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Attending Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB) is a dream for many, but it comes with a serious price tag. With tuition and living expenses easily topping $250,000, it’s no surprise that prospective students want to know: How much will it really cost me, and how do people afford it?
This guide breaks down the full cost of the Stanford MBA in 2025 including tuition, fees, hidden expenses, and what you can expect to pay out-of-pocket. We’ll also cover scholarship opportunities, who gets them, and smart ways to finance your degree without compromising your goals.
Whether you're still planning or already prepping your application, let's get you the true cost of the Stanford MBA program and how to make it work.
What Is the Cost of Stanford’s MBA in 2025?
The estimated cost of attendance at Stanford GSB in 2025 is $130,746 per year for a single student. This includes tuition, living expenses, materials, and health insurance. If you're married or bringing a partner, the school estimates your total annual cost will increase to $157,206 to reflect higher living and dependent-related expenses.
Keep in mind: these are just baseline estimates. Your actual costs may vary based on where you live (on-campus vs. off-campus), how you budget, and whether you bring dependents. Stanford also offers generous need-based fellowships and loan support, so don't let the sticker price discourage you.
Use Stanford’s Cost of Attendance breakdown and Financial Aid Office tools to run your own estimates and explore how much support you might receive. The earlier you plan, the more options you'll have.
Read: The Top 25 MBA Programs—Acceptance Rates, Tuition, and More
Stanford MBA Tuition, Fees, and Estimated Living Expenses
| Expense Category | Single Student | Married Student |
| Tuition | $82,455 | $82,455 |
| Living Expenses | $19,008 | $35,226 |
| Housing | $20,880 | $31,122 |
| Medical Insurance | $7,620 | $7,620 |
| Health Fee | $783 | $783 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $130,746 | $157,206 |
But, what are these expenses for, and how should you think about them?
Understanding the numbers is just the first step. As an MBA applicant, you should also know how each line item fits into your real-life budgeting plan.
Treat this cost of attendance as a planning tool. Knowing how each category works will help you decide where to cut, where to invest, and how much financial aid or outside funding you’ll actually need.
Living Expenses
Apart from tuition, living expenses are another significant part of the cost of attending Stanford GSB.
For example, housing costs will vary depending on whether you live on campus or rent in Palo Alto, and “living expenses” might not include things like networking dinners, conferences, or weekend trips with classmates.
The actual living expenses can vary significantly depending on personal lifestyle choices and circumstances. For instance, students with families or those living off-campus may have different costs.
Housing
Stanford GSB offers on-campus housing options for students. The cost of on-campus housing varies depending on the type of accommodation (single or married student) and location.
Off-campus housing is also available in the surrounding communities, but prices can be higher due to the high cost of living in the Bay Area. Students choosing to live off-campus should factor in additional costs such as utilities and commuting.
Health Insurance
All Stanford GSB students are required to have health insurance. The university provides a comprehensive health insurance plan, like Stanford University Cardinal Care, for the academic year. Students may also choose to waive the university's health insurance if they have an alternative coverage that meets the university's requirements.
Health fees and insurance are mandatory unless you’re covered elsewhere, and they can’t be waived just because you don’t use them.
Are There Any Hidden or Overlooked Costs to Know About?
While Stanford GSB provides a comprehensive estimate of the cost of attendance, there are additional expenses that prospective students should be aware of:
| Expense | Estimated Cost | Notes |
| One-Time Transcript Fee | Included in document fee | Covers unlimited transcript orders. |
| Document Fee | $250 (one-time) | Lifetime access to official student records and transcripts. |
| ASSU Fee (Graduate Students) | $38 per quarter (~$114/year) | Supports student activities and services. |
| Global Experience Requirement (GER) | $4,000 – $6,000 | Required global program before winter of 2nd year. Some programs are eligible for aid. |
| Medical Expenses (Uncovered) | Varies | May qualify for budget adjustment to increase loan eligibility. |
| Childcare Expenses | Varies | Budget adjustment possible if both spouses are full-time students/workers. |
| Non-aid-eligible Global Programs | Part of GER | GMIX and self-directed global programs cannot be included in the cost of attendance. |
Learn more about ASSU Fee here.
Stanford MBA Financial Aid & Scholarships
Financial Aid Options
Understanding the cost of an MBA program is only part of the equation. It's equally important to explore the financial aid options available to help offset these costs. Stanford GSB offers several financial aid options, including fellowships, loans, and work-study programs.
Fellowships are a form of gift aid and do not need to be repaid. They are awarded based on a combination of merit and financial need. Loans, on the other hand, need to be repaid with interest. Stanford GSB offers both federal and private loan options. Work-study programs allow students to earn money to help pay for their education.
Scholarships
If you’re aiming high, the Knight-Hennessy Scholars (KHS) Program at Stanford is one of the most generous and competitive graduate scholarships in the world, and it’s open to MBA students. KHS supports up to three years of graduate study and is designed to build a community of emerging global leaders across disciplines.
Here’s what makes the KHS Program stand out:
- Full Financial Support: Scholars receive full tuition coverage, a living stipend to cover housing and personal expenses, and a travel allowance for one round-trip ticket to and from Stanford each year.
- Leadership Training, Stanford-Style: Beyond funding, KHS offers access to the King Global Leadership Program; a hands-on, immersive experience that builds the kind of leadership, communication, and decision-making skills expected of tomorrow’s change makers.
- A Diverse, Tight-Knit Cohort: Each year, around 100 scholars join the KHS community, bringing together talented individuals from dozens of countries and academic fields. It’s not just about who you learn from, but it’s also about who you learn with.
Are you eligible?
To apply, you’ll need to submit two separate applications: one for the Knight-Hennessy program and one for the Stanford MBA (or any other full-time graduate program at Stanford). To qualify, you must have earned your first bachelor’s degree in the last seven years. The program is open to applicants from all countries. There are no restrictions based on citizenship.
Unsure how to afford Stanford? Leland coaches can help you win scholarships, secure funding, and build a smart financial plan.
Applying for Financial Aid
To apply for financial aid, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Graduate Financial Aid Application. The FAFSA is used to determine eligibility for federal aid, while the Graduate Financial Aid Application is used to determine eligibility for institutional aid.
It's important to note that financial aid is not guaranteed and is subject to availability. Therefore, students should apply for financial aid as early as possible to increase their chances of receiving aid.
Bottom Line
Investing in an MBA from Stanford GSB is a significant financial commitment. However, with a clear understanding of the tuition and fees, living expenses, additional fees, and financial aid options, prospective students can make informed decisions about their investment.
By carefully considering these costs and exploring all available financial aid options, students can take a significant step towards achieving their career goals and maximizing the return on their educational investment.
Learn more about Stanford GSB that will help you throughout your application journey by reading these articles below:
- Stanford GSB MBA Essays: Prompts, Tips, & Examples | Leland
- 5 Expert Tips for the "Why Stanford?" MBA Application Essay | Leland
- Stanford GSB MBA Acceptance Rates | Leland
- Stanford GSB MBA Curriculum - Core, Electives, & Specializations | Leland
- Stanford GSB MBA Application Deadlines (2024-2025) | Leland
FAQs
How much does Stanford MBA cost?
- For the 2024-2025 academic year, the estimated total cost of attendance for a single student is $130,746, which includes tuition, living expenses, housing, medical insurance, and health fees.
Does Stanford offer a 1-year MBA?
- No, Stanford GSB does not offer a one-year MBA program. However, it offers the MSx Program, a one-year, full-time Master of Science in Management for experienced professionals with at least eight years of work experience.
How much does it really cost to attend Stanford GSB in 2025 (full 2-year program)?
- Over two years, a single student's estimated total cost would be approximately $261,492, doubling the annual estimate. This does not account for potential increases in tuition or living expenses in the second year.
Is a Stanford MBA worth it?
- While the Stanford MBA is a significant investment, many graduates find it worthwhile due to the program's rigorous academics, extensive alumni network, and strong career opportunities. The return on investment varies based on individual career goals and financial circumstances.
What fees and expenses are often missed in other estimates?
- Commonly overlooked expenses include:
- Global Experience Requirement (GER): Estimated at $4,000-$6,000.
- Travel to/from home: Up to two round-trip tickets per academic year.
- Medical expenses: Not covered by insurance.
- Childcare costs: For those with eligible dependent children.
- Laptop purchase: If needed for coursework.
Why is Stanford MBA so expensive?
- The cost reflects the comprehensive nature of the program, including access to distinguished faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and a wide range of resources and support services. Additionally, the location in Silicon Valley contributes to higher living expenses.
Can international students get aid or scholarships?
- Yes, Stanford GSB offers need-based fellowships and loans to all admitted students, regardless of citizenship. International students are encouraged to explore loan options in their home countries, as they may secure better interest rates.
Is 30 too old for a Stanford MBA?
- No, age is not a limiting factor. The average age of Stanford MBA students is around 27–28, but the program values diverse experiences and backgrounds. Applicants in their 30s are welcome and often bring valuable perspectives to the cohort.
