SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory
- Acceptance Rate
- 65.0%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.25
- Size
- N/A
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- N/A
- Setting
- N/A
- Graduation Rate
- N/A
- Retention Rate
- N/A
- Tuition (In-State)
- N/A
- Tuition (Int'l)
- N/A
Student Life & Environment
Graduate students at SLAC experience a blend of Stanford university life and national laboratory research culture. On campus at Stanford, students access the full range of university activities, from athletics to arts to student organizations spanning every imaginable interest. At SLAC, the atmosphere is more professional, oriented around the serious work of operating major research facilities and pursuing scientific discovery. The Stanford graduate student community includes approximately 9,000 students across all programs, creating a large and diverse population with varied interests and backgrounds. Housing is available through Stanford but competitive, with many students seeking off-campus apartments in Palo Alto or surrounding communities. The Bay Area's extreme housing costs present challenges even for students with Stanford stipends. SLAC's workforce includes many Stanford students along with postdocs, staff scientists, and technical staff who create a professional community distinct from typical academic environments. Regular social events, including an annual user meeting and holiday gatherings, build connections across research groups. The laboratory cafeteria serves as an informal gathering place where interactions across organizational boundaries occur naturally. The Bay Area location provides exceptional opportunities for outdoor recreation, cultural activities, and access to the technology industry. Beaches, hiking trails, and ski resorts are all accessible for weekend trips. San Francisco's museums, restaurants, and nightlife are within an hour's drive. The concentration of technology companies creates networking and career opportunities unavailable in most university settings.
Location & Surroundings
SLAC occupies a site in the hills west of Stanford University's main campus in Menlo Park, California. The laboratory's distinctive two-mile linear accelerator stretches across the landscape, visible from Interstate 280 and serving as a landmark of big science infrastructure. The surrounding area includes residential neighborhoods, Stanford open spaces, and the beginnings of the Santa Cruz Mountains. The Bay Area's mild Mediterranean climate features warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Temperatures rarely reach extremes, and outdoor activities are possible year-round. The region's natural beauty, including coastline, forests, and mountains, lies within easy reach for weekend recreation. Transportation in the Bay Area typically requires a car, though Stanford and SLAC provide shuttle services connecting key locations. Caltrain commuter rail links the peninsula with San Francisco and San Jose, providing transit options for those living along the corridor. Cycling is feasible for those living nearby, with dedicated paths connecting Stanford, Palo Alto, and surrounding communities. Living costs in the Bay Area rank among the nation's highest, driven by extraordinary housing prices reflecting technology industry wealth. Graduate students must budget carefully, with many paying $2,000 or more monthly for shared housing. The combination of high costs and high stipends makes careful financial planning essential, though the quality of life and career opportunities partially compensate for financial pressure.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Stanford provides full funding for doctoral students, including tuition, health insurance, and annual stipends of approximately $48,000 to $52,000. This generous support continues throughout doctoral study, typically five to six years, enabling students to focus on research without financial distraction. Additional funding for conference travel and research expenses is generally available through faculty grants and department resources. Despite generous stipends, the Bay Area's extreme cost of living presents challenges. Housing costs consume a large portion of take-home pay, often requiring students to commute from more affordable areas or share apartments with multiple roommates. Food, transportation, and entertainment costs also exceed national averages. However, free campus amenities, student discounts, and the region's outdoor recreation opportunities help manage quality of life. Career outcomes for SLAC-trained graduates reflect the exceptional training and Stanford's global reputation. Academic positions at leading universities represent one common path, with many alumni holding faculty positions worldwide. The Bay Area's technology sector, including hardware, software, and biotechnology companies, recruits Stanford graduates actively. National laboratories, including SLAC itself, hire graduates for staff scientist positions combining research with facility support. Stanford's career resources, combined with SLAC's professional networks, provide extensive support for job searches across sectors. The laboratory hosts career panels and networking events connecting students with potential employers. Alumni networks span academia, industry, and government, providing connections that facilitate career advancement throughout graduates' professional lives.
Campus Location
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