Stanford University

Formally known as Leland Stanford University, Stanford is one of the nation’s top private research schools. Located in California, the school is considered to be a “West Coast equivalent” to the East Coast Ivy League, with an impressive array of alumni and researchers. Established in 1885, the school has grown to an active alumni base of over 150,000, along with the more than 15,000 current students and over a dozen faculty Noble laureates.

Each year, 1,700 first-year students are admitted to Stanford. This figure represents just over 10 percent of the number of people who apply. There are 6,422 undergrads and 8,200 graduate students enrolled at Stanford. The student-to-teacher ratio is a very impressive 6.4:1.

Located near Silicon valley, the school has one of the top computer science departments in the county, with close ties to the founders of technology companies including Hewlett Packard and Google. With a strong focus on academics, Stanford is well regarded in each of its schools from the School of Engineering to the Graduate School of Business to the Law School and School of Medicine – each of which are ranked near the top in their respective fields.

The school is also home to the Hoover Foundation think tank, which is a leading center of conservative political research and the home to researchers including Condoleeza Rice. With a strong research focus, Stanford enrolls a majority of students in its graduate programs, ranging from Humanities and Sciences to professional schools.

Stanford takes pride in its diversity and its students include people from a number of backgrounds. More than 50 percent of the student body are people of color, and more than 15 percent of those attending Stanford are the first people in their family to attend university.

Accreditation Information

Stanford University is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. In addition, certain programs of the University have specialized accreditation.

Admission Requirements

Stanford accepts the Common Application form from prospective students. This document, and the Stanford Supplement, can be submitted online. High school transcripts and teacher evaluation forms are also required. SAT scores are not required, but should be included with your application materials.

If you know that Stanford is your first choice, you can apply for Early Action and get an answer by December 15. The deadline for a Regular Decision is January 1, and you find out by April 1 whether you will be offered a spot at the University. All accepted students have until May 1 to indicate whether they will be attending the institution.

Programs at Stanford

Undergraduate students at Stanford can work toward a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Sciences or Bachelor of Arts and Sciences degree. They have the freedom to elect a double major or choose a subject to complete a minor in (at least six courses as set out by the appropriate Department). Three undergraduate schools offer degree programs: the School of Earth Sciences, the School of Engineering, and the School of Humanities and Sciences.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Tuition for the 2009-2010 school year at Stanford is $37,380. Room and board will cost $11,463 and students will also need to buy books and supplies ($1,485) and an orientation fee of $438 (first year students only).

With options for full financial aid, and need-blind aid, the student base is more economically diverse than ever before, but being that it is one of the best universities, it is definitely recommended that nearly every student talk to the financial aid office for more information regarding financial support while at school.

Online Programs and Classes

Stanford University’s Center for Professional Development offers a number of certificate and degree programs. You can continue your education while keeping up with your employment commitments by watching lectures online by streaming video or by attending them on campus. You have the option of working toward your Master’s Degree or a certificate through this learning method.

Sports at Stanford

Stanford is not only known for the high quality of its academic program. Student athletes at the University have distinguished themselves by winning the Directors’ Cup for 14 straight years. Opportunities are offered for students to participate in athletics at the intramural, club, and instructional levels.