Stanford vs Rochester — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Stanford is the more selective of the two (3.6% vs 40.1% acceptance). Stanford ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#2 vs #151-200). Stanford graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($124K vs $79K). Stanford has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,910 vs $67,080 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.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Stanford is more selective (3.6% vs 40.1% acceptance); Stanford has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1488).
Stanford graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($124K vs $79K); Stanford has a higher 6-year graduation rate (91.9% vs 85.4%).
Stanford has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,910 vs $67,080); Stanford offers a larger average aid package ($75,816 vs $60,879).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Stanford | Rochester |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #2 | #151-200 |
| Rank · THE | #6 | #127 |
| Acceptance rate | 3.6% | 40.1% |
| Yield rate | 79.9% | 15.4% |
| Median SAT | 1553 | 1488 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.90 | 3.70 |
| Number of applications | 60,646 | 21,384 |
| International students | 23% | 37% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $124K | $79K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $141K | $74K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $220K | $117K |
| Graduation rate | 91.9% | 85.4% |
| Retention rate | 97% | 90.7% |
| Median debt | $12,000 | $21,000 |
| Tuition · year | $65,910 | $67,080 |
| Avg. aid package | $75,816 | $60,879 |
| % of need met | 100% | 96.1% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $28,507 | $32,304 |
| Application fee | $100 | $50 |
| Enrollment | 18,121 | 11,946 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Stanford or Rochester?
It's harder to get into Stanford. Stanford accepts 3.6% of applicants, while Rochester accepts 40.1%.
Do Stanford or Rochester graduates earn more?
Stanford graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $124K vs $79K.
How much is tuition at Stanford vs Rochester?
Sticker-price tuition is $65,910 per year at Stanford and $67,080 per year at Rochester.
What SAT score do you need for Stanford or Rochester?
The median admitted SAT score is 1553 at Stanford and 1488 at Rochester; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Stanford or Rochester?
Stanford ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #2 for Stanford vs #151-200 for Rochester.
Which university offers more financial aid — Stanford or Rochester?
The average aid package is $75,816 at Stanford and $60,879 at Rochester.
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