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National University vs Stanford University

National University is a private university in San Diego, CA. Stanford University is a private university in Stanford, CA. Stanford University admits about 4% of applicants and National University about 55%, making Stanford University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $13,807 a year at Stanford University after aid, and about $22,878 at National University. About 92% of students graduate at Stanford University, compared with 42% at National University. Ten years after enrolling, Stanford University alumni earn a median of about $124,080, against $67,548 for National University.

National University

San Diego, CA · Private

Stanford University

Stanford, CA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
San Diego, CA
Stanford, CA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
10,794
7,554
Acceptance rate
55%
4%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.34–3.84
3.55–4
SAT (middle 50%)
750–1170
1510–1580
ACT (middle 50%)
13–24
34–35
Test policy
Considered
Required
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$22,878
$13,807
Full cost / yr
$33,978
$87,833
In-state tuition
$13,284
$65,910
Out-of-state tuition
$13,284
$65,910
Application fee
Not reported
$90
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$21,554
$0*
$30k - $48k
$26,583
$0*
$48k - $75k
$25,176
$3,212
$75k - $110k
Not reported
$11,092
Over $110k
Not reported
$53,882
Outcomes
Graduation rate
42%
92%
Freshman retention
53%
98%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$64,331
$102,887
Median earnings (10 yr)
$67,548
$124,080
Median debt at graduation
$25,000
$12,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
29%
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
Rolling
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 National University or Stanford University harder to get into?
Stanford University is harder to get into. It admits about 4% of applicants, compared with 55% at National University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, National University or Stanford University?
Stanford University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $13,807 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $22,878 at National 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 National University and Stanford University?
Before aid, National University costs about $33,978 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, National University or Stanford University?
Stanford University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $-2,536 there, against about $21,554 at National University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, National University or Stanford University?
National University is the larger of the two, with about 10,794 undergraduates against 7,554 at Stanford University.
Does National University or Stanford University have a better graduation rate?
Stanford University has the higher graduation rate, at about 92% against 42% at National University.
Do graduates of National University or Stanford University earn more?
Stanford University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $124,080 ten years after enrolling, against about $67,548 for National University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do National University and Stanford University require SAT or ACT scores?
National University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Stanford University requires SAT or ACT scores.
What SAT scores do National University and Stanford University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 750–1170 at National University and 1510–1580 at Stanford University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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