Stanford's published cost of attendance totals $82,162 per year, including $62,484 in tuition, $19,922 for room and board, and $825 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $12,136 after financial aid, representing savings of $70,026 from the sticker price.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $87,833 |
| Tuition and Fees | $65,910 |
| Room and Board | $21,315 |
| Books and Supplies | $825 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$74,026 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $13,807 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | +$2,536 (stipend) |
| $30–48k | $-193 |
| $48–75k | $3,212 |
| $75–110k | $11,092 |
| $110k+ | $53,882 |
Stanford's published cost of attendance totals $82,162 per year, including $62,484 in tuition, $19,922 for room and board, and $825 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $12,136 after financial aid, representing savings of $70,026 from the sticker price. This substantial reduction reflects Stanford's commitment to affordability through need-based financial aid. The average net price of $12,136 falls significantly below the peer median of $27,143, positioning Stanford as more affordable than typical four-year institutions despite its high sticker price.
This affordability advantage stems from Stanford's substantial endowment and financial aid resources, which enable generous aid packages for families across income levels. The dramatic difference between published and actual costs means that families should not dismiss Stanford based solely on sticker price. Instead, the focus should shift to understanding need-based aid eligibility and expected family contributions based on income and assets.
Stanford's financial aid program demonstrates exceptional generosity relative to institutional peers and national benchmarks. The $70,026 average financial aid savings represents 85% of the total cost of attendance, indicating that most students receive substantial aid packages.
With 19.2% of students receiving Pell grants, Stanford serves a meaningful share of lower-income students while providing aid across broader income ranges. The negative net prices for families earning under $48,000 indicate that Stanford's aid packages often exceed direct educational costs, providing support for living expenses and other educational needs. This approach removes financial barriers for the lowest-income students while extending affordability to middle-class families.
The aid concentration reflects both Stanford's financial resources and institutional priorities around access, though the overall Pell share indicates that lower-income access remains more limited than at less selective institutions. The generous aid structure explains how Stanford maintains affordability despite premium sticker prices.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Stanford graduates carry exceptionally manageable debt levels compared to national and peer benchmarks. Median student debt totals just $12,000, significantly below the peer median of $24,181.
Debt levels range from $5,500 at the 25th percentile to $21,500 at the 75th percentile, indicating controlled borrowing across the student population. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.10 represents less than one-tenth of first-year post-graduation income, creating favorable conditions for debt repayment. Compared to peers, Stanford students borrow $12,181 less on average, reducing long-term financial burden substantially.
Parent PLUS borrowing averages $33,000 with monthly payments of $435, though these figures reflect raw borrowing without family income context. The combination of low student debt and high post-graduation earnings creates exceptional affordability for debt repayment, with graduates able to manage loan obligations while maintaining strong financial flexibility.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Stanford represents exceptional return on educational investment across multiple dimensions. Graduates earn $38,676 beyond expectations relative to student demographics, ranking at the 98.7th percentile nationally for added value.
Combined with median earnings of $124,080 that exceed peer institutions by $61,014 annually, Stanford delivers superior economic outcomes. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.10 indicates that typical debt levels represent less than 10% of first-year post-graduation income, creating sustainable repayment conditions. With student debt $12,181 below peer medians and earnings $61,014 above peer medians, Stanford generates a favorable $73,195 annual advantage in net financial position for graduates.
The university ranks among the top 5% nationally for earnings beyond expectations while maintaining manageable debt levels, positioning it among institutions delivering among the highest returns we track. This combination of exceptional outcomes and controlled costs justifies Stanford's premium positioning in the higher education marketplace.
