Stanford vs Temple — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Stanford is the more selective of the two (3.6% vs 80.4% acceptance). Stanford ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#2 vs #401-500). Stanford graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($124K vs $64K). Temple has lower sticker-price tuition ($38,958 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 Temple 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 80.4% acceptance); Stanford has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1250).
Stanford graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($124K vs $64K); Stanford has a higher 6-year graduation rate (91.9% vs 75%).
Temple has lower sticker-price tuition ($38,958 vs $65,910); Stanford offers a larger average aid package ($75,816 vs $17,833).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Stanford | Temple |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #2 | #401-500 |
| Rank · THE | #6 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 3.6% | 80.4% |
| Yield rate | 79.9% | 15% |
| Median SAT | 1553 | 1250 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.90 | 3.40 |
| Number of applications | 60,646 | 40,817 |
| International students | 23% | 6% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $124K | $64K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $141K | $59K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $220K | $92K |
| Graduation rate | 91.9% | 75% |
| Retention rate | 97% | 83% |
| Median debt | $12,000 | $24,395 |
| Tuition · year | $65,910 | $38,958 |
| Avg. aid package | $75,816 | $17,833 |
| % of need met | 100% | 60.5% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $28,507 | $41,808 |
| Application fee | $100 | $55 |
| Enrollment | 18,121 | 29,637 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Stanford or Temple?
It's harder to get into Stanford. Stanford accepts 3.6% of applicants, while Temple accepts 80.4%.
Do Stanford or Temple graduates earn more?
Stanford graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $124K vs $64K.
How much is tuition at Stanford vs Temple?
Sticker-price tuition is $65,910 per year at Stanford and $38,958 per year at Temple.
What SAT score do you need for Stanford or Temple?
The median admitted SAT score is 1553 at Stanford and 1250 at Temple; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Stanford or Temple?
Stanford ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #2 for Stanford vs #401-500 for Temple.
Which university offers more financial aid — Stanford or Temple?
The average aid package is $75,816 at Stanford and $17,833 at Temple.
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