Skyline College vs Stanford University: which has better ROI?
Skyline College has the better ROI: it clears its 2-year net cost of $3,476 in 0.5 years versus 0.7 years at Stanford University, on median earnings of $55,702 vs $124,080 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Skyline College | Stanford University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $1,738 | $13,807 |
| Total net cost | $3,476 | $55,228 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $55,702 | $124,080 |
| Median debt | — | $12,000 |
| Payback | 0.5 yrs | 0.7 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $143,364 | $1,459,172 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Skyline College or Stanford University?
Skyline College, at $1,738 a year after aid versus $13,807 — a gap of $12,069 a year, or $51,752 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Skyline College or Stanford University graduates earn more?
Stanford University graduates report a median $124,080 ten years after entry, $68,378 more than the $55,702 at Skyline College. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which graduates more of its students?
92% of students finish at Stanford University, against 44% at Skyline College. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.