Stanford vs Massachusetts institute of technology — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Stanford is the more selective of the two (3.6% vs 4.5% acceptance). Stanford ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#2 vs #3). Massachusetts institute of technology graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($143K vs $124K). Massachusetts institute of technology has lower sticker-price tuition ($62,396 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, a larger aid package.
Choose Massachusetts institute of technology for: higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate, higher retention.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Stanford is more selective (3.6% vs 4.5% acceptance); Massachusetts institute of technology has a higher median SAT (1560 vs 1553).
Massachusetts institute of technology graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($143K vs $124K); Massachusetts institute of technology has a higher 6-year graduation rate (96.4% vs 91.9%).
Massachusetts institute of technology has lower sticker-price tuition ($62,396 vs $65,910); Stanford offers a larger average aid package ($75,816 vs $68,358).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Stanford | Massachusetts institute of technology |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #2 | #3 |
| Rank · THE | #6 | #2 |
| Acceptance rate | 3.6% | 4.5% |
| Yield rate | 79.9% | 86.1% |
| Median SAT | 1553 | 1560 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.90 | — |
| Number of applications | 60,646 | 28,232 |
| International students | 23% | 33% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $124K | $143K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $141K | $154K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $220K | $243K |
| Graduation rate | 91.9% | 96.4% |
| Retention rate | 97% | 99% |
| Median debt | $12,000 | $14,768 |
| Tuition · year | $65,910 | $62,396 |
| Avg. aid package | $75,816 | $68,358 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $28,507 | $29,488 |
| Application fee | $100 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 18,121 | 11,886 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Stanford or Massachusetts institute of technology?
It's harder to get into Stanford. Stanford accepts 3.6% of applicants, while Massachusetts institute of technology accepts 4.5%.
Do Stanford or Massachusetts institute of technology graduates earn more?
Massachusetts institute of technology graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $143K vs $124K.
How much is tuition at Stanford vs Massachusetts institute of technology?
Sticker-price tuition is $65,910 per year at Stanford and $62,396 per year at Massachusetts institute of technology.
What SAT score do you need for Stanford or Massachusetts institute of technology?
The median admitted SAT score is 1553 at Stanford and 1560 at Massachusetts institute of technology; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Stanford or Massachusetts institute of technology?
Stanford ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #2 for Stanford vs #3 for Massachusetts institute of technology.
Which university offers more financial aid — Stanford or Massachusetts institute of technology?
The average aid package is $75,816 at Stanford and $68,358 at Massachusetts institute of technology.
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