How big are the classes at Stanford?

Stanford is definitely in my dream college list for its prestige and the opportunities it offers. But I'm also someone who loves small, interactive class sizes. Anyone know what the typical class size at Stanford is like? Also, with large student body, how's their professor-student interaction?

Stanford University is known for its low student-to-faculty ratio, which as of 2024, sits at approximately 6:1. This means that the classes tend to be smaller, fostering a more intimate and interactive learning environment. Almost 73% of Stanford's undergraduate level classes have fewer than 20 students, which allows for more direct interaction with professors and better class discussions.

When it comes to student-professor interaction, the opportunities are quite abundant at Stanford. Professors often hold office hours where students are encouraged to drop in and ask questions or discuss course material one-on-one. Furthermore, many of the professors at Stanford are renowned researchers and industry leaders in their fields, thus giving students the chance to learn from some of the best minds around.

However, it's important to note that this can vary by discipline and level of study. For example, larger lecture-style classes, typically found in introductory or popular courses, can have higher student numbers. Once you move into more specialized or upper-level courses, class sizes often shrink, becoming more seminar-like.

So, if you prefer smaller class sizes and closer interaction with faculty, Stanford could be a good option for you, despite its overall large student body.