Both Stanford University and the University of Oxford are world-renowned institutions with strengths in various areas. Stanford has a more selective acceptance rate and a larger campus, while Oxford boasts top global rankings and a higher graduation rate. The choice between the two depends on individual preferences, program offerings, and financial considerations.
| Attribute | Stanford University | University of Oxford |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 4% (3.91% for Class of 2027) | Around 16% (Undergraduates: ~16%, Graduate programs: ~14.5%) |
| Tuition and Fees | $62,484 (2023-24). Total cost of attendance around $87,833 per year. | UK students (2025-2026): £9,535. International students: £33,050 to £48,620 or GBP £35,000 to £59,000. MBA (2024-25): £117,080. |
| Student-to-Faculty Ratio | Approximately 6:1 | Undergraduates: ~11:1 |
| Research Output | Around $6.03 million allocated for grant programs benefiting 1,024 projects (2018–19). | £711.4 million in 2021/22. Over 2,000 academic staff. More than 5,900 research, teaching, and research support staff. |
| Global Ranking | Consistently ranks as one of the top universities in the world. | THE World University Rankings 2025: 1st. QS Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings 2026: 4th. |
| Campus Size | 8,180 acres (nearly 13 square miles) | Total: 537 hectares (1327 acres), including 500 hectares of grounds, 11 hectares of playing fields, and the footprints of 248 buildings. No main campus. |
| Available Majors and Programs | Offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs across seven schools. | Undergraduate and graduate degree programs across arts, humanities, social sciences, and sciences. Four academic divisions. |
| Financial Aid and Scholarships | The average aid package is around $74,244. About 70% of first-year students receive financial aid. | Crankstart Scholarship: up to £6,150 per year for UK students with a household income of £32,500 or less. Oxford Bursary: available to UK students from lower-income households. |
| Graduation Rate | 93% within 150% of the normal time. Four-year: 77%, Six-year: 96%. | 99% completion rate. |
| Career Services and Placement | Offers extensive career services, with resources for internships, job placement, and networking. | 93% of Oxford undergraduates and 95% of Oxford postgraduate leavers in 2020-2021 were in high-skilled employment or further study 15 months after leaving. |
| Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives | Committed to diversity and inclusion, with various initiatives and resources to support students from diverse backgrounds. Enrolled student population included 24.8% White, 21.7% Asian, 12.8% Hispanic or Latino, 6.72% Two or More Races, and 5.76% Black or African American students. Approximately 60.08% of students come from out of state, and 12.26% come from out of the country. 20% of students are considered low-income, receiving Federal Pell Grant Aid. | Diverse student body, with students from over 160 countries. Over 66% of UK students admitted in 2024 were from the state sector. |
| Student Life and Extracurricular Activities | Offers a vibrant student life with over 650 student groups, sports, and other extracurricular activities. | Over 150 officially recognized societies. Strong musical life. 83 University sports clubs, as well as countless college teams and recreational opportunities. |
| Pros | High graduation rate, Extensive career services, Vibrant student life, Active support for student entrepreneurship, Professors are generally accessible, Numerous undergraduate research opportunities, Guaranteed housing for four years, Active and influential alumni network | Not available |
| Cons | Extremely selective acceptance rate | Not available |