Stanford University

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

Stanford Engineering offers 16 “defined” majors to choose from and an undergraduate degree in several areas, such as Mechanical Engineering, Product Design, and Management Science & Engineering, and of course, the opportunity to create your own cross-disciplinary major. The School also offers Coterminal (Coterm) and graduate level programs in all departments, enabling students to complete bachelor’s and master’s degrees simultaneously or proceed to 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) is unique for its small class sizes, interdisciplinary education, and a strong emphasis on real-world impact. Because of its location in Silicon Valley, SLS integrates technology, business innovation, and public policy with legal education. 

At SLS, students get real-world experience with 11 in-house legal clinics, work closely with faculty, and decide whether to take one of many exciting joint degree programs with Stanford's other top-ranked schools. SLS fosters a culture of collaboration and ground-breaking collaboration, focused on public service, to address some of the world's pressing legal issues. In SLS, students get a progressive legal education with an integrated model of 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. 

Stanford University is consistently ranked among the top five universities worldwide, recognized for its academic excellence, research output, and global reputation. It leads in fields like engineering, computer science, and business, with strong overall performance across major global rankings.

Get more insights related to the subject-wise ranking of Stanford University in our next segment.

Top Course-wise Ranking 2025

Stanford University maintains a distinguished global standing across a range of academic disciplines. Its programs rank among the world’s best, reflecting a rigorous academic environment, cutting-edge research, and sustained excellence in faculty and student outcomes. Given below are the top course-wise rankings for 2025 from different platforms:

QS Ranking of Stanford University by Subject

THE Ranking of Stanford University by Subject

US News Ranking of Stanford University by Subject

While knowing about university rankings is great, it's also important to know about the admission process. 

Stanford assesses international applicants holistically, focusing on academic excellence, personal character, and potential to contribute meaningfully to campus life. 

Let’s explore some of the best Stanford University Courses. But before that do check the complete Stanford University admission process.

Stanford offers a broad academic spectrum, but the following undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) programs stand out by popularity and prestige. The table below highlights the UG majors and PG programs, along with their annual tuition rates for 2024–25.

Top Undergraduate Courses 

Top Postgraduate Courses

Intakes at Stanford University

Stanford operates on a quarter system, with major intakes in. Most undergraduate and graduate programs begin in Autumn, with some graduate and professional courses also admitting students in Winter or Spring. Stanford maintains consistent enrollment opportunities across these quarters.

In addition to tuition, international students at Stanford must account for various living expenses such as housing, meals, books, and personal costs. Understanding these expenses helps in planning a realistic annual budget.  

In addition to tuition, international students at Stanford must account for various living expenses such as housing, meals, books, and personal costs. Understanding these expenses helps in planning a realistic annual budget.  

Stanford University offers a range of scholarships to support outstanding international students. Below is a curated list of scholarships available specifically for Indian applicants.

For more details related to eligibility, extent of aid and documents for scholarship, you can check our page: scholarship for Stanford university. 

Stanford University doesn’t just promise a world-class education — it delivers exceptional career outcomes across all academic levels. For instance, Stanford’s Graduate School of Business (GSB) continues to set the benchmark for MBA placements globally. Of the 432 students in the Class of 2024, 58% sought full-time employment.

The compensation packages are equally impressive. Graduates reported a median base salary of $185,000 (₹1.53 crore), a median signing bonus of $30,000 (₹24.9 lakh), and an average performance bonus of $100,500 (₹83.4 lakh).

Beyond its flagship MBA program, Graduates of the GSB PhD program consistently secure academic positions at top-tier institutions and Stanford itself. Over the last five years, 90 %+ of GSB PhD grads have accepted roles in academia or high-level policy research.

That said, we have made a list of the latest placement data based solely on official Stanford University resources.

Top Recruiters at Stanford

When it comes to choosing among the world’s most prestigious universities, Stanford, Harvard, and Oxford are top contenders. Each offers world-class academics, global recognition, and powerful career outcomes—but they differ in structure, location, and educational approach. Here’s a side-by-side comparison to help international students make an informed decision:

Stanford University’s alumni network is a powerhouse of global influence. Graduates of Stanford have gone on to become CEOs, Nobel laureates, professional athletes, politicians, and cultural icons. The university’s alumni community spans every continent and sector, creating a lasting impact across the globe.

Stanford operates on a quarter system, with major intakes in. Most undergraduate and graduate programs begin in Autumn, with some graduate and professional Stanford University courses also admitting students in Winter or Spring. Stanford maintains consistent enrollment opportunities across these quarters.

Stanford offers more than just a world-class education — it offers a full-spectrum campus experience. Whether you're living in a first-year dorm, launching a startup, joining a cultural group, or attending a campus-wide arts festival, every moment at Stanford is built to shape your journey.

What to Expect at Stanford University

Stanford University education comes with a well-rounded student experience that goes far beyond academics. From elite athletic programs to a thriving campus arts scene, students have countless opportunities to engage, grow, and create lasting memories.

Highlights of Student Life at Stanford:

• 36 varsity athletic teams with a legacy of 134 NCAA championships.
• Over 300 Olympic medals have been earned by Stanford athletes.
• 40+ club sports and 20 intramural leagues for all skill levels.
• State-of-the-art facilities like the Arrillaga Recreation Center and Avery Aquatic Center.
• Holistic wellness offerings include fitness classes and outdoor programs.
• Premier venues like Bing Concert Hall, Anderson Collection, and Cantor Arts Center.
• Opportunities in dance, music, theater, visual arts, and interdisciplinary performance.
• Student-led arts clubs, exhibitions, and festivals held throughout the year.

The tuition fees of Stanford hovers around $56,169 ( INR 41, 84396)