Case Western vs. Vanderbilt

Comparable Facts

Compare Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH with Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Vanderbilt University is larger than Case Western based on total student enrollment (13,575 students vs. 12,475 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Case Western Reserve University is located in Cleveland, OH (Large City setting); Vanderbilt University is in Nashville, TN (Large City setting).
• Case Western Reserve University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Vanderbilt University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Case Western Reserve University 9:1; Vanderbilt University 8:1.

Case Western vs. Vanderbilt Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Case Western or Vanderbilt? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Vanderbilt University than Case Western ($25,186 vs. $44,000).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Case Western Reserve University are 14.9% lower than at Vanderbilt University ($18,762 vs. $22,054).
• Vanderbilt University is 1.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Case Western (about $890 more per year; $67,498.00 vs. $66,608.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.3% higher at Vanderbilt than at Case Western Reserve University (about $890 more per year; $67,498.00 vs. $66,608.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Case Western Reserve University than at Vanderbilt University (88% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Vanderbilt University students is 53.7% larger than aid received by Case Western Reserve University students ($64,404 vs. $41,913).

Case Western vs. Vanderbilt Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Case Western or Vanderbilt? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Vanderbilt and Case Western.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Vanderbilt University (1540) is 50 points higher than at Case Western (1490).
• Incoming Vanderbilt students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 33 at Case Western).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Case Western Reserve University 1430/1540; Vanderbilt University 1500/1570.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Case Western Reserve University 32/34; Vanderbilt University 34/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Case Western - Test optional; Vanderbilt - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Case Western Jan 15, 2027; Vanderbilt Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Vanderbilt students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.89) than students at Case Western (3.86).
• Case Western has a higher acceptance rate (36.5%) than Vanderbilt (5.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.9% at Case Western vs. 61.2% at Vanderbilt.

Case Western vs. Vanderbilt Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Case Western and Vanderbilt? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Vanderbilt University's six-year graduation rate (92%) is higher than Case Western Reserve University's (78%).
• Graduates from Case Western Reserve University earn a median of about $1,600 more per year than Vanderbilt graduates about ten years after starting college ($84,700 vs. $83,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Vanderbilt University graduates have a $10,066 lower median loan debt than Case Western graduates ($14,000 vs. $24,066).
• Among borrowers, Vanderbilt graduates have an estimated $104 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Case Western graduates ($144 vs. $248).
• More Case Western graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Vanderbilt students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 83%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.