Tulane vs. Vanderbilt

Comparable Facts

Compare Tulane University of Louisiana in New Orleans, LA with Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Vanderbilt University is larger than Tulane based on total student enrollment (13,575 students vs. 13,310 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Tulane University of Louisiana is located in New Orleans, LA (Large City setting); Vanderbilt University is in Nashville, TN (Large City setting).
• Tulane University of Louisiana is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Vanderbilt University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Tulane University of Louisiana 7:1; Vanderbilt University 8:1.

Tulane vs. Vanderbilt Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Tulane 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 Tulane ($25,186 vs. $47,427).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Tulane University of Louisiana are 14.4% lower than at Vanderbilt University ($18,868 vs. $22,054).
• Tulane University of Louisiana is 1.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Vanderbilt (about $1,180 more per year; $68,678.00 vs. $67,498.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.7% higher at Tulane than at Vanderbilt University (about $1,180 more per year; $68,678.00 vs. $67,498.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Vanderbilt University than at Tulane University of Louisiana (67% vs. 60%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Vanderbilt University students is 62.4% larger than aid received by Tulane University of Louisiana students ($64,404 vs. $39,654).

Tulane vs. Vanderbilt Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Tulane 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 Tulane.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Vanderbilt University (1540) is 80 points higher than at Tulane (1460).
• Incoming Vanderbilt students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 32 at Tulane).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Tulane University of Louisiana 1400/1520; Vanderbilt University 1500/1570.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Tulane University of Louisiana 31/34; Vanderbilt University 34/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Tulane - Test optional; Vanderbilt - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Tulane Jan 15, 2027; Vanderbilt Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Vanderbilt students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.89) than students at Tulane (3.64).
• Tulane has a higher acceptance rate (14%) than Vanderbilt (5.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 40.3% at Tulane vs. 61.2% at Vanderbilt.

Tulane vs. Vanderbilt Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Tulane 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).

• Graduates from Vanderbilt University earn a median of about $8,900 more per year than Tulane graduates about ten years after starting college ($83,100 vs. $74,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Vanderbilt University graduates have a $13,529 lower median loan debt than Tulane graduates ($14,000 vs. $27,529).
• Among borrowers, Vanderbilt graduates have an estimated $140 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Tulane graduates ($144 vs. $284).
• More Vanderbilt graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Tulane students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 62%)

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.