Saint Louis University vs. Vanderbilt

Comparable Facts

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

Saint Louis University is larger than Vanderbilt based on total student enrollment (17,059 students vs. 13,575 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Saint Louis University vs. Vanderbilt Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Saint Louis 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 Vanderbilt University than Saint Louis University ($25,186 vs. $27,749).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Saint Louis University are 30.7% lower than at Vanderbilt University ($15,280 vs. $22,054).
• Vanderbilt University is 21.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Saint Louis University (about $11,738 more per year; $67,498.00 vs. $55,760.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 21.1% higher at Vanderbilt than at Saint Louis University (about $11,738 more per year; $67,498.00 vs. $55,760.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Saint Louis University than at Vanderbilt University (100% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Vanderbilt University students is 44.2% larger than aid received by Saint Louis University students ($64,404 vs. $44,657).

Saint Louis University vs. Vanderbilt Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Saint Louis 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 Saint Louis University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Vanderbilt University (1540) is 230 points higher than at Saint Louis University (1310).
• Incoming Vanderbilt students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 28 at Saint Louis University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Saint Louis University 1200/1410; Vanderbilt University 1500/1570.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Saint Louis University 25/31; Vanderbilt University 34/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Saint Louis University - Test optional; Vanderbilt - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Vanderbilt Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Saint Louis University students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.95) than students at Vanderbilt (3.89).
• Saint Louis University has a higher acceptance rate (75%) than Vanderbilt (5.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.9% at Saint Louis University vs. 61.2% at Vanderbilt.

Saint Louis University vs. Vanderbilt Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Saint Louis 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 Saint Louis University's (61%).
• Graduates from Vanderbilt University earn a median of about $21,300 more per year than Saint Louis University graduates about ten years after starting college ($83,100 vs. $61,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Vanderbilt University graduates have a $12,000 lower median loan debt than Saint Louis University graduates ($14,000 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Vanderbilt graduates have an estimated $124 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Saint Louis University graduates ($144 vs. $268).
• More Vanderbilt graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Saint Louis University students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 74%)

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.