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Stanford University vs University of Georgia

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

3.6% Stanford acceptance
39.0% UGA acceptance
$153,772 UGA 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
UGA
Athens, Georgia
Public
Founded
1785
Enrollment
41,652
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition UGA saves $30,611
Stanford
$61,731
UGA
$31,120
Acceptance Rate Stanford more selective
Stanford
3.6%
UGA
39.0%
Graduation Rate Stanford higher
Stanford
95%
UGA
88%
Avg SAT Score Stanford higher
Stanford
1550
UGA
1340
Starting Salary Stanford higher
Stanford
$95,200
UGA
$58,700

Detailed Comparison

Metric Stanford UGA Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$61,731$31,120UGA
Tuition (In-State)$61,731$12,080UGA
Room & Board$19,922$12,090UGA
Acceptance Rate3.6%39.0%Stanford
Graduation Rate95%88%Stanford
Average SAT15501340Stanford
Student-Faculty Ratio5:117:1Stanford
Enrollment17,68041,652-
Avg Financial Aid$60,070$12,980Stanford
Starting Salary$95,200$58,700Stanford
Endowment$36.3B$2.0BStanford
Campus Size8,180 acres762 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Stanford
$326,612
4-year total (private)
VS
UGA
$172,840
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Stanford = $86,332 | UGA = $120,920. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Stanford Top Majors

Computer ScienceEngineeringBiologyEconomicsHuman Biology

UGA Top Majors

BusinessBiologyPsychologyFinanceRisk Management

Campus & Student Life

Setting
StanfordSuburban
UGASuburban
Campus Size
Stanford8,180 ac
UGA762 ac
Athletics
StanfordNCAA D1
UGANCAA D1
Region
StanfordWest
UGASouth
Founded
Stanford1891
UGA1785
Enrollment
Stanford17,680
UGA41,652

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Stanford or UGA harder to get into?+
Stanford is more selective with an acceptance rate of 3.6% compared to 39.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Stanford or UGA?+
At sticker price, UGA costs less over 4 years ($172,840 vs $326,612). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Stanford offers an average of $60,070/year in aid while UGA offers $12,980/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Stanford and UGA?+
The average SAT score at Stanford is 1550 and at UGA it is 1340. 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 UGA graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Stanford have a higher average starting salary ($95,200 vs $58,700). 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 UGA has 17:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Stanford and UGA compare for campus life?+
Stanford is located in Stanford, California (suburban setting) with a 8,180-acre campus. UGA is in Athens, Georgia (suburban setting) with 762 acres. Stanford competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UGA in NCAA D1.