Stanford vs Georgia — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Stanford is the more selective of the two (3.6% vs 37.7% acceptance). Stanford ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#2 vs #401-500). Stanford graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($124K vs $69K). Georgia has lower sticker-price tuition ($31,688 vs $65,910 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 Stanford for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Georgia for: lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Stanford is more selective (3.6% vs 37.7% acceptance); Stanford has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1397).
Stanford graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($124K vs $69K); Stanford has a higher 6-year graduation rate (91.9% vs 89.7%).
Georgia has lower sticker-price tuition ($31,688 vs $65,910); Stanford offers a larger average aid package ($75,816 vs $15,348).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Stanford | Georgia |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #2 | #401-500 |
| Rank · THE | #6 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 3.6% | 37.7% |
| Yield rate | 79.9% | 38.3% |
| Median SAT | 1553 | 1397 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.90 | 4.20 |
| Number of applications | 60,646 | 42,436 |
| International students | 23% | 7% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $124K | $69K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $141K | $59K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $220K | $102K |
| Graduation rate | 91.9% | 89.7% |
| Retention rate | 97% | 94.3% |
| Median debt | $12,000 | $18,500 |
| Tuition · year | $65,910 | $31,688 |
| Avg. aid package | $75,816 | $15,348 |
| % of need met | 100% | 73.2% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $28,507 | $20,890 |
| Application fee | $100 | $70 |
| Enrollment | 18,121 | 43,146 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Stanford or Georgia?
It's harder to get into Stanford. Stanford accepts 3.6% of applicants, while Georgia accepts 37.7%.
Do Stanford or Georgia graduates earn more?
Stanford graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $124K vs $69K.
How much is tuition at Stanford vs Georgia?
Sticker-price tuition is $65,910 per year at Stanford and $31,688 per year at Georgia.
What SAT score do you need for Stanford or Georgia?
The median admitted SAT score is 1553 at Stanford and 1397 at Georgia; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Stanford or Georgia?
Stanford ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #2 for Stanford vs #401-500 for Georgia.
Which university offers more financial aid — Stanford or Georgia?
The average aid package is $75,816 at Stanford and $15,348 at Georgia.
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