Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)
Estimated sticker price before financial aid.
Stanford
$326,612
4-year total (private)
VS
Michigan
$281,648
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Stanford = $86,332 | Michigan = $190,928. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.
Stanford Top Majors
Computer ScienceEngineeringBiologyEconomicsHuman BiologyMichigan Top Majors
BusinessEngineeringComputer ScienceEconomicsPsychology
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stanford or Michigan harder to get into?+
Stanford is more selective with an acceptance rate of 3.6% compared to 17.7%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Stanford or Michigan?+
At sticker price, Michigan costs less over 4 years ($281,648 vs $326,612). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Stanford offers an average of $60,070/year in aid while Michigan offers $22,680/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Stanford and Michigan?+
The average SAT score at Stanford is 1550 and at Michigan it is 1470. 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 Michigan graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Stanford have a higher average starting salary ($95,200 vs $73,400). 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 Michigan has 12:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Stanford and Michigan compare for campus life?+
Stanford is located in Stanford, California (suburban setting) with a 8,180-acre campus. Michigan is in Ann Arbor, Michigan (urban setting) with 3,207 acres. Stanford competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Michigan in NCAA D1.