Stanford vs North carolina — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Stanford is the more selective of the two (3.6% vs 15.3% acceptance). Stanford ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#2 vs #35). Stanford graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($124K vs $72K). North carolina has lower sticker-price tuition ($41,203 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 North carolina 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 15.3% acceptance); Stanford has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1439).
Stanford graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($124K vs $72K); Stanford has a higher 6-year graduation rate (91.9% vs 91.2%).
North carolina has lower sticker-price tuition ($41,203 vs $65,910); Stanford offers a larger average aid package ($75,816 vs $20,705).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Stanford | North carolina |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #2 | #35 |
| Rank · THE | #6 | #70 |
| Acceptance rate | 3.6% | 15.3% |
| Yield rate | 79.9% | 45.5% |
| Median SAT | 1553 | 1439 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.90 | 4.50 |
| Number of applications | 60,646 | 66,535 |
| International students | 23% | 9% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $124K | $72K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $141K | $69K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $220K | $112K |
| Graduation rate | 91.9% | 91.2% |
| Retention rate | 97% | 96.6% |
| Median debt | $12,000 | $14,000 |
| Tuition · year | $65,910 | $41,203 |
| Avg. aid package | $75,816 | $20,705 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $28,507 | $20,382 |
| Application fee | $100 | $85 |
| Enrollment | 18,121 | 32,680 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Stanford or North carolina?
It's harder to get into Stanford. Stanford accepts 3.6% of applicants, while North carolina accepts 15.3%.
Do Stanford or North carolina graduates earn more?
Stanford graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $124K vs $72K.
How much is tuition at Stanford vs North carolina?
Sticker-price tuition is $65,910 per year at Stanford and $41,203 per year at North carolina.
What SAT score do you need for Stanford or North carolina?
The median admitted SAT score is 1553 at Stanford and 1439 at North carolina; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Stanford or North carolina?
Stanford ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #2 for Stanford vs #35 for North carolina.
Which university offers more financial aid — Stanford or North carolina?
The average aid package is $75,816 at Stanford and $20,705 at North carolina.
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