Stanford vs Iowa State - US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
The verdict, from the data
Iowa State accepts most of the applications it receives (88.7%), while Stanford turns away the overwhelming majority (3.8%).
The larger international cohort belongs to Stanford: 13.1% of students against 3.7% (Iowa State).
For an applicant from outside the US the difference is financial: Stanford awards international students $85,424 on average, Iowa State awards $12,582.
The one that looks dearer ends up cheaper: Stanford lists $97,545 against $42,789 (Iowa State), but after average aid what remains is $20,266 against $27,124.
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 88.66% acceptance). Stanford ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#2 vs #501-600). Stanford graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($124K vs $63K). Iowa State has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 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 Iowa State for: lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Stanford is more selective (3.8% vs 88.66% acceptance); Stanford has a higher median SAT (1550 vs 1250).
Stanford graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($124K vs $63K); Stanford has a higher 6-year graduation rate (91.9% vs 75.3%).
Iowa State has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 vs $68,574); Stanford offers a larger average aid package ($77,279 vs $15,665).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Stanford | Iowa State |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #2 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | #6 | - |
| Acceptance rate | 3.8% | 88.66% |
| Yield rate | 79.9% | 28.8% |
| Median SAT | 1550 | 1250 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.94 | 3.75 |
| Number of applications | 60,646 | 23,095 |
| International students | 13.1% | 3.7% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $124K | $63K |
| Bottom 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $73K | $44K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $220K | $90K |
| Graduation rate | 91.9% | 75.3% |
| Retention rate | 97.5% | 87.6% |
| Median debt | $12,000 | $22,869 |
| Tuition · year | $68,574 | $28,881 |
| Avg. aid package | $77,279 | $15,665 |
| % of need met | 100% | 78% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $28,507 | $29,475 |
| Application fee | $100 | $40 |
| Enrollment | 18,121 | 30,432 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Stanford or Iowa State?
It's harder to get into Stanford. Stanford accepts 3.8% of applicants, while Iowa State accepts 88.66%.
Do Stanford or Iowa State graduates earn more?
Stanford graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $124K vs $63K.
How much is tuition at Stanford vs Iowa State?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,574 per year at Stanford and $28,881 per year at Iowa State.
What SAT score do you need for Stanford or Iowa State?
The median admitted SAT score is 1550 at Stanford and 1250 at Iowa State; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher - Stanford or Iowa State?
Stanford ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #2 for Stanford vs #501-600 for Iowa State.
Which university offers more financial aid - Stanford or Iowa State?
The average aid package is $77,279 at Stanford and $15,665 at Iowa State.
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