DePauw vs. Vanderbilt

Comparable Facts

Compare DePauw University in Greencastle, IN with Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Vanderbilt University is larger than DePauw based on total student enrollment (13,575 students vs. 1,917 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• DePauw University is located in Greencastle, IN (Distant Town setting); Vanderbilt University is in Nashville, TN (Large City setting).
• DePauw University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Vanderbilt University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: DePauw University 10:1; Vanderbilt University 8:1.

DePauw vs. Vanderbilt Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, DePauw 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 DePauw ($25,186 vs. $31,411).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at DePauw University are 30.5% lower than at Vanderbilt University ($15,330 vs. $22,054).
• Vanderbilt University is 14.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than DePauw (about $8,428 more per year; $67,498.00 vs. $59,070.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.3% higher at Vanderbilt than at DePauw University (about $8,428 more per year; $67,498.00 vs. $59,070.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at DePauw University than at Vanderbilt University (99% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Vanderbilt University students is 50.1% larger than aid received by DePauw University students ($64,404 vs. $42,909).

DePauw vs. Vanderbilt Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, DePauw 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 DePauw.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Vanderbilt University (1540) is 230 points higher than at DePauw (1310).
• Incoming Vanderbilt students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 30 at DePauw).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: DePauw University 1200/1410; Vanderbilt University 1500/1570.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: DePauw University 28/32; Vanderbilt University 34/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: DePauw - Test optional; Vanderbilt - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: DePauw Feb 1, 2027; Vanderbilt Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman DePauw students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.97) than students at Vanderbilt (3.89).
• DePauw has a higher acceptance rate (57.2%) than Vanderbilt (5.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.2% at DePauw vs. 61.2% at Vanderbilt.

DePauw vs. Vanderbilt Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for DePauw 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 DePauw University's (85%).
• Graduates from Vanderbilt University earn a median of about $22,100 more per year than DePauw graduates about ten years after starting college ($83,100 vs. $61,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Vanderbilt University graduates have a $11,588 lower median loan debt than DePauw graduates ($14,000 vs. $25,588).
• Among borrowers, Vanderbilt graduates have an estimated $120 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than DePauw graduates ($144 vs. $264).
• More Vanderbilt graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former DePauw students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 80%)

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.