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College comparison
MIT vs Stanford
A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.
| Metric |  MIT Cambridge, MA |  Stanford Stanford, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateStanford University is more selective | 5% | 4% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1520–1580 | 1510–1580 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 4,535 | 7,554 |
| Avg net price | $20,111 | $13,807 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)MIT reports higher median earnings | $143,372 | $124,080 |
| Graduation rate | 96% | 92% |
| Median debt | $14,768 | $12,000 |
| Economic mobility | 3.4% | 2.2% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
MIT vs Stanford: how they compare
MIT and Stanford are leading institutions for technical education, with differences in focus and campus culture.
By the numbers MIT demonstrates superior long-term financial outcomes, with a 10-year median earnings figure of $143k versus Stanford's $124k. However, Stanford offers a lower average net price ($14k vs. $20k), resulting in a higher calculated value of 9.0x earnings per dollar of net price compared to MIT's 7.1x. MIT is also the clear leader in cultivating future scholars, with a future-scholar yield of 17.8 against Stanford's 9.1, and boasts a significantly higher economic-mobility rate (340% vs. 225%). Selectivity is virtually identical (MIT 5%, Stanford 4%; SAT 25-75th percentiles of 1520–1580 and 1510–1580, respectively), though MIT's admit-rate volatility is higher (72% vs. 42%). MIT has a slightly higher graduation rate (96% vs. 92%).
Where they overlap Both are globally preeminent, intensely selective research universities that attract highly motivated students. They are recognized for innovation, strength in STEM, and provide significant access to research and industry connections.
How they differ Culturally, MIT is known for its focused, problem-set-driven rigor and a collaborative residential system in an urban Boston setting. Its UROP program integrates research into the undergraduate experience. Stanford offers a broader academic range beyond core STEM, set in a sprawling suburban campus with a strong entrepreneurial culture. Student life narratives sometimes reference MIT's "IHTFP" and Stanford's "duck syndrome," hinting at different approaches to managing a high-pressure environment.
Quick answers
- Is Massachusetts Institute of Technology or Stanford University harder to get into?
- Stanford University is more selective: Massachusetts Institute of Technology's acceptance rate is approximately 5% and Stanford University's is approximately 4% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Massachusetts Institute of Technology vs Stanford University?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1520–1580 at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and 1510–1580 at Stanford University. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.
These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.