club sports competing at various levels.

The university also offers intramural sports, fitness classes, and recreational facilities for students who want to stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Throughout the year, there are many events organized by student groups, residential communities, and the university, including dances, concerts, guest speakers, and cultural celebrations. 

One of the most anticipated events is the annual Stanford "Big Game" against the University of California, Berkeley, which culminates in a week-long series of festivities and spirited competition. Stanford is committed to creating an inclusive environment and promoting diversity in its community. The university has several community centers and offices that support students of various backgrounds and identities, such as the Women's Community Center, the Black Community Services Center, the Asian American Activities Center, and El Centro Chicano y Latino.

Stanford offers various resources to support student success, including academic advising, tutoring, mental health counseling, and career services. 

Additionally, the university provides assistance to students with disabilities through the Office of Accessible Education. Campus life at Stanford University is characterized by a diverse and engaging atmosphere where students can pursue their passions, develop personally and academically, and forge meaningful connections with their peers. The university strives to create a supportive and inclusive community that fosters growth and development for all its students.

Student Profile

Stanford University has produced many notable alumni in various fields. Some of the most well-known and accomplished alumni of Stanford University include:

  • Andy Bechtolsheim
  • Brian Acton
  • Doris Fisher
  • Herbert Hoover
  • Jennifer Connelly
  • Jensen Huang
  • Mary Barra
  • Mike Krieger
  • Phil Knight
  • Reed Hastings
  • Reese Witherspoon
  • Reid Hoffman
  • Sergey Brin
  • Sigourney Weaver
  • Ted Danson
  • William Hewlett
Living

Stanford University cost of living

Achievements

Stanford University awards and achievements

  • 85 Nobel Laureates 
  • 29 Turing Award Laureates
  • 8 Fields Medalists
  • 1 U.S. President
  • 17 Astronauts
  • 8 Pulitzer Prize Winners
  • 2 Crafoord Prize Winners
  • 2 Kyoto Prize Winners

Stanford University Frequently Asked Questions

Stanford University Location

Stanford, California, United States

Stanford University Contact

Email
visitorinfo@stanford.edu
Phone
+1 650-723-2091
Website
https://www.stanford.edu/
Address
295 Galvez Street Stanford, CA 94305–6104, USA

Stanford University Social Media

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Stanford University

Take a Closer Look
Stanford University view 1

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Why Stanford University?

Located in Stanford, California, United States, Stanford University is known for its academic excellence, distinguished faculty, and remarkably rich history.

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