Southern california vs Stanford — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Stanford is the more selective of the two (3.6% vs 9.8% acceptance). Stanford ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#62 vs #2). Stanford graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($124K vs $92K). Stanford has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,910 vs $72,097 per year).
Both universities have complete, comparable data in canonical — the choice should come down to fit (campus culture, major, aid package) alongside the differences visible in the numbers below.
Choose Southern california for: lower graduate debt.
Choose Stanford for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Stanford is more selective (3.6% vs 9.8% acceptance); Stanford has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1495).
Stanford graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($124K vs $92K); Stanford has a higher 6-year graduation rate (91.9% vs 91.8%).
Stanford has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,910 vs $72,097); Stanford offers a larger average aid package ($75,816 vs $71,169).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Southern california | Stanford |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #62 | #2 |
| Rank · THE | #72 | #6 |
| Acceptance rate | 9.8% | 3.6% |
| Yield rate | 43.3% | 79.9% |
| Median SAT | 1495 | 1553 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.80 | 3.90 |
| Number of applications | 82,027 | 60,646 |
| International students | 27% | 23% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $92K | $124K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $89K | $141K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $141K | $220K |
| Graduation rate | 91.8% | 91.9% |
| Retention rate | 95.6% | 97% |
| Median debt | $18,000 | $12,000 |
| Tuition · year | $72,097 | $65,910 |
| Avg. aid package | $71,169 | $75,816 |
| % of need met | 99.3% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $27,678 | $28,507 |
| Application fee | $85 | $100 |
| Enrollment | 46,566 | 18,121 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Southern california or Stanford?
It's harder to get into Stanford. Southern california accepts 9.8% of applicants, while Stanford accepts 3.6%.
Do Southern california or Stanford graduates earn more?
Stanford graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $124K vs $92K.
How much is tuition at Southern california vs Stanford?
Sticker-price tuition is $72,097 per year at Southern california and $65,910 per year at Stanford.
What SAT score do you need for Southern california or Stanford?
The median admitted SAT score is 1495 at Southern california and 1553 at Stanford; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Southern california or Stanford?
Stanford ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #62 for Southern california vs #2 for Stanford.
Which university offers more financial aid — Southern california or Stanford?
The average aid package is $71,169 at Southern california and $75,816 at Stanford.
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