Stanford vs Washington university — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Stanford is the more selective of the two (3.6% vs 12.1% acceptance). Stanford ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#2 vs #23). Stanford graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($124K vs $86K). Washington university has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,790 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 Washington university for: a higher graduation rate, 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 12.1% acceptance); Stanford has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1530).
Stanford graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($124K vs $86K); Washington university has a higher 6-year graduation rate (94.3% vs 91.9%).
Washington university has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,790 vs $65,910); Stanford offers a larger average aid package ($75,816 vs $75,604).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Stanford | Washington university |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #2 | #23 |
| Rank · THE | #6 | #69 |
| Acceptance rate | 3.6% | 12.1% |
| Yield rate | 79.9% | 46.7% |
| Median SAT | 1553 | 1530 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.90 | 4.20 |
| Number of applications | 60,646 | 32,754 |
| International students | 23% | 27% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $124K | $86K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $141K | $88K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $220K | $137K |
| Graduation rate | 91.9% | 94.3% |
| Retention rate | 97% | 95% |
| Median debt | $12,000 | $17,500 |
| Tuition · year | $65,910 | $65,790 |
| Avg. aid package | $75,816 | $75,604 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $28,507 | $26,666 |
| Application fee | $100 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 18,121 | 16,357 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Stanford or Washington university?
It's harder to get into Stanford. Stanford accepts 3.6% of applicants, while Washington university accepts 12.1%.
Do Stanford or Washington university graduates earn more?
Stanford graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $124K vs $86K.
How much is tuition at Stanford vs Washington university?
Sticker-price tuition is $65,910 per year at Stanford and $65,790 per year at Washington university.
What SAT score do you need for Stanford or Washington university?
The median admitted SAT score is 1553 at Stanford and 1530 at Washington university; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Stanford or Washington university?
Stanford ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #2 for Stanford vs #23 for Washington university.
Which university offers more financial aid — Stanford or Washington university?
The average aid package is $75,816 at Stanford and $75,604 at Washington university.
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