Alabama vs. Vanderbilt

Comparable Facts

Compare The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, AL with Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

The University of Alabama is larger than Vanderbilt based on total student enrollment (40,846 students vs. 13,575 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• The University of Alabama is located in Tuscaloosa, AL (Small City setting); Vanderbilt University is in Nashville, TN (Large City setting).
• The University of Alabama is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Vanderbilt University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: The University of Alabama 19:1; Vanderbilt University 8:1.

Alabama vs. Vanderbilt Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Alabama 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 The University of Alabama than Vanderbilt ($22,559 vs. $25,186).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at The University of Alabama are 31.9% lower than at Vanderbilt University ($15,016 vs. $22,054).
• Vanderbilt University is 454.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Alabama (about $55,318 more per year; $67,498.00 vs. $12,180.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 97.5% higher at Vanderbilt than at The University of Alabama (about $33,326 more per year; $67,498.00 vs. $34,172.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at The University of Alabama than at Vanderbilt University (80% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Vanderbilt University students is 268% larger than aid received by The University of Alabama students ($64,404 vs. $17,503).

Alabama vs. Vanderbilt Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Alabama 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 Alabama.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Vanderbilt University (1540) is 250 points higher than at Alabama (1290).
• Incoming Vanderbilt students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 27 at Alabama).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The University of Alabama 1170/1400; Vanderbilt University 1500/1570.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The University of Alabama 24/31; Vanderbilt University 34/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Alabama - Test optional; Vanderbilt - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Alabama May 1, 2027; Vanderbilt Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Vanderbilt students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.89) than students at Alabama (3.76).
• Alabama has a higher acceptance rate (76.6%) than Vanderbilt (5.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.5% at Alabama vs. 61.2% at Vanderbilt.

Alabama vs. Vanderbilt Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Alabama 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 The University of Alabama's (66%).
• Graduates from Vanderbilt University earn a median of about $33,200 more per year than Alabama graduates about ten years after starting college ($83,100 vs. $49,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Vanderbilt University graduates have a $9,750 lower median loan debt than Alabama graduates ($14,000 vs. $23,750).
• Among borrowers, Vanderbilt graduates have an estimated $101 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Alabama graduates ($144 vs. $245).
• More Vanderbilt graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Alabama students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 59%)

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.