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Stanford University vs Texas A&M University

A comprehensive side-by-side comparison of academics, cost, admissions, campus life and career outcomes to help you choose.

3.6% Stanford acceptance
63.0% Texas A&M acceptance
$114,512 Texas A&M cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

Stanford
Stanford, California
Private
Founded
1891
Enrollment
17,680
Setting
Suburban
Texas A&M
College Station, Texas
Public
Founded
1876
Enrollment
74,829
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition Texas A&M saves $21,644
Stanford
$61,731
Texas A&M
$40,087
Acceptance Rate Stanford more selective
Stanford
3.6%
Texas A&M
63.0%
Graduation Rate Stanford higher
Stanford
95%
Texas A&M
83%
Avg SAT Score Stanford higher
Stanford
1550
Texas A&M
1290
Starting Salary Stanford higher
Stanford
$95,200
Texas A&M
$66,300

Detailed Comparison

Metric Stanford Texas A&M Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$61,731$40,087Texas A&M
Tuition (In-State)$61,731$12,413Texas A&M
Room & Board$19,922$12,938Texas A&M
Acceptance Rate3.6%63.0%Stanford
Graduation Rate95%83%Stanford
Average SAT15501290Stanford
Student-Faculty Ratio5:119:1Stanford
Enrollment17,68074,829-
Avg Financial Aid$60,070$13,700Stanford
Starting Salary$95,200$66,300Stanford
Endowment$36.3B$17.1BStanford
Campus Size8,180 acres5,200 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Stanford
$326,612
4-year total (private)
VS
Texas A&M
$212,100
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Stanford = $86,332 | Texas A&M = $157,300. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Stanford Top Majors

Computer ScienceEngineeringBiologyEconomicsHuman Biology

Texas A&M Top Majors

EngineeringBusinessBiologyAgricultureBiomedical Science

Campus & Student Life

Setting
StanfordSuburban
Texas A&MSuburban
Campus Size
Stanford8,180 ac
Texas A&M5,200 ac
Athletics
StanfordNCAA D1
Texas A&MNCAA D1
Region
StanfordWest
Texas A&MSouth
Founded
Stanford1891
Texas A&M1876
Enrollment
Stanford17,680
Texas A&M74,829

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Stanford or Texas A&M harder to get into?+
Stanford is more selective with an acceptance rate of 3.6% compared to 63.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Stanford or Texas A&M?+
At sticker price, Texas A&M costs less over 4 years ($212,100 vs $326,612). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Stanford offers an average of $60,070/year in aid while Texas A&M offers $13,700/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Stanford and Texas A&M?+
The average SAT score at Stanford is 1550 and at Texas A&M it is 1290. Keep in mind that admitted students often score across a range, and many schools practice holistic admissions where test scores are just one factor.
Do Stanford or Texas A&M graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Stanford have a higher average starting salary ($95,200 vs $66,300). Salary outcomes vary significantly by major, industry, and location — so this is a general average across all graduates.
What is the student-to-faculty ratio at each school?+
Stanford has a 5:1 student-to-faculty ratio while Texas A&M has 19:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Stanford and Texas A&M compare for campus life?+
Stanford is located in Stanford, California (suburban setting) with a 8,180-acre campus. Texas A&M is in College Station, Texas (suburban setting) with 5,200 acres. Stanford competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Texas A&M in NCAA D1.