Stanford vs Kansas state — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Stanford is the more selective of the two (3.6% vs 81.7% 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 $57K). Kansas state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,568 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 Kansas state 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 81.7% acceptance); Stanford has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1151).
Stanford graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($124K vs $57K); Stanford has a higher 6-year graduation rate (91.9% vs 71.1%).
Kansas state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,568 vs $65,910); Stanford offers a larger average aid package ($75,816 vs $15,968).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Stanford | Kansas state |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #2 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | #6 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 3.6% | 81.7% |
| Yield rate | 79.9% | 27.5% |
| Median SAT | 1553 | 1151 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.90 | 3.80 |
| Number of applications | 60,646 | 15,432 |
| International students | 23% | 5% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $124K | $57K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $141K | $52K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $220K | $83K |
| Graduation rate | 91.9% | 71.1% |
| Retention rate | 97% | 85.6% |
| Median debt | $12,000 | $21,250 |
| Tuition · year | $65,910 | $28,568 |
| Avg. aid package | $75,816 | $15,968 |
| % of need met | 100% | 77% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $28,507 | $25,179 |
| Application fee | $100 | $40 |
| Enrollment | 18,121 | 20,295 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Stanford or Kansas state?
It's harder to get into Stanford. Stanford accepts 3.6% of applicants, while Kansas state accepts 81.7%.
Do Stanford or Kansas state graduates earn more?
Stanford graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $124K vs $57K.
How much is tuition at Stanford vs Kansas state?
Sticker-price tuition is $65,910 per year at Stanford and $28,568 per year at Kansas state.
What SAT score do you need for Stanford or Kansas state?
The median admitted SAT score is 1553 at Stanford and 1151 at Kansas state; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Stanford or Kansas state?
Stanford ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #2 for Stanford vs #501-600 for Kansas state.
Which university offers more financial aid — Stanford or Kansas state?
The average aid package is $75,816 at Stanford and $15,968 at Kansas state.
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