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Stanford University Rankings 2026

Shiksha popularity ranking
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#4 in World

#3 in USA

  • Private University
  • Institute Icon8180 acre campus
  • Estd. 1885
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Dark Clock Icon Last updated on 13 Jan '26

Stanford University
Stanford University Ranking

#3

Country level
Shiksha Popularity Rank
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World rank by different ranking providers

Shiksha

#4

ARWU Ranking

#2

QS Ranking

#3

US News Ranking

#3

THE Ranking

#5
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Commonly asked questions
On University Evaluation
Q:   Is Stanford a top 10 university?
A: 

Stanford University is ranked #3 in the USA, according to Shiksha Popularity rankings. It ranks among the top 10 universities in the world. It offers top courses for its international and domestic students. Moreover, the university is ranked #3 among the top universities globally by highly-regarded ranking agencies.

Stanford QS rankings in 2026 is #3. As per Times Higher rankings, Stanford ranks at #5 in 2026. This means that globally too, Stanford ranks among the Top 10 Universities worldwide. 

 

Q:   Is Stanford better than IIT?
A: 

Stanford University and the IITs are very well-known institutions worldwide and have their own strengths as well as weaknesses.

According to the QS World University Rankings 2026, Stanford University has secured the spot #3, whereas IIT (Bombay) ranks #129. On the basis of world workings, Stanford University has an upper hand.

Given below is the comprehensive comparison between both the universities on the basis of some other parameters:

Parameters

Stanford University

IIT (Bombay)

Acceptance Rate

4%

<1%*

QS Rankings

#3

#129

Annual Tuition Fee (B.Tech)

INR 58 L

INR 8 L - 10 L

Average Package

USD 185,000 (INR 1.6 Cr)

INR 23.5 LPA

 

 

Q:   Which is better; UC Berkeley or Stanford?
A: 

According to the QS World University rankings 2026, UC Berkeley had a ranking of #17 and Stanford University has a ranking of #3. The comparative THE rankings of UC Berkeley and Stanford University are given as follows:

YearUC BerkeleyStanford University
2024105
2025126
2026173

Stanford University
Stanford University Course Ranking

Showing 3 Courses
#2
Shiksha popularity ranking

MS

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Shiksha

#2

US News

#1

THE

#2

QS

#2

ARWU

#3
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Specializations in MS Program

Mathematics

Shiksha

#2

QS

#5

ARWU

#7
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Mechanical Engineering

Shiksha

#2

QS

#2

US News

#2
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#3
Shiksha popularity ranking

MBA/PGDM

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Shiksha

#3

Bloomberg

#1

US News

#2

QS

#4

FT

#23
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#2
Shiksha popularity ranking

B.E. / B.Tech

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Shiksha

#2

US News

#2
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Specializations in B.E. / B.Tech Program

Mechanical Engineering

Shiksha

#2

US News

#2
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Computer Science Engineering

Shiksha

#2

US News

#3
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Commonly asked questions
On Course Ranking
Q:   Which university ranks better among Stanford and Harvard?
A: 

Stanford University and Harvard University are both a part of the top 5 universities in the world and students across the world desire to study here. In QS World University Rankings, Harvard has secured the rank #5 in Best Global Universities. Whereas, Stanford has been ranked #3 in the same category.

However, in the ranking awarded by Times Higher Education (THE), Stanford and Harvard rank the same.

Students can refer to the table below as mentioned in the prominent bodies:

Ranking Body, Category & YearStanford University RankingsHarvard University Rankings
QS Rankings - Best Global Universities 2026#3#5
THE - World University Rankings 2026#5#5
US News & World Report - Best Global Universities 2025#3#1
Q:   What are the MS course rankings at Stanford University?
A: 

Stanford University is known to have a good ranking for its Chemical Engineering PG, Computer Engineering PG, Global MBA, and Engineering & Technology courses.

As per the Shiksha Popularity Rankings, Stanford University has been ranked at #2 for its MS courses. Some of the other rankings of the course are given in the table below -

Ranked by202320242025
THE (Times Higher Education) - Engineering222
QS - Mechanical Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering222
QS - Biological Sciences333
QS - Engineering and Technology223
QS - Physics and Astronomy444
Q:   Does the ranking of any Medicine & Health Sciences Courses at Stanford University available?
A: 

The official website of the university excludes the Subject Rankings. The ranking of Medicine & Health Sciences Courses at Stanford University are available at Shiksha Popularity Ranking official page. The Shiksha Popularity Rankings ranks the Medicine & Health Sciences Courses at #3 in the USA 

There are 2 full-time MS programs at Stanford University which have also been ranked by Shiksha Popularity Rankings. These 2 MS programs are -

  • Master of Science in Epidemiology and Clinical Research is ranked #2. 

  • Master of Science in Health Policy is ranked #2. 

Q:   What are the overall course rankings at Stanford University?
A: 

As per the Shiksha Popularity Rankings, Stanford University has been globally ranked #4 in the world and #3 in the USA. 

Some of the top courses at the university are -

  • Chemical Engineering PG
  • Computer Engineering PG
  • Global MBA
  • Engineering & Technology 

Look at the table given below for the rankings - 

Course Name Shiksha Popularity RankingUS News Ranking
MS#2#1
Mechanical Engineering #2#1
MBA/PGDM#3#1
IT and Systems #16#10
BE/BTech#3#3
US News Icon

Stanford University Ranking by US News & World Report 2025

Ranked by202420252026
Global Universities
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33– / –
National University344
Aerospace Engineering PG24– / –
Best Graduate Law Schools11– / –
Best Graduate Medical Schools5– / –– / –
Best UG Biomedical Engineering Schools554
Biomedical Engineering PG24– / –
Chemical Engineering PG24– / –
Civil Engineering PG55– / –
Computer Engineering PG13– / –
Electrical Engineering PG21– / –
Entrepreneurship MBA
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22– / –
Finance MBA
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56– / –
Graduate Business School
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12– / –
Information Systems MBA
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– / –8– / –
MBA Business Analytics
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– / –9– / –
Mechanical Engineering PG12– / –
Supply Chain Management MBA
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109– / –
UG Computer Engineering333
UG Electrical-Electronic and Communications Engineering234
UG Mechanical Engineering432

Comparison with Other Universities: US News & World Report

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US News & World Report 2025: Ranking Criteria

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Commonly asked questions
On Stanford University US News & World Report Ranking
Q:   What are the Stanford University rankings by US News?
A: 

US News & World Report is known to be a globally recognised ranking body that provides education rankings of US universities for several categories, such as global, national, regional, and subject-based rankings. The US News and World Report Rankings of Stanford University are given as follows:

Year US News Global Universities Rankings 
2023#3
2024#3
2025NA
Q:   Which is better in US News rankings: Stanford University or California Tech?
A: 

As per U.S. News ranking, Stanford ranks better than Caltech. Both these universities are the top-ranked universities globally and in the U.S. 

University Name

2024 Ranking

2025 Ranking

Stanford

33

CalTech

2323
Q:   What is the ranking criteria for US News rankings at Stanford University?
A: 

US News & World Report considers several factors while determining the rankings of top universities such as graduation rates, graduation performance rates, college graduate salaries, borrower debt, peer assessment, financial resources per student, faculty salaries, standardized tests, etc. The ranking weightage of some of these factors are given as follows:

Stanford University Ranking Criteria (US News)

Weightage

Average 6-year graduation rate

16%

6-year graduation rate of students who received a Pell Grant

5.5%

6-year graduation rate of students who did not receive a Pell Grant

5.5%

Average first-year student retention rate

5%

Over performance (+)/Underperformance (-)

10%

FT Icon

Stanford University Ranking by FT (Financial Times) 2025

Ranked by20232024
MBA
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423

Comparison with Other Universities: FT (Financial Times)

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FT (Financial Times) 2025: Ranking Criteria

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Commonly asked questions
On Stanford University FT (Financial Times) Ranking
Q:   What are the FT rankings of Stanford University?
A: 

The Financial Times rankings covers the MBA course rankings of some of the top universities in the world. FT surveys MBA graduates for three years to determine the rankings. According to the FT GMBA rankings, the Stanford University rankings have decreased. The Global MBA course at Stanford University was ranked at #4 in 2023 and #23 in 2024. 

Q:   How are the FT rankings of Stanford University determined?
A: 

FT Rankings for MBA is 

  • Full time MBA in any international college or university
  • Institutes must secire a minimum respone rate of 20% for alumini.
  • 60% weight from alumini survey metrics
  • 30% weight from school reported data
  • 10% weight from faculty research performance
QS Icon

Stanford University Ranking by Quacquarelli Symonds 2026

Ranked by202420252026
World University
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563
Accounting and Finance
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33– / –
Architecture and Built Environment3324– / –
Art and Design2517– / –
Biological Sciences33– / –
Communication and Media Studies85– / –
Engineering and Technology
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23– / –
Global MBA
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114
Law and Legal Studies55– / –
Mathematics35– / –
Mechanical Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering22– / –
Medicine33– / –
Performing Arts3733– / –
Physics and Astronomy44– / –
Politics65– / –
Sociology33– / –

Comparison with Other Universities: Quacquarelli Symonds

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Quacquarelli Symonds 2026: Ranking Criteria

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THE Icon

Stanford University Ranking by THE (Times Higher Education) Ranking 2026

Ranked by202420252026
University
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265
Arts and Humanities14– / –
Clinical and Health56– / –
Engineering
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22– / –
Law21– / –
Life Sciences45– / –
PG Business and Economics
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23– / –
PG Computer Science
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25– / –
Psychology11– / –

Comparison with Other Universities: THE (Times Higher Education)

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THE (Times Higher Education) 2025: Ranking Criteria

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Shanghai Ranking Icon

Stanford University Ranking by ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) 2025

Ranked by202320242025
Universities
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222
Law71210
Mathematics9107
Nursing201151– / –
Physics733
Political Sciences122
Sociology2815

Comparison with Other Universities: ARWU (Shanghai Ranking)

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ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) 2025: Ranking Criteria

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Bloomberg Icon

Stanford University Ranking by Bloomberg Ranking 2025

Ranked by202320242025
Best Business School USA
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111

Comparison with Other Universities: Bloomberg Comparison

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Bloomberg Rankings 2025: Ranking Criteria

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Stanford University
Students Ratings & Reviews

4.3/5
Verified Icon3 Verified ReviewsInfo Icon
Student Views (Based on Reviews)
  • 50% students never faced discrimination in this university
Vibe of Campus
Friendly
Academically oriented
Fun loving
Sporty
Internships4.3
Part time work4.7
Post study jobs4.7
Quality of faculty5
Student Life4.7
Value for money4
Public transportation3
Safety4.7
Indian Food3.7
Permanent Immigration4.3
A
AnonymousVerified Icon
BA in Art History - Batch of 2019
4.6
Stanford is great with good faculty and lots of opportunities.
Tips: Go to Stanford if you want to be around people who are creative risk-takers and highly ambitious. The spirit of entrepreneurship is very rich at Stanford. Take at least one class in coding as this will help you get more from Stanford regardless of your major. There is not enough good public transportation, SF is too far. Overall I am satisfied with the experience.
Likes (Quality of faculty): The faculty is good and highly qualified. Some lecturers are better than others. The art history department is too US-focused but this is changing. Centre for South Asia is slowly becoming more and more amazing. We love it. The faculty is overall approachable.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 4325
Prepping time for classes40 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
Reviewed on 6 Aug 2024Read more
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Nirali Parekh Verified Icon
BS in Management Science and Engineering - Batch of 2024
4.2
Stanford: Highly rewarding, very competitive and all-round growth
Tips: Cost: Stanford is expensive - both tuition and living expenses. Please check with the department and alumni regarding financial aid options before applying here. Competition: Stanford attracts the best talent from all around the world. At times, it can get super competitive and lead to anxiety, so be prepared to be challenged intellectually and socially. Cultural shift: Stanford and California in general, is known for its laid-back culture. Depending on where you're from, there might be weather changes, norms changes, and especially shifts in liberal social interactions.
Likes (Post study jobs): Alumni network: Stanford has a very strong alumni network which is very valuable for finding a job post-graduation. Stanford CareerEd offers many career-based services like Resume Review, connection to relevant individuals in the industry, interviewing skills, job hunting, etc. They also tailor the information according to your need - eg. Companies sponsoring visas, or in manufacturing sector, etc.
Dislikes (Public transportation): The campus internally is very well connected with Marguerite Shuttle, which is free to use for Stanford students. Outside the campus, there are public transport options like Caltrain and VTA available, but they do not cover all areas comprehensively, hence we have to rely on multiple modes of transport (like changing 3 buses to reach your destination) or personal vehicles. The cost of transportation like Caltrain can get a bit expensive for regular commuting, but can be affordable using Go passes.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 2150
Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
Reviewed on 5 Apr 2024Read more
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C
Charlton Christ W Verified Icon
BS in Engineering Physics - Batch of 2024
4.1
Amazing College for this Course!
Tips: This is an amazing place to learn and study if you are looking for a place to excel in your course knowledge. This is the place to go for. But also have a good SAT score so that you will get enough scholarship as the tuition fee is quite high when compared to other universities. Also, this is the best university in my opinion.
Likes (Safety): In this college, you will have amazing safety for the students as there will be a lot of rules and norms to follow. The foreign students feel amazing here because of the safety. There will be a lot of centers to go. The university has friendly people. All the students are friendly to the foreign students.
Dislikes (Indian Food): There were no Indian restaurants to start with. Even if I found one, it was expensive in terms of cost. This is the only reason that I didn't go to any Indian restaurant, instead I go to a Chinese restaurant. Also, I have saved some money to buy groceries and cook for myself.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 2261
Prepping time for classes27 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 90125
Reviewed on 29 Nov 2022Read more
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A
Anonymous
Master of Arts in History - Batch of 2025
3.9
Stanford University has friendly and helpful faculty and management.
Tips: Before joining Stanford University, students should know that the college is strict but friendly as well. College life is a combination of academic, social, and personal growth that students experience. I found student life at Stanford to be a bit uneasy at first, but it eventually turned out to be a good experience. I liked spending time with my friends on the bus ride to and from campus each day, and I enjoyed interacting with both my friends and the faculty. The events at Stanford were a mix of traditional and cultural events. College life will be a transformative experience that offers a variety of experiences and opportunities for personal growth. Overall, I am quite satisfied with my experiences.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 6075
Prepping time for classes33 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 97625
Reviewed on 30 Oct 2024Read more
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Comments

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Stanford University

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered a week ago

GMAT scores are one of the crucial criteria during admission and are submitted by students to improve their profiles. 58% class submitted GMAT scores, and 42% submitted GRE scores. There is no ideal score provided by students to get into the Stanford MA. According to the university student profile 2

...Read more

N

Nishtha Bhatnagar

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a week ago

As per a ranking body, Stanford is popular for many programs like International Education, Art History, Asian Studies, German Studies, History, and more. Students can check some popular MA programs at Stanford along with the tuition fees:

Stanford University MA Programs

Tuition Fees

Philosophy

INR 35L

Psychology

INR 31L

International Comparative Education

INR 72L

Art History

INR 31L

East Asian Studies

INR 35L

German Studies

INR 31L

History

INR 35L

International Policy

INR 37L

M

Mukul Thapa

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a week ago

Yes, Stanford University offers 1-2 year MA programme to international students. Some popular programs are Philosophy, Psychology, International Education, Art History, Asian Studies, German Studies, History, and more. The programme is of 1-2 year and tuition fees is between INR 26L and INR 72L.

J

Jiya Chauhan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a week ago

Students who have scored high in their UG degree and have some job experience or done some internship in the similar subjects should think of taking admission at Stanford for MA. Philosophy, Psychology, International Education, Art History, Asian Studies, German Studies, History, and more, are some

...Read more

R

Rashmi Singh

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a week ago

Yes portfolio is important requirement that you must provide Stanford University if you need admission in Design course. You should have already mastered some basic skills that you can bring for the program such as quick idea sketching, product rendering, prototype building, etc. 

K

Kanishka Gambhir

Contributor-Level 10

About the author

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Loveleen Sharma

Study Abroad Expert

Loveleen is a seasoned content writer with 4+ years of experience, currently writing for Shiksha. When he is not writing and helping students, he can be found at the movies, reading fiction, and learning a new language.

Stanford University

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Stanford University
Location

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University CityStanford, California, USA
Size of citySmall
Population of City13,809

Stanford University
Contact Information

Address

450 Serra Mall, Stanford, CA 94305, USA

Stanford ( California)

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