Stanford University

    Stanford, CA · Private non-profit · Doctoral / R1 research university

    SAT middle 50% (admitted students)
    1510–1580
    Median ~1550
    Acceptance rate
    4%
    Enrollment
    7,554
    ACT middle 50%
    34–35

    How Stanford University compares

    • The ~1550 SAT midpoint ranks #2 of 197 US colleges with published SAT ranges in this snapshot and #1 of 5 in CA.
    • Its 4% acceptance rate is more selective than 99% of the 197 colleges in the same ranked pool.
    • Reported section midpoints skew 30 points toward Math (780 Math vs 750 Reading and Writing).
    • Median earnings 10 years after entry ($124,080) are $61,014 above the $63,066 median across that pool.
    National SAT rank
    #2 of 197
    SAT rank in CA
    #1 of 5
    More selective than
    99% of ranked colleges
    Earnings vs national median
    +$61,014

    What the numbers say about Stanford University

    • The reported middle 50% spans 70 points, from 1510 to 1580. A planning score near or above 1600 gives you a target above that historical range, not an admission guarantee.
    • The reported section midpoints are 750 Reading and Writing and 780 Math. Use the lower section as the first place to look for recoverable points in your own score split.
    • The Scorecard snapshot reports a 4% acceptance rate. That rate describes a past applicant pool and should not be read as your personal admission probability.
    • Reported outcomes include a 92% completion rate and $124,080 in median earnings 10 years after entry. Compare those figures with cost and program fit, not in isolation.
    Understand a 1550 SAT scorePlan for a 1600Verify current admissions policy

    Tuition and outcomes

    Tuition (in-state)
    $65,910
    Tuition (out-of-state)
    $65,910
    Median earnings 10 years after entry
    $124,080
    4-year completion rate (150% time)
    92%

    Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard. Documentation version September 2025; repository snapshot imported April 25, 2026. Scorecard fields can come from different reporting years, and this snapshot does not encode one universal data year. SAT totals are rounded to the nearest valid 10 points. Tuition excludes room, board, fees, and books. Read the methodology.

    How your SAT score lines up

    The Scorecard snapshot places the middle 50% of reported scores between 1510 and 1580. This is descriptive data, not an admission threshold or probability estimate.

    • 1600 SAT planning target: Above the reported middle-50% range.
    • 1580 SAT (reported 75th percentile): At the upper end of the reported middle-50% range.
    • 1550 SAT (median): Within the upper half of the reported range.
    • 1510 SAT (reported 25th percentile): Within the lower half of the reported range.
    At or above 1580

    Strong relative score

    At the upper end of the reported range. Consider submitting if the current policy accepts scores.

    1510–1570

    Within the reported range

    Compare your exact position, section split, and the rest of your academic record.

    Below 1510

    Below the reported range

    Check the current testing policy before deciding whether to withhold the score or retake.

    Compare to other colleges →

    Colleges with similar SAT scores

    Ranked by proximity to Stanford University's reported SAT midpoint. Similar scores do not imply similar programs, cost, or admission odds.

    Scroll horizontally to view all columns →

    CollegeLocationSAT middle 50%Acceptance rate
    Princeton UniversityPrinceton, NJ1510–15805%
    University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia, PA1510–15705%
    Carnegie Mellon UniversityPittsburgh, PA1500–157012%
    Pomona CollegeClaremont, CA1490–15607%
    Washington University in St LouisSt. Louis, MO1500–157012%
    Bowdoin CollegeBrunswick, ME1470–15507%

    FAQs

    What SAT score do I need for Stanford University?

    Stanford University's Scorecard snapshot shows a middle-50% SAT range of 1510–1580, rounded to valid 10-point totals. 1600 is a planning target above the reported range, not an admission cutoff.

    What is Stanford University's acceptance rate?

    Stanford University's most recently reported acceptance rate is approximately 4%.

    How much does it cost to attend Stanford University?

    Published tuition is approximately $65,910 per year (excludes room, board, fees).

    Is Stanford University test-optional?

    Many US universities adjusted test policies after 2020. Check Stanford University's admissions page for current test-optional, test-required, or test-flexible policy.

    Official site: www.stanford.edu