Stanford vs Houston - US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
The verdict, from the data
Houston accepts most of the applications it receives (73.9%), while Stanford turns away the overwhelming majority (3.8%).
The more international environment is at Stanford (13.1% international students) than Houston (5.7%).
Average aid for an international student is $85,424 (Stanford) and $4,456 (Houston).
The one that looks dearer ends up cheaper: Stanford lists $97,545 against $45,970 (Houston), but after average aid what remains is $20,266 against $29,520.
These numbers describe the cohorts already enrolled, not your chances; treat them as a starting point rather than a forecast.
Every sentence above comes from a field we hold in canonical. Where the data is missing, or the gap is small enough to be noise, the sentence simply does not appear.
EXPERT TAKE
Stanford is the more selective of the two (3.8% vs 73.92% acceptance). Stanford ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#2 vs #201-300). Stanford graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($124K vs $62K). Houston has lower sticker-price tuition ($27,926 vs $68,574 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 Houston 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 (3.8% vs 73.92% acceptance); Stanford has a higher median SAT (1550 vs 1240).
Stanford graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($124K vs $62K); Stanford has a higher 6-year graduation rate (91.9% vs 64.6%).
Houston has lower sticker-price tuition ($27,926 vs $68,574); Stanford offers a larger average aid package ($77,279 vs $16,450).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Stanford | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #2 | #201-300 |
| Rank · THE | #6 | - |
| Acceptance rate | 3.8% | 73.92% |
| Yield rate | 79.9% | 26.5% |
| Median SAT | 1550 | 1240 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.94 | 3.49 |
| Number of applications | 60,646 | 31,716 |
| International students | 13.1% | 5.7% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $124K | $62K |
| Bottom 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $73K | $39K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $220K | $93K |
| Graduation rate | 91.9% | 64.6% |
| Retention rate | 97.5% | 87% |
| Median debt | $12,000 | $18,194 |
| Tuition · year | $68,574 | $27,926 |
| Avg. aid package | $77,279 | $16,450 |
| % of need met | 100% | 55.1% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $28,507 | $21,819 |
| Application fee | $100 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 18,121 | 47,980 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Stanford or Houston?
It's harder to get into Stanford. Stanford accepts 3.8% of applicants, while Houston accepts 73.92%.
Do Stanford or Houston graduates earn more?
Stanford graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $124K vs $62K.
How much is tuition at Stanford vs Houston?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,574 per year at Stanford and $27,926 per year at Houston.
What SAT score do you need for Stanford or Houston?
The median admitted SAT score is 1550 at Stanford and 1240 at Houston; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher - Stanford or Houston?
Stanford ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #2 for Stanford vs #201-300 for Houston.
Which university offers more financial aid - Stanford or Houston?
The average aid package is $77,279 at Stanford and $16,450 at Houston.
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