Stanford University

Overview

Stanford University is a hub of discovery, innovation, and world-class healthcare, deeply committed to its founding mission of benefiting society through education and research.  Located in the San Francisco Bay Area on the ancestral land of the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe, Stanford first opened its doors in 1891. Spanning 8,180 acres, it is one of the largest university campuses in the U.S., home to 18 interdisciplinary research institutes and seven schools: the Graduate School of Business, School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences, Graduate School of Education, School of Engineering, School of Humanities and Sciences, Law School, and School of Medicine.

Founded in 1885 by California Senator Leland Stanford and his wife, Jane, Stanford University was created to “promote the public welfare by exercising an influence in behalf of humanity and civilization. Over a century later, Stanford is home to 20 Nobel laureates and consistently ranks among the world’s top three universities. Known as "The Farm" from the days when horses roamed its grounds, Stanford now boasts a vibrant and diverse student life, with over 625 student organizations.

Sports play a significant role at Stanford, with state-of-the-art facilities and wellness programs available to students, faculty, and staff. The university offers 36 varsity and 33 club sports, as well as fitness and wellness programs, intramurals, aquatics, and adventure activities. Stanford's sports teams are known as the "Stanford Cardinal."

Stanford also has a strong tradition of promoting the arts, with a thriving campus arts district and two world-class museums that host regular exhibitions. The university is dedicated to sustainability, offering eight dining halls, a teaching kitchen, and organic gardens that provide the campus community with healthy, sustainable meals.