Diversity at Stanford

Overview

Stanford’s undergraduates come from all 50 states and more than 60 nations, but diversity at Stanford means more than geographic, racial or ethnic differences. The Stanford community embraces a broad range of socioeconomic, religious, cultural and educational backgrounds. We believe that the best education can develop only in a vibrant, diverse community that actively affirms both the differences among its members and the numerous points of connection. Consider the following:

• More than half of Stanford undergraduates are students of color.
• Black Enterprise ranks Stanford among the top 5 non-HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges & Universities) in America.
• The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education reports that Stanford ranks among the top 5 U.S. research universities with the highest African-American student graduation rates.
• Hispanic magazine ranks Stanford among the top 10 colleges in America for Latina/o students.
• Stanford enrolls one of the largest percentages of American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian students in the U.S.
• More than 30 different religious groups are represented on Stanford’s campus.
• Stanford received a 5-star rating in Campus Pride’s LGBT-Friendly Campus Climate Index.
• Over 1,680 students with disabilities are registered with the Office of Accessible Education, which provides academic and other accommodation services. Students with physical, mobility, sensory, psychological, LD and/or ADHD disabilities and chronic illness are all part of the Stanford community.  
• 14% are first generation college students.
• 70% receive some form of financial aid.

Stanford understands that holistic student development happens with support and access both inside and outside the realm of academics. The diversity on Stanford’s campus can be felt through our classes, student organizations, residential life and eight individual community centers. These different venues not only serve as a general resource for the campus community, but more importantly, serve the critical purpose of empowering students to strive to reach their full potential. The community centers include:

• Asian American Activities Center
• Bechtel International Center
• Black Community Services Center
• El Centro Chicano
• Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) Community Resources Center
• Native American (American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian Program) Cultural Center
• Office of Accessible Education
• Office for Religious Life
• Women’s Community Center

From our vibrant residential environment, to our intellectually charged classrooms, to all corners of campus where our students engage, diversity is celebrated. Students are encouraged to take risks, to think creatively, to ask questions of each other and to counter ignorance with scholarship. 

The Stanford community values a wide range of opinions, cultures, communities, perspectives and experiences, all of which challenge a student’s own beliefs, intellectual passions, opinions and understanding of the world. Our diverse setting at Stanford enables students to investigate and engage in current issues and deeper societal questions. As a result, Stanford students discover how they can positively impact the world around them. We are proud to welcome you to explore our campus.