Quick Facts: Stanford for Veterans (2025-2026)
| Metric | Stanford | National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow Ribbon Contribution | $10,000/year | $5,000 |
| Student Cap | Unlimited | 50 students |
| 6-Year Graduation Rate | 93% | 58% |
| Median Earnings (10 years) | $122,900 | $48,000 |
| Median Earnings (1 year) | $89,527 | $36,427 |
| Retention Rate | 98% | 78% |
Last updated: December 2025 | Sources: Stanford Financial Aid, College Scorecard
Yellow Ribbon Program Details
2025-2026 Coverage
| Benefit Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Post-9/11 GI Bill (max tuition) | $29,920.95 |
| Stanford Yellow Ribbon | $10,000 |
| VA Yellow Ribbon Match | $10,000 |
| Total GI Bill + YR Coverage | $49,920.95 |
How Yellow Ribbon Works at Stanford
- Automatic enrollment – No separate application required
- 100% eligibility required – Must have 36+ months active duty
- Unlimited students – Stanford doesn’t cap Yellow Ribbon slots
- All programs covered – Undergraduate and graduate degrees
Coverage by Program Type
| Program | Tuition (2025-26) | GI Bill + YR | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | $62,484 | $49,921 | $12,563* |
| Graduate School of Business (MBA) | $78,012 | Varies | Often $0** |
| Law School (JD) | $70,170 | Varies | Varies |
| Graduate School of Education | $56,000+ | $49,921 | ~$6,000 |
*Stanford’s need-based financial aid often covers remaining gap for eligible students.
**Stanford GSB has enhanced Yellow Ribbon for MBA students.
Contact: Stanford Veteran Services
| VA Certification Office | Stanford Student Services |
| VABenefits@stanford.edu | |
| Website | VA Education Benefits Portal |
| Financial Aid Office | financialaid.stanford.edu |
Why Stanford for Veterans?
1. Highest Earning Potential
Stanford graduates earn $122,900 at the 10-year mark – 258% higher than the national median. Computer Science graduates start at $136,000+.
2. Silicon Valley Location
Stanford sits at the heart of the tech industry, providing unmatched access to:
- Internship opportunities at Google, Apple, Meta, and 1000+ startups
- Veteran-friendly tech employers actively recruiting military talent
- Entrepreneurship resources and startup funding
3. Strong Veteran Community
Stanford has an active veteran population and multiple support organizations.
Earnings by Stanford Degree
| Degree/Field | Median Starting Salary |
|---|---|
| Law (JD) | $156,700 |
| Computer Science (MS) | $153,400 |
| MBA | $185,000 (base) + $73,000 (bonus) |
| Computer Science (BS) | $136,126 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $67,007 |
| Economics | $60,000 |
Comparison: Stanford vs Other Top Schools
| School | YR Contribution | Student Cap | Grad Rate | Earnings (10yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stanford | $10,000 | Unlimited | 93% | $122,900 |
| MIT | $5,400 | Unlimited | 95% | $142,100 |
| Caltech | Varies | Limited | 93% | $112,000 |
| UC Berkeley | $0 (public) | N/A | 93% | $80,000 |
Stanford’s Advantage
- Best MBA program for veterans seeking tech/startup careers
- Highest Yellow Ribbon among West Coast elite schools
- Unlimited slots – no competition for Yellow Ribbon spots
Veteran Support Resources
1. Stanford Veterans Association
Student organization connecting veterans across all Stanford schools. Provides community, mentorship, and professional networking.
2. Office of Accessible Education
Coordinates disability accommodations for veterans with service-connected conditions.
3. Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
Free mental health support with counselors experienced in veteran transitions.
4. Career Education
Dedicated career counseling with employers actively seeking veteran talent.
Admissions for Veterans
Key Deadlines
- Undergraduate: November 1 (REA) / January 2 (RD)
- Graduate School of Business: Round 1 September, Round 2 January
- Law School: February 1
- Engineering: December 1
Required Documents
- Application (Common App for undergrad)
- DD-214
- Joint Services Transcript (JST)
- Official transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal essays
- Test scores (GMAT/GRE/LSAT as applicable)
Housing Allowance
The Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) for Stanford’s ZIP code (94305) is approximately $3,800/month – among the highest in the nation due to Bay Area housing costs.
| Living Situation | Estimated Cost | MHA Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| On-campus housing | $1,500-2,200/month | Fully covered + surplus |
| Off-campus (Palo Alto) | $2,500-4,000/month | Mostly covered |
| Off-campus (shared) | $1,500-2,000/month | Fully covered + surplus |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stanford worth it for veterans financially?
Yes. Despite any tuition gap, Stanford’s $122,900 median earnings (10-year) vs national average of $48,000 means you recover any out-of-pocket costs within months of graduation.
Does Stanford have an ROTC program?
Stanford doesn’t host ROTC on campus, but students can participate in ROTC programs at nearby universities (Santa Clara, San Jose State, UC Berkeley).
What percentage of Stanford students are veterans?
Stanford has a small but growing veteran population, particularly in the MBA and law programs where veterans make up 5-10% of classes.
Next Steps
- Contact VA Certification: VABenefits@stanford.edu
- Check GI Bill eligibility: VA Benefits Calculator
- Get free application help: Service to School
- Start application: Stanford Veterans Admissions
Sources
- Stanford Financial Aid – VA Benefits
- Stanford Student Services – VA Education Benefits
- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard – Stanford
- VA Yellow Ribbon Participating Schools
- Stanford Admissions – Veterans Financial Aid
Last Updated: December 2025 | Next Review: August 2026
This guide is for informational purposes only. Yellow Ribbon contributions and policies change annually. Verify all information directly with Stanford before applying.
