Stanford vs Texas rio grande valley — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Stanford is the more selective of the two (3.6% vs 94.2% 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 $50K). Texas rio grande valley has lower sticker-price tuition ($19,827 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 Texas rio grande valley 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 94.2% acceptance); Stanford has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 985).
Stanford graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($124K vs $50K); Stanford has a higher 6-year graduation rate (91.9% vs 50.9%).
Texas rio grande valley has lower sticker-price tuition ($19,827 vs $65,910); Stanford offers a larger average aid package ($75,816 vs $11,242).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Stanford | Texas rio grande valley |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #2 | #801-900 |
| Rank · THE | #6 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 3.6% | 94.2% |
| Yield rate | 79.9% | 55.4% |
| Median SAT | 1553 | 985 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.90 | — |
| Number of applications | 60,646 | 12,137 |
| International students | 23% | 3% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $124K | $50K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $141K | $44K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $220K | $67K |
| Graduation rate | 91.9% | 50.9% |
| Retention rate | 97% | 78.9% |
| Median debt | $12,000 | $12,950 |
| Tuition · year | $65,910 | $19,827 |
| Avg. aid package | $75,816 | $11,242 |
| % of need met | 100% | 72% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $28,507 | $14,589 |
| Application fee | $100 | — |
| Enrollment | 18,121 | 31,864 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Stanford or Texas rio grande valley?
It's harder to get into Stanford. Stanford accepts 3.6% of applicants, while Texas rio grande valley accepts 94.2%.
Do Stanford or Texas rio grande valley graduates earn more?
Stanford graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $124K vs $50K.
How much is tuition at Stanford vs Texas rio grande valley?
Sticker-price tuition is $65,910 per year at Stanford and $19,827 per year at Texas rio grande valley.
What SAT score do you need for Stanford or Texas rio grande valley?
The median admitted SAT score is 1553 at Stanford and 985 at Texas rio grande valley; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Stanford or Texas rio grande valley?
Stanford ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #2 for Stanford vs #801-900 for Texas rio grande valley.
Which university offers more financial aid — Stanford or Texas rio grande valley?
The average aid package is $75,816 at Stanford and $11,242 at Texas rio grande valley.
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