Stanford  /  Financial aid

Paying for Stanford

The sticker price is rarely what families pay. Here is what Stanford actually costs after aid, broken down by income, with the real numbers and a calculator for your situation.

Free tuition at Stanford for families earning under $150,000 a year. Free tuition under $150k income; no tuition or room & board under $100k; meets 100% of demonstrated need with no loans

Estimate your cost

An estimate from published averages, not an offer. Always run Stanford's official net price calculator and file the FAFSA/CSS Profile for your real number.

Average net price by family income

Under $30k$1,500/yr after aid
$30 to 48k$4,000/yr after aid
$48 to 75k$9,000/yr after aid
$75 to 110k$22,000/yr after aid
$110k+$44,000/yr after aid

The full cost

Sticker (cost of attendance)$90,000
Tuition & fees$62,484
Room & board$22,000
Average net price$17,000
Students on aid57%
Financial needMeets 100% of demonstrated need
International studentsOffers need-based aid to international students

Stanford cost & aid FAQ

How much does Stanford cost after financial aid?

The average family pays about $17,000 per year at Stanford after grants and scholarships, against a sticker price of $90,000. Use the calculator to estimate your own net price by family income.

What does Stanford cost by family income?

At Stanford, the average total net price (tuition, room, board and fees, after aid) is about $1,500 per year for families earning under $30,000 and about $44,000 for families earning over $110,000. Net price rises with income because most aid is need-based.

Does Stanford offer free tuition?

Yes. Stanford waives tuition for families earning under $150,000 a year. That covers tuition itself; room, board and fees may still apply, so the total cost can be above zero.

Does Stanford give financial aid to international students?

Offers need-based aid to international students. International applicants should confirm aid policies directly with Stanford's financial aid office.

Does Stanford meet full financial need?

Meets 100% of demonstrated need. Meeting need means the school aims to cover the gap between its cost and what your family can pay, as determined by the FAFSA and CSS Profile.

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