Stanford University

In 1885, Jane and Leland Stanford established Stanford University in honor of their son. Their intent was to establish a “University of high degree” that would “qualify students for personal success and direct usefulness in life and promote the public welfare by exercising an influence on behalf of humanity and civilization.” Today, Stanford is a research university where teaching, learning and research are all integral to the school’s mission. Stanford values close interaction between undergraduates and faculty. Student participation in research is strongly supported. Stanford’s entrepreneurial character draws from its Western location and the legacy of its founders. Academic excellence crosses disciplines, ranging from humanities to social sciences to engineering and the sciences. Current faculty members have 16 Nobel Prizes and 4 Pulitzer prizes. Students, distinguished by initiative, love of learning and commitment to public service, are talented in many areas, including academics, art, music and athletics. Stanford’s extraordinary campus is located in a dynamic and diverse area between San Francisco and San Jose in Northern California. Stanford places great emphasis on multidisciplinary approaches to teaching and research and has established university-wide initiatives in an effort to address worldwide problems in human health, environmental sustainability and international affairs. There are 12 Stanford overseas campuses, as well as a program in Washington D.C. and a marine biology center in Monterey. The university promotes excellence in both academics and athletics. Stanford has won the Directors’ Cup, which honors the most successful program in NCAA Division I sports, the last 16 years.