Emory vs. Vanderbilt

Comparable Facts

Compare Emory University in Atlanta, GA with Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Emory University is larger than Vanderbilt based on total student enrollment (15,175 students vs. 13,575 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Emory University is located in Atlanta, GA (Large Suburban setting); Vanderbilt University is in Nashville, TN (Large City setting).
• Emory University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Vanderbilt University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Emory University 10:1; Vanderbilt University 8:1.

Emory vs. Vanderbilt Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Emory 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 Emory ($25,186 vs. $27,303).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Emory University are 8.3% lower than at Vanderbilt University ($20,220 vs. $22,054).
• Vanderbilt University is 5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Emory (about $3,218 more per year; $67,498.00 vs. $64,280.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5% higher at Vanderbilt than at Emory University (about $3,218 more per year; $67,498.00 vs. $64,280.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Vanderbilt University than at Emory University (67% vs. 47%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Vanderbilt University students is 14.4% larger than aid received by Emory University students ($64,404 vs. $56,319).

Emory vs. Vanderbilt Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Emory or Vanderbilt? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Vanderbilt and Emory.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Vanderbilt University (1540) is 30 points higher than at Emory (1510).
• Incoming Vanderbilt students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (34 vs. 33 at Emory).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Emory University 1470/1550; Vanderbilt University 1500/1570.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Emory University 32/35; Vanderbilt University 34/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Emory - Test optional; Vanderbilt - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Emory Jan 1, 2027; Vanderbilt Jan 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Vanderbilt students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.89) than students at Emory (3.8).
• Emory has a higher acceptance rate (10.6%) than Vanderbilt (5.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 40.4% at Emory vs. 61.2% at Vanderbilt.

Emory vs. Vanderbilt Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Emory and Vanderbilt? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Vanderbilt University's six-year graduation rate (92%) is higher than Emory University's (90%).
• Graduates from Vanderbilt University earn a median of about $1,600 more per year than Emory graduates about ten years after starting college ($83,100 vs. $81,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Vanderbilt University graduates have a $3,233 lower median loan debt than Emory graduates ($14,000 vs. $17,233).
• Among borrowers, Vanderbilt graduates have an estimated $34 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Emory graduates ($144 vs. $178).
• More Vanderbilt graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Emory 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.