Emory vs. Stanford

Comparable Facts

Compare Emory University in Atlanta, GA with Stanford University in Stanford, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Stanford University is larger than Emory based on total student enrollment (18,625 students vs. 15,175 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Emory University is located in Atlanta, GA (Large Suburban setting); Stanford University is in Stanford, CA (Large Suburban setting).
• Emory University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Stanford University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Emory University 10:1; Stanford University 6:1.

Emory vs. Stanford Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Emory or Stanford? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Stanford University than Emory ($25,078 vs. $27,303).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Emory University are 5.1% lower than at Stanford University ($20,220 vs. $21,315).
• Stanford University is 2.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Emory (about $1,630 more per year; $65,910.00 vs. $64,280.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.5% higher at Stanford than at Emory University (about $1,630 more per year; $65,910.00 vs. $64,280.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Stanford University than at Emory University (61% vs. 47%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Stanford University students is 11.4% larger than aid received by Emory University students ($62,755 vs. $56,319).

Emory vs. Stanford Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Emory or Stanford? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Stanford and Emory.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Stanford University (1550) is 40 points higher than at Emory (1510).
• Incoming Stanford students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (34 vs. 33 at Emory).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Emory University 1470/1550; Stanford University 1510/1580.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Emory University 32/35; Stanford University 34/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Emory - Test optional; Stanford - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Emory Jan 1, 2027; Stanford Jan 2, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Stanford students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.96) than students at Emory (3.8).
• Emory has a higher acceptance rate (10.6%) than Stanford (3.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 40.4% at Emory vs. 81.9% at Stanford.

Emory vs. Stanford Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Emory and Stanford? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Stanford University's six-year graduation rate (96%) is higher than Emory University's (90%).
• Graduates from Stanford University earn a median of about $41,400 more per year than Emory graduates about ten years after starting college ($122,900 vs. $81,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Stanford University graduates have a $4,758 lower median loan debt than Emory graduates ($12,475 vs. $17,233).
• Among borrowers, Stanford graduates have an estimated $50 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Emory graduates ($128 vs. $178).
• More Stanford graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Emory students, three years after graduation. (88% vs. 80%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.