Stanford University vs Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Massachusetts Institute of Technology reports the higher median earnings ten years after entry ($143,372 vs $124,080). Stanford University recoups its four-year net cost faster (about 0.6 yrs vs 0.8 yrs).
| Measure | Stanford UniversityCA | Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyMA |
|---|---|---|
| Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry | $124,080 | $143,372 |
| Years to recoup four-year net cost | 0.6 yrs | 0.8 yrs |
| Average net price per year | $13,807 | $20,111 |
| Sticker cost of attendance per year | $87,833 | $82,730 |
| Share earning above a high-school grad | 84.1% | 87% |
| Six-year graduation rate | 91.9% | 96.4% |
| First-year retention (full-time) | 98.2% | 99.1% |
| Admission rate | 3.6% | 4.5% |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $12,000 | $14,768 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 7,554 | 4,535 |
| Financial health (NACUBO CFI) | 7.0 | 4.4 |
Highlighted cells mark the stronger figure on measures with a clear better direction (admission rate and enrollment are shown for context only, with no winner). “Years to recoup” divides four-year net cost by the annual earnings premium over a state high-school graduate. A transparent data comparison, not an Ibex endorsement or a guarantee of any individual outcome; your program and aid package will differ.
Is Stanford University or Massachusetts Institute of Technology a better value?
On the transparent payback measure, Stanford University recoups its four-year net cost faster (about 0.6 yrs vs 0.8 yrs).. Value depends on your program, your net price after aid, and your goals; use the table as a starting point and check each school's profile for peer context.
Which costs more, Stanford University or Massachusetts Institute of Technology?
Stanford University's average net price is $13,807 per year and Massachusetts Institute of Technology's is $20,111 (College Scorecard). Net price is what students actually pay after grant aid, and varies by family income.
Compare other schools
Build your own head-to-head in the dashboard, or see who pays back fastest.
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard & IPEDS (2024-25); earnings baselines from the U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year. Compiled by Ibex Insights. For informational planning only, not financial advice. See the methodology.