How Aid Works

When considering a Stanford education, you and your family may be concerned about the high costs. The Financial Aid Office is ready to help. We view the financing of your educational costs as a partnership between you (the student), your family and the University. Our aid program is designed to ensure that your family's economic circumstances will not prevent you from being able to enroll at Stanford.

Determining Eligibility

Our financial aid program is need-based, meaning that all aid eligibility is determined by your family’s financial circumstances. While you and your parents have the primary responsibility for paying for college, financial aid can bridge the gap between the total costs and your ability to pay.

We use a standard method to carefully review your family’s financial circumstances and establish an expected contribution from you and your parents. If we determine that you cannot meet the student budget based on that calculated amount, we will award or recommend scholarships, grants or other resources to help you.