Fisk University vs. Vanderbilt

Comparable Facts

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

Vanderbilt University is larger than Fisk University based on total student enrollment (13,575 students vs. 1,059 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fisk University is located in Nashville, TN (Large City setting); Vanderbilt University is in Nashville, TN (Large City setting).
• Fisk University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Vanderbilt University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fisk University 12:1; Vanderbilt University 8:1.

Fisk University vs. Vanderbilt Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fisk University 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 Fisk University than Vanderbilt ($18,595 vs. $25,186).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fisk University are 34.1% lower than at Vanderbilt University ($14,540 vs. $22,054).
• Vanderbilt University is 161% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fisk University (about $41,640 more per year; $67,498.00 vs. $25,858.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 161% higher at Vanderbilt than at Fisk University (about $41,640 more per year; $67,498.00 vs. $25,858.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fisk University than at Vanderbilt University (87% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Vanderbilt University students is 182.3% larger than aid received by Fisk University students ($64,404 vs. $22,811).

Fisk University vs. Vanderbilt Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Fisk University 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 Fisk University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Vanderbilt University (1540) is 210 points higher than at Fisk University (1330).
• Incoming Vanderbilt students have a 13 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 21 at Fisk University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fisk University 1140/1510; Vanderbilt University 1500/1570.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fisk University 19/24; Vanderbilt University 34/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fisk University - Test optional; Vanderbilt - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fisk University Aug 1, 2027; Vanderbilt Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Vanderbilt students have a 0.79 point higher average high school GPA (3.89) than students at Fisk University (3.1).
• Fisk University has a higher acceptance rate (37.4%) than Vanderbilt (5.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.8% at Fisk University vs. 61.2% at Vanderbilt.

Fisk University vs. Vanderbilt Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fisk University 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 Fisk University's (45%).
• Graduates from Vanderbilt University earn a median of about $47,200 more per year than Fisk University graduates about ten years after starting college ($83,100 vs. $35,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Vanderbilt University graduates have a $12,000 lower median loan debt than Fisk University graduates ($14,000 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Vanderbilt graduates have an estimated $124 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fisk University graduates ($144 vs. $268).
• More Vanderbilt graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fisk University students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 38%)

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.