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