Stanford University, officially Leland Stanford Junior University, is a private research university in Stanford, California. Founded in 1885 by Leland Stanford, a railroad magnate and former California governor, and his wife, Jane, in memory of their son, the university opened in 1891 as a coeducational and non-denominational institution. Stanford's campus spans 8,180 acres, making it one of the largest in the U.S.. The university played a key role in the rise of Silicon Valley and is known for its entrepreneurial spirit. Companies founded by Stanford alumni generate over $2.7 trillion in annual revenue, equivalent to the 10th largest economy in the world.
Stanford is highly research-oriented, with research expenditures reaching $1.82 billion in fiscal year 2021/22. It is classified as an R1 Doctoral University, indicating very high research activity. Since 1952, more than 68 Stanford faculty, staff, and alumni have won Nobel Prizes. Stanford's athletic program is also renowned, with students having won medals in every Olympic Games since 1908, totaling 302 Olympic medals. Stanford has also won 136 NCAA team championships. The university's motto is "Die Luft der Freiheit weht," German for "The wind of freedom blows". In 2026, Stanford University is ranked #3 in the QS World University Rankings.
