Head-to-Head Comparison
Stanford University vs Stevens Institute of Technology
- Stanford Wins
- 27
- Tied
- 13
- Stevens Technology Wins
- 12
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Stanford University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $13,807 vs Stevens Institute of Technology's $41,346, Stanford University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Stanford University's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
52 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Stanford
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $124,080 ten years after enrollment, 14% more than Stevens Institute of Technology
- Lower cost: Average net price of $13,807, roughly $27,539 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 92% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $12,000, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 4% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Stevens Technology
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 4.3%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Stanford graduates concentrate in Computer Science & IT (21% of degrees); Stevens Technology in Engineering (45%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick Stanford University over Stevens Institute of Technology. Median earnings of $124,080 ten years after enrollment vs $108,772.
Pick Stanford University over Stevens Institute of Technology. Net price $13,807 vs $41,346.
Pick Stevens Institute of Technology over Stanford University. 4.3% mobility rate vs 2.2%.
Pick Stanford University over Stevens Institute of Technology. 92% completion rate vs 88%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Stanford University and Stevens Institute of Technology are close on paper, but Stanford University wins the head-to-head, leading on 5 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Stanford University is the harder admit. It takes 4% of applicants, while Stevens Institute of Technology takes 48%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,553 to 1,446.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Stanford University sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, Stanford University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $13,807, about $27,539 a year below Stevens Institute of Technology's $41,346. Graduates of Stanford University also borrow less: median debt of $12,000, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $110,156 before any change in aid. Choosing Stanford University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Stanford University graduates report median earnings of $124,080, compared with $108,772 at Stevens Institute of Technology. That is a 14% advantage. Set against borrowing, Stanford University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.1x to 0.25x.
So what: An earnings gap of 14% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Finishing the degree
Stanford University graduates a larger share of its students, 92% versus 88%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 4% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Moving people up
Stevens Institute of Technology does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 4.3%; at Stanford University, it is 2.2%. Stevens Institute of Technology also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 6.9% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 3.6%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Stevens Institute of Technology offers the stronger statistical shot at reaching the top of the income distribution. The gap is wide enough to weigh in any access-minded decision.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Stanford University to keep costs and debt down; pick Stevens Institute of Technology if upward mobility and access matter most.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 6 of 6 core signals used here, so every comparison above matches reported data against reported data.
Counterintuitive Insights
Stanford University is harder to get into, with a 4% admit rate, but Stevens Institute of Technology posts the higher mobility rate, at 4.3%. Selectivity and income mobility measure different things; here, the easier admit does more for the low-income students it enrolls.
Their academic identities diverge. Stanford University concentrates enrollment in Social Sciences, while Stevens Institute of Technology leans toward Business & Marketing. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Engineering-focused students: Stevens Institute of Technology has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Stanford University's enrollment of 7,554 far exceeds Stevens Institute of Technology's 4,222.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $41,346 runs well above Stanford University's $13,807.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $27,000, against $12,000 at Stanford University.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Stanford holds onto its admits more tightly: 80% of admitted students enroll, versus 21% at Stevens Technology — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Test scores matter less at Stevens Technology, where only about 43% of enrolled freshmen submitted any SAT or ACT.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 4 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Stanford University
Stanford, CA · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 4%, Stanford University is a fitting choice for students who excel academically and are looking for a vibrant, intellectually stimulating environment. Here, you'll find a strong focus on programs like Computer Science and IT, Engineering, and Social Sciences, among others. It’s a place where ambitious students can dive deep into their fields and explore new ideas alongside peers who are just as driven.
When it comes to life after graduation, Stanford graduates see some impressive outcomes. The average earnings after ten years is around $124,080, which speaks volumes about the value of a degree here. That kind of financial trajectory can be life-changing, especially considering the university's commitment to keeping education affordable. With a median debt of $12,000, many graduates can focus on building their careers without being burdened by excessive loans.
Looking at the practical aspects, the net price for attending Stanford after aid is approximately $13,807. This balanced cost structure allows a diverse range of students to access the opportunities here, especially those from lower-income backgrounds, as evidenced by the 19% Pell Grant rate. Students who thrive in this environment are typically those who are self-motivated, eager to engage in rigorous academic challenges, and ready to contribute to a collaborative community.
Stevens Institute of Technology
Hoboken, NJ · Private nonprofit
Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, NJ, is a great fit for students who are driven by a passion for technology and innovation. With 4,222 enrolled students and an acceptance rate of 48%, it attracts individuals looking for a solid education in fields like Engineering, Computer Science, Business, and the Arts. One standout aspect is the school's high graduation rate of 88%, which speaks volumes about student support and engagement throughout their academic journey.
After graduation, students from Stevens can expect impressive earning potential, with an average salary of $108,772 within ten years of completing their degree. This financial success reflects the value of a degree from Stevens, especially in high-demand areas like engineering and tech. The cost of attendance can be manageable, particularly when considering the school’s financial aid options, though it's important to weigh the net price against potential earnings.
When looking at the practical aspects of attending Stevens, the net price after aid stands at $41,346, which means students should prepare for a significant investment. Graduates typically carry a median debt of $27,000. The environment here tends to be ideal for those who are eager to engage with their studies and are committed to making the most of their college experience. This is a community that thrives on ambition and collaboration, setting students up for success both during and after their time at Stevens.
Rankings They Appear On
Stanford University is featured on the Hardest Colleges to Get Into ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Stanford's top program is Computer Science (21% of enrollment), while Stevens Technology leads with Mechanical Engineering (45%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Stanford) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Stevens Technology).
The two schools feed different job markets. Stanford University is strongest in Social Sciences, while Stevens Institute of Technology concentrates in Business & Marketing. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Stanford University or Stevens Institute of Technology?
Stanford University is harder to get into, admitting 4% of applicants compared with 48% at Stevens Institute of Technology.
Which is more affordable, Stanford University or Stevens Institute of Technology?
Stanford University is more affordable, with an average net price of $13,807 after aid versus $41,346 at Stevens Institute of Technology.
Do Stanford University or Stevens Institute of Technology graduates earn more?
Stanford University graduates earn more: median earnings of $124,080 ten years after enrollment, versus $108,772 at Stevens Institute of Technology.
Which has a better graduation rate, Stanford University or Stevens Institute of Technology?
Stanford University has the higher graduation rate, 92% versus 88%.
Stanford University vs Stevens Institute of Technology: which is better for social mobility?
Stevens Institute of Technology is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 4.3% versus 2.2%.
Should you choose Stanford University or Stevens Institute of Technology?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Stanford University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Stevens Institute of Technology if upward mobility and access to low-income students matter most. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
More Comparisons
View all →Weigh Your Options
Best Colleges in America
How do Stanford and Stevens Technology stack up against regional and national alternatives when evaluated on pure socioeconomic mobility, graduate earnings, and long-term return on investment? Explore the full, verified dataset on our comprehensive rankings directory.
