Is Stanford University Worth It?
Stanford, CA · Large suburb · 7,554 students · Data: College Scorecard, June 2026 release
Stanford University is a R1 Research University located in large suburb in Stanford, CA. It enrolls approximately 7,554 students. The acceptance rate is 4%, making it highly selective. 92% of students finish within 6 years (150% of normal time) — a strong result. With $124,080 median earnings and $12,000 median debt, median debt equals about 1 months of gross pay (estimate) — a solid ROI. 90% of borrowers are making progress on their loans 3 years after leaving school (College Scorecard).
Liberal-leaning student body
2.68 liberal students for every 1 conservative student (FIRE survey). Free speech rank 55 of 261, grade D.
Full campus politics breakdown →Source: FIRE 2027 College Free Speech Rankings (student survey fielded 2026 by College Pulse)
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