Texas at austin vs Stanford — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Stanford is the more selective of the two (3.6% vs 26.6% acceptance). Stanford ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#45 vs #2). Stanford graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($124K vs $75K). Texas at austin has lower sticker-price tuition ($44,908 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 Texas at austin for: lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
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 26.6% acceptance); Stanford has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1395).
Stanford graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($124K vs $75K); Stanford has a higher 6-year graduation rate (91.9% vs 88.9%).
Texas at austin has lower sticker-price tuition ($44,908 vs $65,910); Stanford offers a larger average aid package ($75,816 vs $20,219).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Texas at austin | Stanford |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #45 | #2 |
| Rank · THE | — | #6 |
| Acceptance rate | 26.6% | 3.6% |
| Yield rate | 47.4% | 79.9% |
| Median SAT | 1395 | 1553 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.90 |
| Number of applications | 72,885 | 60,646 |
| International students | 9% | 23% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $75K | $124K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $74K | $141K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $117K | $220K |
| Graduation rate | 88.9% | 91.9% |
| Retention rate | 96.7% | 97% |
| Median debt | $20,500 | $12,000 |
| Tuition · year | $44,908 | $65,910 |
| Avg. aid package | $20,219 | $75,816 |
| % of need met | 75% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $19,919 | $28,507 |
| Application fee | $75 | $100 |
| Enrollment | 53,864 | 18,121 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Texas at austin or Stanford?
It's harder to get into Stanford. Texas at austin accepts 26.6% of applicants, while Stanford accepts 3.6%.
Do Texas at austin or Stanford graduates earn more?
Stanford graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $124K vs $75K.
How much is tuition at Texas at austin vs Stanford?
Sticker-price tuition is $44,908 per year at Texas at austin and $65,910 per year at Stanford.
What SAT score do you need for Texas at austin or Stanford?
The median admitted SAT score is 1395 at Texas at austin and 1553 at Stanford; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Texas at austin or Stanford?
Stanford ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #45 for Texas at austin vs #2 for Stanford.
Which university offers more financial aid — Texas at austin or Stanford?
The average aid package is $20,219 at Texas at austin and $75,816 at Stanford.
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