Rhodes College vs. Vanderbilt

Comparable Facts

Compare Rhodes College in Memphis, 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 Rhodes College based on total student enrollment (13,575 students vs. 1,861 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Rhodes College vs. Vanderbilt Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Rhodes College 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 Rhodes College ($25,186 vs. $31,037).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rhodes College are 38.2% lower than at Vanderbilt University ($13,620 vs. $22,054).
• Vanderbilt University is 18.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Rhodes College (about $10,388 more per year; $67,498.00 vs. $57,110.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 18.2% higher at Vanderbilt than at Rhodes College (about $10,388 more per year; $67,498.00 vs. $57,110.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rhodes College than at Vanderbilt University (100% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Vanderbilt University students is 60.3% larger than aid received by Rhodes College students ($64,404 vs. $40,180).

Rhodes College vs. Vanderbilt Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Rhodes College 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 Rhodes College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Vanderbilt University (1540) is 150 points higher than at Rhodes College (1390).
• Incoming Vanderbilt students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 29 at Rhodes College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rhodes College 1300/1486; Vanderbilt University 1500/1570.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rhodes College 26/32; Vanderbilt University 34/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Rhodes College - Test optional; Vanderbilt - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Rhodes College Jan 15, 2027; Vanderbilt Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Rhodes College students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.99) than students at Vanderbilt (3.89).
• Rhodes College has a higher acceptance rate (50.4%) than Vanderbilt (5.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.1% at Rhodes College vs. 61.2% at Vanderbilt.

Rhodes College vs. Vanderbilt Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Rhodes College 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 Rhodes College's (75%).
• Graduates from Vanderbilt University earn a median of about $23,700 more per year than Rhodes College graduates about ten years after starting college ($83,100 vs. $59,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Vanderbilt University graduates have a $12,217 lower median loan debt than Rhodes College graduates ($14,000 vs. $26,217).
• Among borrowers, Vanderbilt graduates have an estimated $127 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Rhodes College graduates ($144 vs. $271).
• More Vanderbilt graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Rhodes College students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 79%)

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.