Stanford vs Rhode island — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Stanford is the more selective of the two (3.6% vs 72.2% 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 $70K). Rhode island has lower sticker-price tuition ($37,146 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 Rhode island 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 72.2% acceptance); Stanford has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1160).
Stanford graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($124K vs $70K); Stanford has a higher 6-year graduation rate (91.9% vs 73.3%).
Rhode island has lower sticker-price tuition ($37,146 vs $65,910); Stanford offers a larger average aid package ($75,816 vs $17,388).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Stanford | Rhode island |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #2 | #801-900 |
| Rank · THE | #6 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 3.6% | 72.2% |
| Yield rate | 79.9% | 15.4% |
| Median SAT | 1553 | 1160 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.90 | 3.60 |
| Number of applications | 60,646 | 26,987 |
| International students | 23% | 3% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $124K | $70K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $141K | $58K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $220K | $102K |
| Graduation rate | 91.9% | 73.3% |
| Retention rate | 97% | 83.6% |
| Median debt | $12,000 | $22,250 |
| Tuition · year | $65,910 | $37,146 |
| Avg. aid package | $75,816 | $17,388 |
| % of need met | 100% | 60% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $28,507 | $40,247 |
| Application fee | $100 | $65 |
| Enrollment | 18,121 | 17,649 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Stanford or Rhode island?
It's harder to get into Stanford. Stanford accepts 3.6% of applicants, while Rhode island accepts 72.2%.
Do Stanford or Rhode island graduates earn more?
Stanford graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $124K vs $70K.
How much is tuition at Stanford vs Rhode island?
Sticker-price tuition is $65,910 per year at Stanford and $37,146 per year at Rhode island.
What SAT score do you need for Stanford or Rhode island?
The median admitted SAT score is 1553 at Stanford and 1160 at Rhode island; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Stanford or Rhode island?
Stanford ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #2 for Stanford vs #801-900 for Rhode island.
Which university offers more financial aid — Stanford or Rhode island?
The average aid package is $75,816 at Stanford and $17,388 at Rhode island.
Harvard
Massachusetts institute of technology
Princeton
Yale
Cornell
Penn
Johns hopkins
Washington university
Northwestern
North carolina