Stanford, CA · Private University
Is Stanford University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$124,080
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$62,484
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$62,484
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$249,936
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.99x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
2.8 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
92.8%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$12,000
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$12,136
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Stanford University graduates earn $79,080 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Stanford University ranked by graduate earnings
91 graduates
24 graduates
29 graduates
29 graduates
22 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Stanford University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings — your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Stanford University, the gap between the highest-earning major (Computer Science: $200,950) and the lowest (Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies: $41,156) is $159,794/yr — bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Computer ScienceBest ROI | $200,950 | 3.2x |
| Engineering-Related Fields | $141,630 | 2.3x |
| Economics | $127,416 | 2.0x |
| Cognitive Science(1yr data) | $105,695 | 1.7x |
| International Relations and National Security Studies | $96,952 | 1.6x |
| Engineering, Other | $96,205 | 1.5x |
| Science, Technology and Society | $85,854 | 1.4x |
| Political Science and Government | $75,464 | 1.2x |
| Human Biology | $69,843 | 1.1x |
| English Language and Literature, General | $56,399 | 0.9x |
| Biomedical/Medical Engineering(1yr data) | $50,487 | 0.8x |
| Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group StudiesLowest(1yr data) | $41,156 | 0.7x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
How It Compares
ROI at similar schools
| School | ROI Ratio | Earnings | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stanford University | 1.99x | $124,080 | Good ROI |
| Claremont McKenna College | 1.63x | $104,736 | Good ROI |
| University of Southern California | 1.36x | $92,498 | Average ROI |
| Harvey Mudd College | 2.09x | $138,687 | Strong ROI |
| Pomona College | 1.25x | $77,779 | Average ROI |
| Carnegie Mellon University | 1.80x | $114,862 | Good ROI |
The Bottom Line
Stanford University offers solid financial returns relative to its cost. Graduates earn $124,080 10 years after starting — $79,080 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 2.8 years — faster than most colleges.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.