DEEPCOLLEGES · OPS · v3.3 SCHOOLS·INDEXED 120 SOURCES IPEDS · CDS · SCORECARD LAST·SYNC 2026.04.29
HEAD TO HEAD · LIVE FROM IPEDS

MIT vs Stanford University

Side-by-side comparison with data from federal sources. Every metric traceable to IPEDS or College Scorecard.

SCHOOL A · PRIVATE

MIT

Cambridge, MA
58
DECISION SCORE
vs
METRICS
SCHOOL B · PRIVATE

Stanford University

Stanford, CA
58
DECISION SCORE
01

Metric-by-metric

winner highlighted
MetricMITStanford UniversityEdge
Acceptance Rate 4.7% 3.9% MIT (easier)
Average SAT 1545 1545 Tie
Enrollment 12,829 20,955 Stanford University larger
Median Earnings (10yr) $143,372 $124,080 MIT
Median Debt $14,768 $12,000 Stanford University lower
Pell Grant Rate 19.0% 19.0% Higher = more low-income students
02

Decision scores

MIT

58 Overall Fit 50 ROI 27 Transfer

Stanford University

58 Overall Fit 50 ROI 25 Transfer
03

Top majors

MIT

Engineering 29.7%
Computer Science 27.7%
Mathematics/Statistics 11.0%
Multidisciplinary 9.8%
Physical Sciences 7.8%

Stanford University

Computer Science 17.7%
Social Sciences 16.5%
Engineering 15.6%
Multidisciplinary 15.3%
Mathematics/Statistics 5.8%

Which Should You Choose?

Both MIT and Stanford University are outstanding institutions. The right choice depends on your priorities:

  • If location matters: MIT is in Cambridge, MA while Stanford University is in Stanford, CA
  • If cost is a factor: Compare net prices for your family income bracket above
  • If career outcomes are the priority: Look at the salary data by major for each school
  • If getting in is the concern: Check which school's acceptance rate and profile better match yours

MIT vs Stanford University FAQs

Which is harder to get into, MIT or Stanford University?
Stanford University is harder to get into, with a 3.9% acceptance rate vs MIT's 4.7%. Lower acceptance rate means more competitive admission, but admission profile (GPA, SAT, course rigor) matters more than the rate alone.
Which is more expensive, MIT or Stanford University?
Stanford University has a higher sticker cost of attendance ($87,833/yr) vs MIT ($82,730/yr) — a difference of $5,103/yr at sticker price. But after financial aid, the average family pays $11,815/yr at MIT vs $13,091/yr at Stanford University.
Which has higher graduate earnings, MIT or Stanford University?
MIT graduates earn more — a median of $143,372 10 years post-grad, vs $124,080 at Stanford University. Note this is school-wide median; major choice impacts earnings far more than school choice.
Which should I choose, MIT or Stanford University?
It depends on your priorities. MIT is in Cambridge, MA; Stanford University is in Stanford, CA. Weigh acceptance odds against your profile, net cost for your family income, salary outcomes for your intended major, and campus fit (location, size, urban vs rural).
Which has better programs, MIT or Stanford University?
Both MIT and Stanford University have multiple top-ranked programs. The right answer depends on your major. Compare the salary-by-major tables on each school's salary page — MIT's salary page and Stanford University's salary page — to see which school's grads in your target major earn more.
04

Explore each school

MIT
Acceptance Rate Tuition & Cost Salary & ROI
STANFORD UNIVERSITY
Acceptance Rate Tuition & Cost Salary & ROI

Data source: College Scorecard, IPEDS.