Stanford Merit Aid

Families who need to understand that Stanford is not a merit-optimization target. No academic, athletic, or artistic merit award exists. If your household income is under $150,000, Stanford is likely more affordable than most state flagships. If you do not qualify for need-based aid, you will pay full price (~$93,000/year).

Tuition / cost of attendance: Approximately $92,892 for 2025-2026. Tuition and fees ~$65,910, room and board ~$22,167, books and supplies ~$825, personal ~$4,842. 2026-2027 COA not yet published. Source

Outside awards first replace the Student Responsibility (work earnings expectation). Excess reduces the Stanford scholarship dollar-for-dollar. Outside awards cannot replace the expected parent contribution.

Outside scholarships first replace the Student Responsibility (expected work earnings) dollar-for-dollar. If outside awards exceed the Student Responsibility, the Stanford scholarship is reduced dollar-for-dollar by the excess. Outside awards cannot replace the expected parent contribution. Students may use a portion toward a one-time computer purchase or health insurance before the Stanford Scholarship is reduced.

Source

From the Stanford Common Data Set 2024-2025:

Source: Common Data Set

1. Believing academic or athletic excellence qualifies for a Stanford merit scholarship.+

   Stanford's financial aid page explicitly states: 'Stanford does not offer merit-based scholarships based on academic or athletic achievement. All university scholarship funds are awarded on the basis of financial need.'

2. Upper-middle-class families ($100,000-$200,000 income) self-selecting out of applying for financial aid.+

   Families earning up to $100,000 pay zero for tuition, room, and board. Families up to $150,000 pay no tuition. Not filing the FAFSA and CSS Profile guarantees you pay the full ~$93,000.

• Does Stanford offer merit scholarships?

  No. Stanford explicitly states all scholarship funds are awarded based on financial need, not merit. The near-zero percentage of freshmen showing non-need institutional aid in the CDS (0.1%) likely represents ROTC stipends or similar pass-through programs.

• What does Stanford actually cost for families earning under $150,000?

  Families with income below $100,000 (typical assets) pay nothing for tuition, room, or board. Families earning up to $150,000 pay no tuition. Between $100,000-$150,000, the expected parent contribution ranges from $0 to about $25,000. Most Stanford financial aid recipients graduate debt-free.

• How does Stanford handle outside scholarships?

  Outside scholarships first replace the Student Responsibility (work earnings expectation). Any excess reduces the Stanford scholarship dollar-for-dollar. A portion may be used for a one-time computer purchase or health insurance before the Stanford Scholarship is reduced.