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Stanford University vs California State University-Channel Islands

Stanford University is a private university in Stanford, CA. California State University-Channel Islands is a public university in Camarillo, CA. Stanford University admits about 4% of applicants and California State University-Channel Islands about 95%, making Stanford University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $9,849 a year at California State University-Channel Islands after aid, and about $13,807 at Stanford University. About 92% of students graduate at Stanford University, compared with 52% at California State University-Channel Islands. Ten years after enrolling, Stanford University alumni earn a median of about $124,080, against $62,152 for California State University-Channel Islands.

Stanford University

Stanford, CA · Private

California State University-Channel Islands

Camarillo, CA · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Stanford, CA
Camarillo, CA
Setting
Suburban
Rural
Undergraduates
7,554
5,013
Acceptance rate
4%
95%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.21–3.71
SAT (middle 50%)
1510–1580
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
34–35
Not reported
Test policy
Required
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$13,807
$9,849
Full cost / yr
$87,833
$23,561
In-state tuition
$65,910
$7,159
Out-of-state tuition
$65,910
$19,759
Application fee
$90
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$0*
$6,857
$30k - $48k
$0*
$7,083
$48k - $75k
$3,212
$9,083
$75k - $110k
$11,092
$12,286
Over $110k
$53,882
$20,473
Outcomes
Graduation rate
92%
52%
Freshman retention
98%
72%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$102,887
$46,785
Median earnings (10 yr)
$124,080
$62,152
Median debt at graduation
$12,000
$15,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
19%
47%
First-generation students
30%
51%
International students
13%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 5
Mar 2

* 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 Stanford University or California State University-Channel Islands harder to get into?
Stanford University is harder to get into. It admits about 4% of applicants, compared with 95% at California State University-Channel Islands. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Stanford University or California State University-Channel Islands?
California State University-Channel Islands is cheaper on average. Students pay about $9,849 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 Stanford University and California State University-Channel Islands?
Before aid, California State University-Channel Islands costs about $23,561 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, Stanford University or California State University-Channel Islands?
Stanford University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $-2,536 there, against about $6,857 at California State University-Channel Islands. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Stanford University or California State University-Channel Islands?
Stanford University is the larger of the two, with about 7,554 undergraduates against 5,013 at California State University-Channel Islands.
Does Stanford University or California State University-Channel Islands have a better graduation rate?
Stanford University has the higher graduation rate, at about 92% against 52% at California State University-Channel Islands.
Do graduates of Stanford University or California State University-Channel Islands earn more?
Stanford University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $124,080 ten years after enrolling, against about $62,152 for California State University-Channel Islands. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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