Stanford vs Old dominion — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Stanford is the more selective of the two (3.6% vs 90.4% acceptance). Stanford ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#2 vs #801-900). Stanford graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($124K vs $55K). Old dominion has lower sticker-price tuition ($33,780 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 Old dominion for: lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Stanford is more selective (3.6% vs 90.4% acceptance); Stanford has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1197).
Stanford graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($124K vs $55K); Stanford has a higher 6-year graduation rate (91.9% vs 46.3%).
Old dominion has lower sticker-price tuition ($33,780 vs $65,910); Stanford offers a larger average aid package ($75,816 vs $30,437).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Stanford | Old dominion |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #2 | #801-900 |
| Rank · THE | #6 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 3.6% | 90.4% |
| Yield rate | 79.9% | 19.9% |
| Median SAT | 1553 | 1197 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.90 | 3.50 |
| Number of applications | 60,646 | 15,100 |
| International students | 23% | 3% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $124K | $55K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $141K | $49K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $220K | $80K |
| Graduation rate | 91.9% | 46.3% |
| Retention rate | 97% | 77% |
| Median debt | $12,000 | $24,000 |
| Tuition · year | $65,910 | $33,780 |
| Avg. aid package | $75,816 | $30,437 |
| % of need met | 100% | 53% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $28,507 | $32,043 |
| Application fee | $100 | $50 |
| Enrollment | 18,121 | 23,743 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Stanford or Old dominion?
It's harder to get into Stanford. Stanford accepts 3.6% of applicants, while Old dominion accepts 90.4%.
Do Stanford or Old dominion graduates earn more?
Stanford graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $124K vs $55K.
How much is tuition at Stanford vs Old dominion?
Sticker-price tuition is $65,910 per year at Stanford and $33,780 per year at Old dominion.
What SAT score do you need for Stanford or Old dominion?
The median admitted SAT score is 1553 at Stanford and 1197 at Old dominion; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Stanford or Old dominion?
Stanford ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #2 for Stanford vs #801-900 for Old dominion.
Which university offers more financial aid — Stanford or Old dominion?
The average aid package is $75,816 at Stanford and $30,437 at Old dominion.
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