Lipscomb vs. Vanderbilt

Comparable Facts

Compare Lipscomb 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 Lipscomb based on total student enrollment (13,575 students vs. 5,017 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lipscomb University is located in Nashville, TN (Large City setting); Vanderbilt University is in Nashville, TN (Large City setting).
• Lipscomb University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Vanderbilt University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lipscomb University 13:1; Vanderbilt University 8:1.

Lipscomb vs. Vanderbilt Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lipscomb 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 Lipscomb ($25,186 vs. $27,695).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lipscomb University are 30.1% lower than at Vanderbilt University ($15,424 vs. $22,054).
• Vanderbilt University is 66.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lipscomb (about $26,926 more per year; $67,498.00 vs. $40,572.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 66.4% higher at Vanderbilt than at Lipscomb University (about $26,926 more per year; $67,498.00 vs. $40,572.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lipscomb University than at Vanderbilt University (100% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Vanderbilt University students is 124.8% larger than aid received by Lipscomb University students ($64,404 vs. $28,645).

Lipscomb vs. Vanderbilt Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Lipscomb 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 Lipscomb.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Vanderbilt University (1540) is 270 points higher than at Lipscomb (1270).
• Incoming Vanderbilt students have a 8 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 26 at Lipscomb).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lipscomb University 1160/1380; Vanderbilt University 1500/1570.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lipscomb University 23/30; Vanderbilt University 34/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lipscomb - Test optional; Vanderbilt - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Vanderbilt Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Vanderbilt students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.89) than students at Lipscomb (3.73).
• Lipscomb has a higher acceptance rate (67.7%) than Vanderbilt (5.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 24.9% at Lipscomb vs. 61.2% at Vanderbilt.

Lipscomb vs. Vanderbilt Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lipscomb 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 Lipscomb University's (63%).
• Graduates from Vanderbilt University earn a median of about $36,200 more per year than Lipscomb graduates about ten years after starting college ($83,100 vs. $46,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Vanderbilt University graduates have a $6,500 lower median loan debt than Lipscomb graduates ($14,000 vs. $20,500).
• Among borrowers, Vanderbilt graduates have an estimated $67 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lipscomb graduates ($144 vs. $211).
• More Vanderbilt graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lipscomb students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 68%)

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.