Afford

A Stanford Education is Affordable. Stanford offers comprehensive, need-based financial aid that makes it possible for all admitted undergraduate students to attend — and we do not expect students to borrow to meet their need. Learn how the program works, then use the net price calculator to get an award estimate based on your family’s financial situation.

Help with costsFinancial Aid at a Glance
The Claw fountain in White Plaza

See How Aid Works

Almost half of all Stanford undergraduates receive need-based financial aid. Families earning less than $150,000 with assets typical of that income level pay no tuition. Families earning less than $100,000 with assets typical of that income level pay no tuition or room and board.
Rodin Sculpture Garden

Learn About Types of Financial Aid

Stanford provides financial aid in the form of scholarships, which do not need to be repaid. Federal and state grants, outside scholarships, and student employment are additional sources of funding. We do not expect you to take out student loans to cover your college costs.
Columns outside the Stanford Arts Gallery

Estimate Your Cost to Attend Stanford

The average need-based scholarship in the current freshman class is more than $70,000. Use the net price calculator tool to see what level of financial aid you can expect to receive if you attend.

Students Share Their Stories

Jemima grew up as one of six kids, with a mom — her "rock and shining star" — who worked the night shift as a nurse. She thought of Stanford as her super-reach school, until she got in and realized it would cost her almost nothing to attend.

Cameron comes from Neah Bay, Washington, where his mom is an intake clerk, his dad is a fisherman, and "everybody knows everybody." He was motivated by family and community to get a good college education — but knew his parents wouldn't be able to contribute to covering the cost.

Tracie always knew she wanted to be able to provide two things for her kids: braces and a good education. But as her oldest daughter approached the end of high school, she began to worry that she wouldn't be able to afford the cost of college.