Founded in 1885, Stanford University was built in memory of the son of California Governor Leland Stanford and his wife, Jane. Intended to be an institution that focused on technology, engineering and liberal arts, Stanford was designed as an accessible university for students from all socio-economic backgrounds. Today, more than 16,000 students are enrolled in Stanford University studying subjects ranging from law to earth, energy and environmental sciences.

Interesting Facts About the Stanford University Campus

Nestled in Silicon Valley, Stanford University is located in Stanford, California. An 8,180 acre campus with 700 buildings makes Stanford the largest campus in the country. Nearly 97 percent of the undergraduate student population lives in campus housing. Top ranked Stanford has seven major academic schools:

  • Earth, energy and environmental sciences
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • Humanities and sciences
  • Law
  • Medicine

It’s fitting that the institution is in the Silicon Valley since Stanford University has popular majors related to technology. Students are also drawn to the social sciences, biology, engineering and biomedicine. Stanford students can even create their own major with an interdisciplinary degree, exploring a wide variety of different subject areas.

Check Out the Stanford University Ranking

Known as a top institution for undergraduate education, Stanford University has been highly rated on a national scale. Based upon schools where the highest degree awarded is a doctorate, the U.S. World and News Report ranked Stanford as follows:

No. 1 in Best Colleges for Veterans, Environmental/Environmental Health, High School Counselor rankings

No. 2 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs

No. 3 in Computer/Electrical/Electronic/Mechanical Engineering, Communications, Computer Technology

No. 4 in Materials

No. 7 in Best Undergraduate Teaching

No. 7 in National Universities

No. 5 in Best Value schools, Most Innovative Schools, Industrial/Manufacturing, Biomedical Programs

Stanford Grad School Ranking Is Impressive

Known as one of the first schools on the West Coast to offer graduate level studies, Stanford University is still known for graduate education. More than 9,437 students are enrolled in 14 different degrees spanning 200 different programs.

Approximately 85 percent of enrolled graduate students are awarded fellowships and awards to aid in their quest to earn a graduate degree. Here is the Stanford University ranking of a few of their graduate programs on a national level for graduate education:

No. 2 Business Schools

  • No. 2 in Entrepreneurship and Management
  • No. 3 (tie) in Production/Operations
  • No. 4 in Nonprofit
  • No. 5 in Information Systems
  • No. 6 in Finance and Marketing
  • No. 8 in Accounting
  • No. 9 (tie) in Supply Chain/Logistics

No. 2 in Best Engineering Schools

  • No. 1 in Aerospace/Aeronautical/Astronautical Engineering
  • No. 1 (tie) in Mechanical Engineering
  • No. 2 (tie) in Civil/Electrical/Electronic/Communications Engineering
  • No. 2 in Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
  • No. 3 (tie) Materials Engineering
  • No. 3 in Petroleum Engineering
  • No. 4 (tie) in Chemical Engineering

No. 2 in Best Law Schools

  • No. 1 (tie) in Intellectual Property Law
  • No. 1 in Legal Writing and International Law
  • No. 6 (tie) in Tax Law
  • No. 6 in Trial Advocacy
  • No. 7 (tie)in Clinical Training
  • No. 7 in Dispute Resolution and Environmental Law
  • No. 11 (tie) in Health Care Law

No. 3 (tie) in Best Education Schools

  • No. 1 in Education Policy
  • No. 2 in Entrepreneurship and Management
  • No. 3 (tie) in Educational Psychology
  • No. 4 in Curriculum and Instruction and Secondary Teacher Education
  • No. 7 (tie) in Elementary Teacher Education
  • No. 7 in Higher Education Administration
  • No. 10 in Educational Administration and Supervision

Gaining Admission to Stanford University

A selective institution, only five percent of prospective students are admitted each year to Stanford University. Top grades and high test scores are important, but you’ll also need to demonstrate how you’re a well-rounded individual.

A keen curiosity for learning and a background that includes leadership and community service is a plus. The common application is the mainstay of the application process, but if you’re an artist, you can submit a portfolio or video of your talents.

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References

Writer Bio

Dr. Kelly Meier earned her doctorate from Minnesota State Mankato in Educational Leadership. She is the author and co-author of 12 books and serves as a consultant in K-12 and higher education. Dr. Meier is is a regular contributor for The Equity Network and has worked in education for more than 30 years.