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California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt vs Stanford University

California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt is a public university in Arcata, CA. Stanford University is a private university in Stanford, CA. Stanford University admits about 4% of applicants and California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt about 98%, making Stanford University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $13,171 a year at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt after aid, and about $13,807 at Stanford University. About 92% of students graduate at Stanford University, compared with 48% at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt. Ten years after enrolling, Stanford University alumni earn a median of about $124,080, against $47,626 for California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt.

California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt

Arcata, CA · Public

Stanford University

Stanford, CA · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Arcata, CA
Stanford, CA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
5,612
7,554
Acceptance rate
98%
4%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.13–3.63
3.55–4
SAT (middle 50%)
970–1190
1510–1580
ACT (middle 50%)
17–25
34–35
Test policy
Test optional
Required
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$13,171
$13,807
Full cost / yr
$25,170
$87,833
In-state tuition
$8,250
$65,910
Out-of-state tuition
$20,850
$65,910
Application fee
$70
$90
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$8,483
$0*
$30k - $48k
$8,812
$0*
$48k - $75k
$11,088
$3,212
$75k - $110k
$15,593
$11,092
Over $110k
$22,228
$53,882
Outcomes
Graduation rate
48%
92%
Freshman retention
76%
98%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$37,382
$102,887
Median earnings (10 yr)
$47,626
$124,080
Median debt at graduation
$18,000
$12,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
43%
19%
First-generation students
44%
30%
International students
0%
13%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
May 1
Jan 5

* Reported aid for this income range averaged above the billed cost.

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt or Stanford University harder to get into?
Stanford University is harder to get into. It admits about 4% of applicants, compared with 98% at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt or Stanford University?
California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt is cheaper on average. Students pay about $13,171 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $13,807 at Stanford University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt and Stanford University?
Before aid, California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt costs about $25,170 a year and Stanford University about $87,833. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt or Stanford University?
Stanford University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $-2,536 there, against about $8,483 at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt or Stanford University?
Stanford University is the larger of the two, with about 7,554 undergraduates against 5,612 at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt.
Does California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt or Stanford University have a better graduation rate?
Stanford University has the higher graduation rate, at about 92% against 48% at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt.
Do graduates of California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt or Stanford University earn more?
Stanford University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $124,080 ten years after enrolling, against about $47,626 for California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt and Stanford University require SAT or ACT scores?
California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Stanford University requires SAT or ACT scores.
What SAT scores do California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt and Stanford University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 970–1190 at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt and 1510–1580 at Stanford University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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