Stanford University Tuition Fees (2026)
A detailed, informative, and straightforward look at the cost of attending Stanford, including tuition, housing, and the aid that makes it affordable. Designed for international students who want to make their budget.
Stanford is a private institution with an upper end tuition. The undergraduate tuition for 2026-27 is $67,731; when housing, food, fees and other expenses are included, the estimated total cost of attendance is approximately $97,545 per year. But this "sticker price" isn't the amount most students pay. Many families pay at a very low rate and some pay no tuition expenses at all due to generous need-blind aid.
Figures below are official 2026-27 estimates. Rates are subject to change annually; please check the latest figures on Stanford's website.
2026-27 Cost Breakdown (Undergraduate)
That's the only line on the bill that covers tuition. Now that you have the official estimate of the cost of attending Stanford for a full year, you can plan accordingly way beyond tuition.
These are the official estimates for the year 2026-27. The amount of personal and travel expenses is not set and can vary by student. For the most current, full budget, please check the Stanford Financial Aid website.
Why the Real Cost Is Often Far Lower
A fees schedule shows the "sticker price" of the tuition, but relatively few students pay that amount. Stanford is known to offer very generous need-blind financial aid that is never to be repaid based on your family's income.
The rules are straightforward and generous: families with an annual income of under $150,000 are not expected to pay any tuition and families whose income is under $100,000 pay nothing towards tuition, housing and food. Needs-Based Support: 35% of undergraduates receive some amount of support based on need; nearly half of undergraduates receive some amount of support based on need.
This aid is available to international students as well, so that the amount you actually owe may be a small percentage of this $97,545. Therefore, it is best to apply first and start receiving help.
Undergraduate vs Graduate Costs
The fees are different for different levels. These are the things that the two compare with real 2025-26 tuition amounts.
Undergraduate
Graduate
Graduate tuition is school and program dependent (business, law and medicine are different). See the precise rate for your program in the official Stanford tuition rates page.
Ways to Reduce the Cost
Most students don't pay the full sticker price. The primary ways to lower the cost.
Need-based financial aid
Stanford's biggest support is need-blind and international support is welcome. Families with income under $100K do NOT have to pay tuition, housing, or food.
Scholarships & fellowships
Depending on the program, merit awards (also called scholarships and graduate fellowships) can help pay a portion or all of your tuition.
Assistantships
Many graduate students are research or teaching assistants, their tuition is covered and they receive a stipend during the academic term.
Education loans
There are loan options available for students in the US or their country that will allow them to pay for their education in installments and pay it back once they begin working.
External & national awards
Your home government may support study abroad and private foundations may fund it as well, some of which may cover the entire cost.
On-campus work
Campus work (part-time, within visa restrictions) can supplement your day to day expenses and lessen the amount of loan required.
Understanding the Payment Process
Fees aren't paid all at once. Here is the typical process from that time to the time of the bill, for Stanford quarterly billing.
Check your costs of attendance.
Once you've been admitted, Stanford will send you an official estimation of the cost of tuition, housing, fees and living expenses.
Apply for aid and funding
Complete financial aid applications on time. The amount of grants and scholarships you're awarded will affect your final bill.
Get your quarterly bill
Charges are made on a quarterly basis (Autumn, Winter, Spring) meaning that charges are paid in smaller, fixed amounts.
Pay by the deadline
Make the online payment, on time, to maintain enrolment (to be paid by the due date or in accordance with the payment plan if available).
The university sets the payment deadlines, payment methods and payment plans, and they may change. Confirm current schedule prior to each quarter in Stanford Student Services.
Practical Tips to Save Money
Apply for aid early. The faster you finish the financial forms, the more likely you'll get all the support.
Stack scholarships. Use University assistance and awards from country of origin to contribute to the cost.
Buy books used. Use your library’s books or buy or rent used text books.
Share housing. Co-living or living in University housing is much cheaper than living alone.
Use campus jobs. The part-time occupation within visa rules is to assist with day to day expenses.
Follow a true budget. Make and stick to an annual travel, transport, and food plan to avoid any surprises in mid-year.
Related Stanford University Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to study at Stanford as an international student?
Undergraduates will pay $67,731 in tuition for 2026-27 and an estimated of $97,545 per year (including housing, food, fees, and living costs). This can be greatly reduced by financial aid, and international students are eligible for it. Please note that the numbers are always subject to change and should be based on the official cost of attendance at Stanford.
Is there financial aid for international students at Stanford?
Yes. Need-blind aid is given to international students at Stanford. The typical family earning less than $150,000 pays nothing for tuition, and those earning less than $100,000 pay nothing for tuition, housing and food. Make sure to apply early and take the time to read the official pages for aid.
IAre all programmes the same price?
No, undergraduate tuition is on a per-year basis at a plat rate (about $67,731 per year) and graduate tuition varies between the schools and by term or by units. Business, law and medicine may cost more – see specific department page for your program.
Do you offer installment tuition?
Stanford charges quarterly (Fall, Winter, Spring), and payment plans are available. This is all dependent on the options available to students and will be determined by Student Services so please check the options before your term begins.
Does Tuition cover room and board?
No. Tuition is $67,731, which is just for courses. The typical expenses for housing and food are $22,944 per year, in addition to student fees and living expenses, contributing to the total cost of attendance of nearly $97,545 per year.
What is the exact tuition for my year?
Stanford's official website is the only source that is 100% reliable. Tuition and fee amounts are subject to change on an annual basis, and are available on the Stanford Tuition Rates page and your program page, not from previous information.
Plan Your Stanford Budget with Confidence
The published cost of attending Stanford is high, about $97,545 total per undergraduate student, but this figure is affected by the amount of aid and scholarships awarded and by your budgeting. The actual amount is often much more affordable than the price tag; families with a yearly income of under $100,000 have to pay nothing for tuition, housing, and food.
The most critical is to verify the most recent numbers right from the Stanford official website and applying for aid early. If you do, you'll find the numbers to be far more manageable.