Diverse Student Population At Stanford: Who Attends?

Stanford University is a private institution located in California's Bay Area, about 30 miles from San Francisco. The university has a total undergraduate enrollment of around 8,000 students, with a gender breakdown of 51% women and 49% men. The racial demographics of the student population are predominantly White, with a significant Asian population, and 63% of students identifying as BIPOC. The university ranks highly for geographic diversity, with 60% of students coming from out of state and 12% from out of the country. Stanford also has a high student age diversity, with only 32% of students falling into the traditional college-age category of 18-21.

Stanford's student population is 63% BIPOC

Stanford University is a private institution with a total undergraduate enrollment of 8,054 students as of Fall 2023. The student population is 63% BIPOC, with the most common race/ethnicity group being White (26.5%), followed by Asian (20.5%), Hispanic or Latino (12.8%), Two or More Races (6.95%), Black or African American (5.65%), American Indian or Alaska Native (0.459%), and Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander (0.131%). Stanford's student population also includes international students from 127 countries, with the majority coming from China, India, and Canada.

In terms of gender diversity, Stanford has a higher inclusion of both genders compared to other US colleges, with a gender ratio of 53% men to 47% women. The full-time undergraduate population consists of 51% women and 49% men, while the graduate student population is made up of 44% women and 56% men. Stanford also has a high student age diversity, with only 32.45% of students falling into the traditional college age category of 18-21 years, which is lower than the national average of 60%.

The university offers a wide range of student organizations and programs, such as the Stanford Pre-Business Association and the Stanford Solar Car Project. Greek life represents about 25% of the student body. Stanford also boasts successful athletic programs, particularly in tennis, golf, and the traditional "Big Game" annual football competition against Cal.

With a campus size of 8,180 acres, Stanford University is located in California's Bay Area, about 30 miles from San Francisco. The university has a quarter-based academic calendar and had a tuition fee of $65,910 for the 2025 academic year.

12% more male students than female students

Stanford University has approximately 12% more male students than female students, with a gender ratio of 53% men to 47% women. This means that there are around 7,305 female students and 8,648 male students at Stanford.

Compared to the US average of 56% female students, Stanford has a higher gender diversity than other US colleges and is considered very inclusive of both genders. The university has a full-time undergraduate population of 51% women and 49% men, while its graduate student population is made up of 44% women and 56% men.

Stanford's total enrollment is approximately 15,953 students, with 5,752 undergraduates and 8,465 graduate students. The undergraduate ethnic diversity includes American Indian or Alaska Native, Black or African American, and Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander students. Stanford also has a high level of geographic diversity, with 60.08% of students coming from out of state and 12.26% from outside the country.

The university serves a low number of students outside of California, with 35% of the student body residing in-state. Stanford has a very high racial diversity, with 63% of students being minorities or people of color (BIPOC). The student body is predominantly White, with a sizeable Asian population.

19% of students are low-income

Stanford University's student population is made up of 5,752 undergraduates and 8,465 graduate students, totalling 15,953 students. The university has a higher gender diversity than other US colleges, with a gender ratio of 53% men to 47% women. Stanford also has high geographic diversity, with 60.08% of students coming from out of state and 12.26% from out of the country. The student population is ethnically diverse, with 63% of students being minorities or people of colour (BIPOC).

However, Stanford's student population has been described as "dramatically skewed toward the rich". As of 2013, more students came from the top 1% than the bottom 50% of the income scale. The median family income of a Stanford student is $167,500, and 66% come from the top 20% of earners. Only 2.2% of students came from a poor family.

Despite these statistics, Stanford has been working to increase the socioeconomic diversity of its campus. The university has joined the American Talent Initiative, committing to expanding college access to 50,000 additional low-income students within the next decade. Stanford also invites high school counsellors from low-income communities to learn how to advise their students to apply to selective colleges like Stanford. In 2015, the university expanded its financial aid program: parents with incomes below $65,000 are now expected to provide zero contribution toward tuition, room, or board.

These efforts appear to be having an impact. The prospective Class of 2021 contained Stanford's highest percentage of admissions offers to first-generation and low-income students at the time. The latest data from 2024 shows that 19% of students can be considered low-income as indicated by their receipt of Federal Pell Grant Aid.

60% of students are from out of state

Stanford University has a total enrollment of approximately 15,953 students, with 5,752 undergraduates and 8,465 graduate students. The student population is diverse, with 60% of students coming from out of state and 12% coming from out of the country. The undergraduate student body is spread across 49 states (including Washington, D.C.).

The geographic diversity of Stanford's student population is notable, with the university ranking 71st out of 2,183 for this factor. This means that the university serves a high number of students from outside California, with only 35% of the student body residing in-state.

The racial and ethnic diversity of Stanford's student population is rated as below average. Students at Stanford are predominantly White, with a significant Asian population. However, 63% of students are minorities or people of color (BIPOC). The university also has a high level of racial and ethnic diversity among its faculty, with Black or African American, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, American Indian or Alaska Native, and Hispanic/Latino staff represented.

The gender diversity of Stanford is also rated as below average, with a higher number of male students than female. There are 12% more male students than female, with a gender ratio of 53% men to 47% women. However, the full-time undergraduate population is almost evenly split, with 51% women and 49% men.

127 countries are represented in the student body

Stanford University is a private research university in Stanford, California, United States. It was founded in 1885 by railroad magnate Leland Stanford and his wife, Jane. The university is known for its strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, with a student body that represents a wide range of backgrounds, nationalities, and ethnicities.

One striking aspect of Stanford's diversity is the international representation within its student community. Students from 127 countries are part of the Stanford student body, showcasing an impressive global reach. This high level of international diversity enriches the campus culture and contributes to a truly global educational experience.

Among the international students, the majority hail from China, India, and Canada, bringing their unique cultural perspectives to the campus. This mix of nationalities fosters a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere, where ideas and traditions from around the world converge and thrive.

The ethnic diversity at Stanford is also noteworthy, with 63% of students identifying as minorities or people of color (BIPOC). The university has a sizeable Asian population and also includes students from various ethnic backgrounds such as American Indian, Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander.

In addition to its ethnic and international diversity, Stanford also boasts a balanced gender ratio, with a slight majority of women (51%) in its full-time undergraduate population. This balance demonstrates the university's commitment to providing equal opportunities for both men and women, enhancing the overall diversity of its student community.

Furthermore, Stanford attracts students from a wide range of age groups, with a traditional college student (aged 18-21) making up 32.45% of the student body. This age diversity is a testament to Stanford's ability to cater to learners of all ages and backgrounds.

The geographic diversity at Stanford is also impressive, with 60.08% of students coming from out of state and an additional 12.26% from outside the country. This mix of domestic and international students contributes to a dynamic and culturally rich campus environment.

Overall, the representation of 127 countries in the student body underscores Stanford University's commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. The university's global reach, ethnic mix, gender balance, age diversity, and geographic variety all contribute to a vibrant and enriching educational experience for its students.

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